There is no better feeling than being able to travel and discover the beauty of our planet. However, members of the LGBTQ community will always have unique considerations when visiting a new place. It’s great news that in recent years,  laws have been put in place to protect the LGBTQ community and allow them to travel and enjoy safely. If you are thinking of traveling soon with your friends and loved ones, here are our top recommendations for LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations:

Canada

Being one of the countries to legalize same-sex marriage, it is no surprise that Canada is one of the more welcoming destinations for members of the community. Canada also has strong anti-discrimination laws that protect members of the LGBT community. Although there are still conservative areas, the bigger cities are more accepting and even have gay villages in them.

Check out Montreal, for being one of the most European cities in North America, Montreal hosts one of the largest Pride events in the world.

Spain

Famous for LGBTQ locations like Ibiza, Spain also belongs to the top countries that value equality and anti-discrimination. They are also one of the countries that legalized same-sex marriage last 2005. Despite being a mostly Catholic country, Spaniards have supported the move of the government towards equality despite having strong disagreements with the Vatican.

Check out Barcelona, which has a ton of incredible architecture and fantastic food.   Stroll around Gayxample, the local gayborhood, wander La Rambla, perhaps Barcelona’s best-known street, or spend the day at the city’s beaches and fall in love with all Barcelona has to offer.

Portugal

While a conservative Catholic country yet ranked as one of the top LGBTQ-friendly countries to visit in 2019 by Spartacus Gay Travel Index, Portugal is another LGBTQ-friendly destination. The people are generally warm and welcoming. Polls suggest that more than 60% support same-sex marriage, and more than 70% believe that the LGBTQ should have equal rights.

Check out Lisbon, as it has the country’s best gay and lesbian network and nightlife, which focuses more on gay male life and not so much for lesbians.

Sweden

Sweden has a reputation of being an open-minded country, and has stringent anti-discrimination laws. Gothenburg is also the location of West Pride, one of the most fabulous pride celebrations. Its celebration is during the start of Swedish summer, and everyone is welcome to join the pride celebration, which is only one of the 30 pride celebrations you may join! 2020 will also be the 76th year Sweden decriminalized homosexuality, true to what some people say that Sweden has been “gay since 1944”.

Austria

Despite being heavily influenced by Roman Catholicism, Austria has become more accepting of the LGBTQ community. Laws against discrimination and inequality are in place. Same-sex marriage is also legal in the country.

Check out Vienna, which has a diverse LGBTQ scene, and some LGBTQ-centric events, and is the largest city in Austria. Located in Naschmarkt are some of the lively gay hotspots you shouldn’t miss!

South Africa

When choosing to travel to the continent of Africa, there are so many wonderful experiences to have. However, LBGTQ members need to do additional research on which countries to visit because homosexuality is a criminal offense in many African countries. In contrast, in other countries, homosexuality is punishable by death.

Luckily, the most popular destination on the continent of Africa is also very welcoming to the LGBTQ community.  South Africa is the only country on the continent to recognize same-sex marriage and the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Check out Cape Town, which is likely the most progressive city on the continent. With amazing beaches, wine regions, and jaw-dropping natural beauty, LGBTQ from Europe have been coming to South Africa for years.  Now North Americans have discovered this real gem.

We will update this post with more LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations as needed, and this can become your go-to source! I hope you enjoy visiting these destinations, and feel welcome and free to express who you are. If you need help to plan a trip to these remarkable places, contact us and let us design a hassle-free journey!

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