Summer Gaycation: Safe Travel Destinations for the LGBTQIA+ Community

If you’re taking a summer vacation, you’ll want to do it while being your authentic self and staying safe! We have created a special list of travel information with the LGBTQIA+ community in mind so you can enjoy a well-deserved summer gaycation.

Here are some things to consider so you can know before you go:

• Research, research, research - Whether it’s online or word of mouth, it's always good to do a little digging. There are many different websites that provide safe travel resources for LGBTQIA+ community members. Doing some initial research is a crucial step that can weed out most of the places to avoid or be mindful of. Look into the national or state laws of places you are considering - a country that constantly expresses hate against our community probably isn’t the best place to go. When in doubt always trust your gut!

• Check for anti-LGBTQIA+ policies - Many popular tourist destinations are in beautiful countries but have ugly laws. One of the first things to ask yourself is if you are comfortable traveling to a place where it is illegal to be LGBTQIA+. If that's ok with you, great! Exposing locals to new ideas and customs is a great opportunity to show others that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being who you are. If you aren’t comfortable traveling to a place that doesn’t accept you that's fine too.

• Countries where being LGBTQIA+ is legal or widely accepted - If you aren’t the kind of person who can let a throw-of-the-dart decide where you are going, taking the first step in finding a place you want to visit can be one of the hardest parts of traveling. Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and Uruguay have laws are written that protect our community, not every part of them is safe. Just like anywhere, there are places you want to visit and places you might want to avoid.

• Bucket List LGBTQIA+ Destinations - Now that you’ve found your country (or countries) of choosing, it’s time to get specific. Whether it’s for nature, nightlife, or relaxation there are many places for the LGBTQIA+ community to visit. Domestically, nothing really beats the diversity Miami has to offer. Tasty restaurants, beautiful scenery and busy nightlife make Miami a great spot for anyone. Beyond our borders, the beaches of Brazil are renowned, and the people are known to be warm and welcoming. If you’re trying to escape the heat this summer, Sweden’s long, mild, summer days offer a great opportunity to explore the country for hours on end.

For a more complete guide on safe travel as an LGBTQIA+ individual check out the IGLTA website!