As you see many pride events pop up all over the world, you can be quick to forget which destinations make it more difficult for the LGBTQ+ community to travel. When deciding which destination you want to swing towards (no pun intended), some destinations appeal more to the community than others. Here’s how 10 destinations are helping LGBTQ+ visitors travel with pride.
1. Canada
Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Canada have long made their stance known when pushing for worldwide equality, but the question remains: what parts of Canada are suitable for LGBTQ travelers?
For travelers who like mountain scenery, the Rockies in Alberta is a great option; for travelers who love to be on the coast, British Columbia is an exceptional choice; and for travelers who are looking for an intense LGBTQ environment and pride festivals, Toronto and Montreal are the place to be.
Quebec City in Canada has small LGBTQ-friendly cities that bring a piece of Europe over to Canada and provide gorgeous scenery for those who love the ocean.
2. Switzerland
When you think of Switzerland, you think of delicious chocolate, gorgeous mountain scenery, cuckoo clocks, and mouthwatering cheese that will leave you returning for more. The beautiful area of Switzerland has been making serious progress and leaps for the LGBTQ community, even legalizing gay marriage in 2022, with the largest communities being in Zurich and Geneva.
If you’re looking to book your vacation in Switzerland, this is the perfect opportunity to grab your partner if you want to get hitched, too!
3. Denmark
Denmark is the smallest country in Scandinavia and has made the top of the list for the LGBTQ community, with their most popular place for travelers being Copenhagen, a relaxing local spot that respects privacy and ways of life.
During your travels, you’ll see the Louisiana Museum, located just on the north side of Copenhagen, and then in other areas to view the setting of Hamlet. Denmark is also the birthplace of LEGO, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, one of the most unique skyscrapers, and delicious cuisine for LGBTQ+ travelers.
4. Portugal
Spain is one of the most incredible vacation destinations for LGBTQ travelers that offers something for everyone, but Portugal is the go-to spot for the LGBTQ community. Its attractive areas go far beyond the palaces of Sintra or Lisbon, but for the LGBTQ traveler who enjoys near-perfect weather and delicious, Portugal is the best location that helps LGBTQ+ travelers travel with pride.
The LGTBQ+ scene in Lisbon and Porto, in particular, has excellent scenes that provide relaxing environments with LGBTQ-friendly bars, and the amount of tourists continues to grow each day.
5. Malta
The small island of Malta is located between Europe and the Middle East and has made the list for the LGBTQ community to travel in pride in 2023. Malta is surrounded by different cultures like you’ve never experienced and is filled with ancient ruins, shipwrecks you can snorkel, and LGBTQ-friendly cafes and restaurants after a busy day of exploration.
Malta is an excellent choice for LGBTQ travelers who are booking an extensive vacation and has been a go-to favorite for quite some time now.
6. Australia
In 2017, Australia enacted marriage equality and has been growing in LGBTQ experiences ever since, except for during the pandemic when the world came to a surprising halt. In 2023, Sydney hosted their WorldPride event in traditional Aussie style, in addition to its Mardi Gras celebration that gives the LGBTQ community nighttime parades and after-parties.
No matter which part of Australia you’re trying to explore as an LGBTQ traveler, there’s usually a Pride celebration to kick off your vacation. You’ll feel extra welcomed when making your way to this destination.
7. New Zealand
New Zealand remains at the top of the list for LGBTQ+ travelers to travel with pride, offering the community a supporting and lively experience. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, New Zealand is about exploring the countryside by tasting wine and soaking in breathtaking sites such as Abel Tasman National Park and the Bay of Islands.
If booking your New Zealand vacation during the winter, New Zealand hosts their Winter Pride Festival for the LGBTQ+ community in late August and its Auckland Pride Festival in February.
8. Uruguay
The vacation destination of Uruguay has long been a destination that is LGBTQ-friendly and offers many places the community can feel welcome during their travels. The hub of the queer life, Montevideo, is one of the main places to visit, but LGBTQ travelers can also enjoy their beach environments, such as Punta del Este and the town of Colonia, for a relaxing day trip.
If booking your vacation for a day trip, you’ll want to consider spending some extra time in Uruguay for an authentic LGBTQ experience.
9. Latin America
Latin America, in particular, Argentina, is one of the most popular destinations that provide LGBTQ+friendly experiences and has done so for quite some time now. Right behind it, travel to Chile, where you can get a taste of Santiago’s queer megaclub, which is almost just as exciting as the Torres del Paine.
Back in 2019, Mayor Claudia Lopez of Bogota married her wife and welcomed all LGBTQ+ tourists all year round while promoting one of the largest gay clubs in the world to visit.
10. Asia
In many Asian countries, regular public displays of affection are typically frowned upon; however, Taiwan was the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriages in 2018 and also hosts the Taipei Pride festival at the end of September.
In addition, India also reversed its law against same-sex relationships in 2018 and now offers many more LGBTQ-friendly outlets for travelers, including Bollywood movies.
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