Top Destinations for LQBTQ+ travelers
LGBTQ+ Friendly Destinations
At GWA, we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible experiences. We value inclusivity, safety, and comfort and are committed to staying aware of what destinations provide our LGBTQ travelers with the best experiences.
These are some of the top travel destinations for LGBTQ travelers, their families, and allies.
Top European LGBTQ+ Destinations
While there are varying degrees of acceptance and celebration of the LGBTQAI community throughout Europe, many countries are welcoming and embracing.
These are some of the most welcoming European destinations for queer travelers.
Spain
Spain has lead the way in inclusive politics with policies and laws. Same sex marriage and adoption were legalized in 2005, and trans people can ‘self identify’, meaning they can legally change gender without surgery or sterilization. Gay people openly join the military, and there have been several LGBTQ+ politicians serving Spain.
Madrid is home to the biggest pride party in Europe, with over 2 million celebrants annually and celebrations spanning over a week.
While large cities in Spain, like Madrid and Barcelona are known for large LGBTQAI+ scene, it is not limited to the cities. Even small cities and towns are toted to be open and accepting of queer residents and visitors, making the country as a whole are overall top destination for safety and enjoyment.
Greece
While the Greek Orthodox Church remains heavily influential on laws, policies, and mindsets, Greece is still one of the world's most popular LGBTQ+ holiday destinations: safe, welcoming, and full of great places to go and things to do for LGBTQ+ travellers.
According to Out Adventures, “Gays love Greece. It’s one of the oldest and best-known LGBTQ+ destinations. Specifically, Mykonos lures in bears, muscle boys, and even the occasional lesbian (while many more flock to Lesbos, their namesake island).”
Like many destinations with openly homophobic religious influence, there are parts of the country that remain unsafe and uncomfortable for queer travellers, and it is recommended to avoid those areas to assure a safe and comfortable trip.
Portugal
Due to its deeply religious ties, Portugal is often overlooked as an LGBTQ+ friendly travel destination, but it is touted as one of the safest and most welcoming countries for queer travelers.
Portugal legalized same-sex marriage in 2010, making it the 8th country to do so. By 2019’s Eurobarometer, 80% of Portuguese people said they believed lesbian, gay and bisexual people should have the same rights as straight people, making it one of the best countries on Earth for LGBTQ+ people to call home.
Lisbon hosts one of the largest PRIDE celebrations in Europe with a weeklong celebration and Queer Lisboa being said to be one of the most important alternative film festivals in Europe.
Lisbon will also be home to EUROPRIDE for the first time in June 2025.
Top LGBTQ+ Desitnation Southeast Asia
While LGBTQAI rights and acceptance are slow to catch in the majority of the Asia-Pacific (with only 2 countries recognizing same-sex marriage), Thailand is a standout for embracing LGBTQ+ folx.
Thailand
While laws and politics in Thailand have taken time to catch up (their marriage equality bill was just based in summer 2024) with the attitude of local people, Thailand is still considered the most Queer Friendly country in Asia. Even with the delay of the passing of the Marriage equality bill, it is was the first country in Southeast Asia to pass such a bill.
According to surveys, public acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community (in all its forms and expressions) is quite outstanding with 89% of Thai people saying they’d accept a homosexual colleague, and 80% would accept a homosexual family member. The Thai even celebrate a third gender, known as “Kathoey”.
Bangkok is often referred to as the “Gay Capital of Asia” with a very (VERY) robust and lively queer scene, with Silom 2, “the gay strip”, at it’s center. While Bangkok may be both the gay capital, and actual capital, of Thailand it is an overall safe and welcoming country to queer travelers.
Best LGBTQ+ Caribbean Destinations
Looking to explore more than one Queer-Friendly destination in the Caribbean? Talk to your travel advisor about Queer Cruise Options.
Curaçao
Almost every “Most Gay Friendly Caribbean Destinations” searches will yield The Dutch Island of Curaçao as the top location for LGBTQ+ travelers.
The island allows same-sex activity, openly serves gay people in the military, and discrimination against people based on their sexuality is outlawed.
In addition to political policies and anti-discrimination laws, Curaçao is openly welcome to queer travellers and offers a robust nightlife and a safe and comfortable experience.
Puerto Rico
According to Travel Noire, “San Juan, Puerto Rico is known to be the ‘gay capital of the Caribbean’ and exemplifies diversity and inclusion. It has a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars, clubs, and inclusive events, including one of the most popular annual Pride Parades.”
Same Sex marriage has been legal in Puerto Rice since 2015, and while there are still those that oppose same-sex relationships, overarchingly Puerto Rico is welcoming to queer travellers, particularly in larger cities and tourist destinations.
Puerto Rico is also a great option for US citizens without a passport and can offer a budget friendly experience.
St. Martin/St. Maarten
St. Maarten is a true gem of the Caribbean, shared by the French and the Dutch as one of the most easy-going and open islands in the region.
This tiny Island packs a big punch. While there is only one gay nightclub on the entire island, it offers an inclusive nightlife, an open and celebratory feel for all people.
Latin America LGBTQ+ Friendly Destinations
While in many countries, queer travelers are welcomed, there remains a portion of Latin America where travel may not be the safest for them due to local outlooks and views, especially toward transgender individuals.
These are some of the top rated, and safest, destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Argentina
Argentina is one of the world’s leading countries on LGBTQ+ human rights issues, having passed a national same-sex marriage equality law in 2010, five years before the US and three before the UK.
According to National Geographic, “Buenos Aires is home to some of the best LGBTQ+ nightlife on the continent'.”
Buenos Aires has a sizeable gay population, and is known for being welcoming and excepting of the LGBTQ+ community. You will find a thriving gay district in San Telmo which boasts many gay-friendly bars and cubs.
Brazil
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights in Brazil rank among the highest in the world. Same-sex couples in Brazil have enjoyed the same rights guaranteed to heterosexual ones since 16 May 2013, including marriage and adoption
Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro, has been a top destination for LGBTQ+ travelers for many years, and not just because it hosts the largest PRIDE parade in the world.
It is often referred to as the “Gay Capital of Latin America” with many clubs, bars, restaurants and shops throughout the city, but primarily along Farme de Amoedo Steet in Ipanema.
São Paulo, Brazil is also known to be safe, accommodating and fun for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Mexico
Like with other parts of Latin America, in some areas, local view and acceptance has not caught up with some of the laws and policies, so these are some of the top destinations in Mexico for LGBTQ+ travelers:
Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular LGBT-friendly destinations in Mexico. Boasting great nightlife, it's the perfect place to have fun and meet fellow travelers and locals. The gay clubs in Puerto Vallarta are outstanding and always busy.
Acapulco is a beautiful beach area that is known for celebrating and embracing diversity, including LGBTQ+ travelers. With many gay bars, restaurants, and accommodations, this is truly an oasis.
Mexico City is a great urban destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, with progress views that celebrate all. This vibrant city is packed with gay clubs and bars, events, accommodations and Zona Rosa at the heart of the city’s gay district.
LGBTQ+ Cruises
Gay cruises are growing in popularity as they offer, safe, inclusive experiences for gay travelers, while also visiting multiple destinations. Atlantis Events, RSVP Vacations and Olivia Cruises offer exclusive all-gay and all-lesbian charters.
For travelers who are looking for a gay-friendly, but not exclusively gay, cruise experience, the top rated most gay-friendly cruise lines include, according to AAA travel, are:
Celebrity Cruises
Royal Caribbean
Azamara Cruises
Princess Cruises
Cunard Cruise Line
Seabourn Cruise Line
Holland America Cruise Line
We Are Here For You
Whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, traveling with someone who is, or an ally who wants to support queer-safe and friendly destinations, the team at GWA travel understands the importance of choosing your destination thoughtfully.
Our team can take the guess work and stress out of planning your dream vacation.
So, let us take the stress out of planning your perfect LGBTQ+ adventure, whether it is to Europe, Latin America, or anywhere between, we have you covered.
See our dedicated team of professionals here.
