Travel opens doors to incredible experiences, but it also presents unique challenges—especially for LGBTQ+ individuals. While many destinations are welcoming, others may pose risks.
In this page, we’ll highlight some of the best and worst places for LGBTQ+ travelers, share essential safety tips, and suggest must-have items for a safe and enjoyable journey. Whether you're planning your next adventure or simply want to be informed, this resource will help you travel confidently and with peace of mind.
Here are some of the best cities, countries, and regions known for their welcoming attitudes towards LGBTQ+ travelers
Just a Few
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – Progressive policies, famous Pride festivals, and an inclusive atmosphere make it a top choice.
- San Francisco, USA – A historic LGBTQ+ haven with iconic spots like the Castro District.
- Berlin, Germany – Known for its vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+ cultural scene.
- Barcelona, Spain – Beach, culture, and LGBTQ+ festivals all wrapped into one fabulous city.
- Reykjavik, Iceland – A small but mighty LGBTQ+ friendly country with stunning natural beauty.
Just a Few
- Taipei, Taiwan – Asia's most progressive LGBTQ+ destination after the legalization of same-sex marriage.
- Cape Town, South Africa – A great mix of adventure, beaches, and one of the largest Pride events in Africa.
- Mexico City, Mexico – A welcoming and dynamic city with a growing LGBTQ+ community.
Enjoy These Amazing Destinations Freely
- Netherlands
- France
- Swizerland
- New Zeland
- Austrailia
- South Africa
- Ireland
- Virgin Islands
- Puerto Vallarta
Maybe (certain metropolitan areas):
- Puerto Rico
- Costa Rica
- Italy
Cruising can be an excellent option for LGBTQ+ travelers because many cruise lines actively foster inclusive and welcoming environments. From LGBTQ+ meetups and themed events to dedicated spaces where travelers can connect with like-minded individuals, cruises often provide a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, cruises offer a diverse array of destinations, on-board entertainment, and dining experiences, allowing LGBTQ+ travelers to explore new cultures while feeling safe and accepted. With staff trained to prioritize respect and inclusion, and travel routes that cater to LGBTQ+-friendly ports, cruises ensure a vacation that balances fun, adventure, and comfort for all.
Many cruise lines offer LGBTQ+ meetups, events, and a generally inclusive environment.
Cruises offer safe and controlled environments, often stopping in LGBTQ+ friendly ports.
Some of these cruise lines have been providing a great LGBTQ experience, and others are making great strides to make travelers more comfortable. While some cruise lines will make you add the name on your passport, they are making it easier to add your preferred name and pronouns.
- Virgin Voyages
- Royal Caribbean (Making Strides)
- Norwegian Cruise Lines
- Princess Cruises
- Carnival (Making Strides)
- Azamara
- Celebrity
Many more less known cruise lines are making a great experience as well. Contact me to get more info on cruising.
- Caribbean: Islands like Aruba, Curaçao, and Puerto Rico.
- Mediterranean: Santorini, Mykonos, and Barcelona are popular cruise stops with welcoming atmospheres.
- Northern Europe: Stops like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Amsterdam offer a very open-minded vibe for LGBTQ+ cruisers.
- Mexican Riviera: With the best stop being Puerto Vallarta!
Here are some valuable resources and links to help LGBTQ+ travelers stay informed about rights, safety, and inclusive travel experiences:
Equaldex:
Equaldex is a collaborative knowledge base that visualizes LGBTQ+ laws and rights around the world, providing up-to-date information on legal protections and cultural attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community.
Equaldex LGBTQ+ Rights DatabaseOutRight Action International:
OutRight Action International offers resources and reports on LGBTQ+ rights globally, focusing on advocacy and research to promote inclusivity and fight discrimination.
OutRight Action InternationalSpartacus Gay Travel Index:
The Spartacus Gay Travel Index ranks over 190 countries and regions by their LGBTQ+ friendliness, taking into account factors like legal protections, social acceptance, and travel risks.
Spartacus Gay Travel IndexU.S. State Department LGBTQ+ Travel Information:
For U.S. citizens, the State Department provides information on LGBTQ+ rights and safety in various countries. It offers travel advisories and tips on navigating legal issues abroad.
U.S. State Department LGBTQ+ Travel
These resources will help you stay up-to-date and make informed decisions while traveling.
Navigating Security, Legal Documents, Travel Insurance
TSA
- TSA PreCheck: Enroll in TSA PreCheck for expedited screening, which can make the security process smoother by avoiding full-body scanners and reducing the need for pat-downs. When applying for TSA PreCheck, you can use your chosen name and updated gender marker if they match your legal documents.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with policies from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or security agencies in other countries. TSA agents are trained to be respectful, but issues may still arise. If flagged during security screening, you have the right to request a pat-down from an officer of the gender you identify with or ask for a private screening.
- Body Scanners: TSA uses gender-based screening software, and you may be flagged if your appearance doesn’t align with the scanner’s assumptions. Politely assert your right to be treated respectfully, and know that requesting a private screening is an option.
- Carry Supporting Documents: While not mandatory, carrying medical documentation, such as a letter from your doctor, explaining your transgender status can help if issues arise during security checks.
Documents Need to Match
- Matching Documents: When booking travel, make sure your reservations match the name and gender listed on your ID to avoid complications at check-in or border crossings.
- ID Mismatch: If your legal documents don’t yet reflect your current gender identity or chosen name, carry supporting documents such as a court order or name-change certificate. A doctor’s letter explaining your transition may also be helpful.
- Update Documents: If your name or gender has changed, update your passport, driver’s license, and TSA PreCheck information to reflect your current gender and chosen name. Many countries, including the U.S., now allow you to select an "X" gender marker on passports and other legal IDs without requiring surgery. Make sure to plan ahead, as this process can take time.
Travel Insurance
- Research LGBTQ+ Friendly Healthcare: Before traveling, research LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare providers at your destination. The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) and resources like TransHealthCare.org can help you locate trans-friendly doctors and clinics abroad.
- Medication: If you are on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), pack enough medication for your trip, along with extra doses in case of travel delays. Always carry your prescription and a letter from your doctor. Make sure your medications are in their original packaging to avoid issues with customs.
- Emergency Care: In case of an emergency, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers LGBTQ+-specific healthcare, including gender-affirming care or treatments related to hormone therapy or HIV. Some insurance providers offer plans tailored for LGBTQ+ travelers.
An Easy Change
Updating Your Name and Gender on TSA PreCheck
If you’ve legally changed your name or gender marker, you can update this information in your TSA PreCheck account. This ensures your TSA PreCheck matches your updated legal documents, making the airport screening process smoother.
Steps to Update Name and Gender:
- Name Change: If you’ve legally changed your name, contact TSA PreCheck to update your records. You’ll need to provide legal documentation, such as a court order or marriage certificate, to verify the name change.
- Gender Marker Change: If you’ve updated your gender marker (including selecting "X" for non-binary or unspecified gender), you can request the change in your TSA PreCheck profile. No medical documentation is required for this. Just ensure that the gender marker on your ID matches what’s on your PreCheck profile.
To make these changes, contact the TSA Universal Enrollment Services by calling them or visiting an enrollment center with your updated legal documents. Once updated, this will be reflected across all TSA PreCheck screenings, ensuring a smoother, more accurate process when traveling.
Packing Lists / Preparing For Your Trip
Youtube Video Tips Below
Here’s a list of LGBTQ+ travel apps along with their links:
GeoSure
GeoSure provides safety scores for travelers, including LGBTQ+-specific safety information about cities around the world. It helps identify how welcoming and safe destinations are for LGBTQ+ travelers.
GeoSure on iOS | GeoSure on AndroidGayborhood
Gayborhood is a location-based app that helps LGBTQ+ travelers find gay-friendly businesses, events, and bars nearby.
Gayborhood on iOS | Gayborhood on AndroidHER
HER is a popular social app for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary travelers, offering connections with locals, events, and LGBTQ+-friendly spots in various destinations.
HER on iOS | HER on AndroidTravello
Travello is a social network for travelers that includes an LGBTQ+ community feature, making it easy to meet LGBTQ+ travelers, find events, and connect with locals while abroad.
Travello on iOS | Travello on AndroidGrindr
Grindr has become a go-to travel app, change your profile to “visiting” & get tips on where to stay in different locations. Grindr recently added a new feature, Roam, giving users "the option to select a new location in which to place their profile for up to one hour, enabling them to connect and engage with local users before a trip," according to a statement from the company.
Grindr on IOS | Grindr on Android