5 Best Destinations For LGBTQ+ Travel

When traveling the world, LGBTQ+ travelers tend to stick to gay-friendly destinations, and for good reason. Visiting destinations that welcome the gay community with open arms can be relaxing and liberating.

Best of all, it ensures that you will remain safe wherever you go. From Thailand to Mexico, USA, Greece, and France, here’s a list of the most gay-friendly countries in the world.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the world’s best destinations for gay tourism. Although there’s still plenty of room for improvement, the country’s attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community is quite open. In fact, there are plenty of gay-friendly places to visit in Thailand, dubbed the “Land of Smiles”.

Bangkok is probably the first place you’ll visit in Thailand as it’s where you will probably fly into. The city’s nightlife scene is pretty intense, especially for the gay community. It has plenty of gay bars and clubs where you can party and socialize.

Pattaya, a fishing village home to beautiful beaches, is another great destination for LGBTQ+ travel in Thailand. It has a BoyzTown district where members of the LGBTQ+ community often converge. The area is lined with gay bars and clubs, massage parlors, and gay-friendly accommodations.

Phuket, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, is also very welcoming to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Patong is the hub for gay-friendly activities on the island. It has plenty of clubs and bars where you can socialize with LGBTQ+ tourists and locals.

Mexico 

Mexico is a dream destination for many, not only for its sheer number of stunning beaches but also for the warm and friendly locals who are very welcoming to tourists, including LGBTQ+ travelers. In Mexico, you’ll find many beautiful places that are safe for LGBTQ+ travelers to visit. 

The best way to enjoy your gay holiday in Mexico is to travel along the coast in luxury. Explore the beautiful Riviera Maya, where you’ll find some of the country’s most gay-friendly hotels lying alongside white sandy beaches. The country’s coastal region is very much geared towards tourism, with many resorts offering all-inclusive stays. 

If you want to venture beyond the coast, consider going to the large and colourful metropolises of the country, such as Guadalajara and Mexico City. These cities host exciting carnivals and parades that are inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community.

Guadalajara offers an incredible number of things to explore, but you will find the best sights within the Historical Centre, an area lined with colonial architecture and fantastic museums. In Mexico City, check out the LGBTQ+ neighborhood of Zona Rosa, which attracts a crowd of young and hip partygoers.

USA 

Over recent years, the United States has become a friendlier place for the LGBTQ+ community. You will find several cities in the country that are very welcoming to the gay community and even celebrate the community with colorful parades and fun events.

California is one of the states known to embrace the LGBTQ+ community with open arms. It’s home to San Francisco, considered America’s most gay-friendly city. In fact, the city is dubbed the “gay capital of the world”.

It has one of the largest and most prominent gay communities, as evident on its rainbow-clad streets. San Francisco is also famous for its Pride Festival which takes place every June and welcomes more than 50,000 members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

There are plenty of activities in California that are geared towards LGBTQ+ travelers. But if you want to connect with nature and discover the great outdoors, you should also consider taking a glamping trip.

There are tons of excellent glamping spots in California, from the rocky outcrops of Yosemite National Park to the high California Desert.

Greece 

With its stunning ocean landscapes, distinct architecture, and delectable food, your LGBTQ+ holiday in Greece will be a truly incredible experience. Greece is a magnificent country with a lot to offer for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for the adventure of a lifetime.

But if there’s only one place you have time to visit in Greece, consider Santorini. The island is truly stunning and welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers with open arms.

Santorini is one of the world’s most romantic destinations, making it a popular spot for a honeymoon. Here, you’ll find plenty of loved-up couples walking hand in hand along its pretty streets and sharing a glass of wine at one of its scenic rooftop bars.

But even if romance is not on the cards, Santorini is still a great place to explore. It has something to offer for every type of LGBTQ+ traveler, whether you’re after charming scenic towns or beautiful beaches.

The beaches in Santorini are truly spectacular, with their distinct black sand. There are also tons of gay-friendly hotels and resorts equipped with luxury spa facilities on the island. Experience the world-famous volcanic mud baths at some of the island’s best spas to give your skin a reviving glow. 

France

France is one of those countries that are very tolerant towards the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, the capital city of Paris is home to a large LGBTQ+ population, with many clubs, bars, and hotels catering to LGBTQ+ visitors.

While Paris will win your heart with its charming arrondissements and world-class museums, consider venturing into the countryside for a richer taste of rural France. 

Montpellier, a charming city in the south of France, hosts the country’s second-largest Lesbian and Gay Pride Event, making it a preferred city for LGBTQ+ travel in France. The modern city is home to stately gothic cathedrals and magnificent buildings with neoclassical motifs. At sundown, the city comes alive when bars and clubs become packed with young partygoers. 

The sophisticated resort town of Côte d’Azur is the place to go if you want to frolic in the vivid blue waters of the Mediterranean while partying at the chic bars and clubs when nighttime comes. Meanwhile, the city of Nice is equally elegant with gay-friendly luxury accommodations and glamorous dining and nightlife options.