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5 Must-know travel trips for LGBTQIA+ Travelers
- Atilla Tiriyaki
- Average Reading Time: 9 minutes
- Community
- articles, atillat
Travel year on year is consistently one of the most popular pastimes worldwide, especially amongst the LGBTQIA+ community. Looking forward to a trip not only often helps to motivate but also provides us with an opportunity to recharge our batteries, explore new places and meet new people. The five must-know tips will help you navigate the world confidently, establish safe spaces, find community support, and provide you with invaluable insights to enhance your travel experience. Whether planning a getaway or seeking new adventures, equip yourself with the knowledge to travel the globe with ease. Embrace the journey and make unforgettable memories as an LGBTQIA+ traveller!
DISCLAIMER
All published articles are intended for an audience aged 18 years and over and have been written by members of the general public. Many will likely not be journalists nor be affiliated with any professional bodies associated with members of the media. The articles will likely be based on the authors' own opinions, views, and experiences...more
Each year, many of us will ask ourselves where to go next when thinking about our travel plans for the year. When to travel, whether it will be too hot or too cold, quiet or busy, affordable or expensive, and anything else we might face; though many of these types of questions are universal, members of the LGBTQIA+ community have to consider other factors, aspects that are unique and specific to them.
Most of the trips people worldwide make each year are enjoyable and hassle-free for community members. When planning, many will start by researching the accommodation, transport providers, and unforgettable landmarks in the areas they plan to visit. For LGBTQIA+ individuals they will often have to consider the laws and attitudes of the people who live within those countries and what they might likely face when they visit.
In most countries, the way it treats LGBTQIA+ tourists compared to that of its local community will often be very different; however, even though that might be true, whenever you visit and enter a new country, you are subject to its laws and the attitudes of all the people you will encounter throughout our stay. Though the risk is generally reduced in popular travel destinations, high-level research and planning can help avoid potential problems or situations.
Let us explore the must-know tips for planning a hassle-free trip as an LGBTQIA+ traveller.
Most of the trips people worldwide make each year are enjoyable and hassle-free for community members. When planning, many will start by researching the accommodation, transport providers, and unforgettable landmarks in the areas they plan to visit. For LGBTQIA+ individuals they will often have to consider the laws and attitudes of the people who live within those countries and what they might likely face when they visit.
In most countries, the way it treats LGBTQIA+ tourists compared to that of its local community will often be very different; however, even though that might be true, whenever you visit and enter a new country, you are subject to its laws and the attitudes of all the people you will encounter throughout our stay. Though the risk is generally reduced in popular travel destinations, high-level research and planning can help avoid potential problems or situations.
Let us explore the must-know tips for planning a hassle-free trip as an LGBTQIA+ traveller.
With 66 countries, or 28% of countries in the world, still criminalising same-sex relationships and with attitudes varying by area and region, it is important that you look into and know more about what you might encounter when planning a trip.
The foreign office or ministry within your country will typically offer general advice about the safety, political situation, and, if applicable, any ongoing conflicts; however, for LGBTQIA+-related factors, you will need to carry out independent research. Knowing whether a country criminalises same-sex relationships is one key consideration, as well as carrying out searches for local news stories simply by entering lgbt and the name of your chosen destination into the search field within popular search engines.
Gayther travel guides (https://gayther.com/world/) are a great source of information and were designed to provide a range of community-specific metrics and explanations of what each means for travellers. Understanding where you are going does not mean you should avoid specific countries; it is more important to know the risks and plan accordingly.
Using the Gayther LGBTQIA+ annually compiled equality index and, for example, visiting medium-risk countries, being discrete and staying in more tourist areas or regions may reduce the risk of any potential issues; however, it is always essential that you carry out your own research, as the status and situations arising in areas and countries are constantly changing.
The foreign office or ministry within your country will typically offer general advice about the safety, political situation, and, if applicable, any ongoing conflicts; however, for LGBTQIA+-related factors, you will need to carry out independent research. Knowing whether a country criminalises same-sex relationships is one key consideration, as well as carrying out searches for local news stories simply by entering lgbt and the name of your chosen destination into the search field within popular search engines.
Gayther travel guides (https://gayther.com/world/) are a great source of information and were designed to provide a range of community-specific metrics and explanations of what each means for travellers. Understanding where you are going does not mean you should avoid specific countries; it is more important to know the risks and plan accordingly.
Using the Gayther LGBTQIA+ annually compiled equality index and, for example, visiting medium-risk countries, being discrete and staying in more tourist areas or regions may reduce the risk of any potential issues; however, it is always essential that you carry out your own research, as the status and situations arising in areas and countries are constantly changing.
Before booking a trip, it is always advisable to conduct basic research, which should not take too much time. For example, reading reviews on forums and services such as Trip Advisor can help provide insight, especially from people who live in or have visited the area. Though reviews are a great tool in researching a destination, you have to remain objective as some travellers may have had unique issues, often hearing only one side; however, after reading a few reviews, you will likely start to see a trend or pattern. Within many of the services and apps, you might be able to filter or search for keywords such as LGBT or gay to find specific and relevant reviews.
The same applies to any transport options and potential places you might want to stay. What are customers saying? How accessible is it? Any noise or insulation issues, etc. By reading reviews about the various components of your trip, you will be able to establish the transport options and find the right accommodation that suits your needs, and at the same time, making sure that you get a comfortable experience by getting the best seat, avoiding certain areas or zones and the best night sleep in any short term lets or hotels you might stay.
If travelling to an area or region not advised by your country’s foreign office or ministry or one that criminalises same-sex relationships would likely have an impact on any travel insurance coverage you might obtain, checking all exclusions and restrictions is vital.
The same applies to any transport options and potential places you might want to stay. What are customers saying? How accessible is it? Any noise or insulation issues, etc. By reading reviews about the various components of your trip, you will be able to establish the transport options and find the right accommodation that suits your needs, and at the same time, making sure that you get a comfortable experience by getting the best seat, avoiding certain areas or zones and the best night sleep in any short term lets or hotels you might stay.
If travelling to an area or region not advised by your country’s foreign office or ministry or one that criminalises same-sex relationships would likely have an impact on any travel insurance coverage you might obtain, checking all exclusions and restrictions is vital.
Once you have an idea of where you want to go, knowing when to visit is a crucial part of the planning process. Whether domestic or international travel, things are always happening worldwide. Visiting a city when a major conference or event occurs will likely increase costs or make finding availability with popular accommodation providers impossible.
All scheduled children’s school holidays can have an impact, whether in your country or the country you are visiting, as demand will usually dramatically increase during these periods. Dates for school holidays may also occur at different times of the year in countries around the world. For example, many southern hemisphere countries experience summer, and at the same time, northern hemisphere countries are experiencing winter.
The Gayther weather and climate guides (https://geo.gayther.com/weather/) can help by providing detailed weather trends and seasonal information for over 1,000 destinations worldwide, making it easy to find the best place and weather conditions that meet your criteria.
Planning and looking at weather trends, peak and off-peak times, significant events, and public holidays can all help avoid disappointment and stress. Gayther has an extensive range of tools and guides designed to help travellers (https://gayther.com/general/), coupled with simple searches in search engines using keywords such as events taking place in travel destination or peak times in travel destination, replacing the words “travel destination” with your chosen location, will likely help you establish all the information you need when planning a trip.
All scheduled children’s school holidays can have an impact, whether in your country or the country you are visiting, as demand will usually dramatically increase during these periods. Dates for school holidays may also occur at different times of the year in countries around the world. For example, many southern hemisphere countries experience summer, and at the same time, northern hemisphere countries are experiencing winter.
The Gayther weather and climate guides (https://geo.gayther.com/weather/) can help by providing detailed weather trends and seasonal information for over 1,000 destinations worldwide, making it easy to find the best place and weather conditions that meet your criteria.
Planning and looking at weather trends, peak and off-peak times, significant events, and public holidays can all help avoid disappointment and stress. Gayther has an extensive range of tools and guides designed to help travellers (https://gayther.com/general/), coupled with simple searches in search engines using keywords such as events taking place in travel destination or peak times in travel destination, replacing the words “travel destination” with your chosen location, will likely help you establish all the information you need when planning a trip.
Whenever we book a trip, we all want the reassurance and confidence that we get the best possible trip and deal. Though some packages may seem too good to be true, looking at the fine print or details, you might discover a list of exclusions or restrictions around when you can travel, all pushing up the price. Shopping around, understanding the best times to book, and sometimes booking directly with providers can save you money.
When planning your trip, taking the time to establish all available routes to your chosen destination and all the carriers and providers operating on those routes can save time and money. Do they have a sale period? If so, when have they typically taken place, and do they offer promotional or discount codes to help lower the overall cost? Though the price might be the same on various sites and services, a discount code could save you money. Research into the various indirect routes, such as travelling to more popular routes than your chosen destination, can see a cost reduction and increased availability of travel times. When using indirect routes, you will need to factor in the cost and time it will take for onward travel; however, many countries have good public transport systems that can make this a viable option.
When it comes to accommodation, it is essential that you first establish the area or areas that best work and suit your plans and needs. Once you know your preferred areas, you can begin looking for deals and offers. Booking through a third party such as Expedia, Opodo, and Trivago can see discounted pricing; however, many of these services will offer additional promotional and discount deals and codes to help lower the cost. If booking directly with an accommodation, armed with your research into peak and off-peak times, you could always reach out to see if they could offer discounted pricing for the duration of your stay.
Planning and research may take a little more time; however, in doing so, you will likely save a lot and have more money available to spend during your stay.
When planning your trip, taking the time to establish all available routes to your chosen destination and all the carriers and providers operating on those routes can save time and money. Do they have a sale period? If so, when have they typically taken place, and do they offer promotional or discount codes to help lower the overall cost? Though the price might be the same on various sites and services, a discount code could save you money. Research into the various indirect routes, such as travelling to more popular routes than your chosen destination, can see a cost reduction and increased availability of travel times. When using indirect routes, you will need to factor in the cost and time it will take for onward travel; however, many countries have good public transport systems that can make this a viable option.
When it comes to accommodation, it is essential that you first establish the area or areas that best work and suit your plans and needs. Once you know your preferred areas, you can begin looking for deals and offers. Booking through a third party such as Expedia, Opodo, and Trivago can see discounted pricing; however, many of these services will offer additional promotional and discount deals and codes to help lower the cost. If booking directly with an accommodation, armed with your research into peak and off-peak times, you could always reach out to see if they could offer discounted pricing for the duration of your stay.
Planning and research may take a little more time; however, in doing so, you will likely save a lot and have more money available to spend during your stay.
Before travelling, it is always advisable that you establish any visa requirements and entry requirements. Keeping an eye on any developments occurring in that country or region and travel advice in case the situation changes are always essential.
Whether any medications you take or contraception you plan to use throughout your trip, it is always advisable to take more than you need in case of emergency and not keep all your supplies in one place. Though you might be able to get medications and contraception at your chosen destination, there are no guarantees, or it might take time and effort. Splitting your medication between your various bags means that should one of the bags be lost or stolen, it will reduce the risk of you being stranded during a medical emergency.
Travel insurance is always essential, and so is understanding any exclusions and whether you are covered if you travel to, say, a country where same-sex relationships are a crime. Travel insurance typically does not provide coverage or support when a crime is committed, even if that crime is outdated. If you are unsure, you should contact your insurance provider.
Since the pandemic, cash and how we pay for things have dramatically changed. Many public transportation systems are cashless; you will need to register and top up the card before use. You should look into where and how to obtain a travel card before you travel to save time upon arrival; with many stores and vendors accepting digital payments, establishing that your bank or credit card will work there and exchange rates is crucial.
Prepaid currency cards and payment apps can be a great way to manage how much you spend. Using a prepaid card in the local currency means that you know not only the exchange rate but also all associated costs. Apps such as Wise (https://wise.com/) enable you to hold amounts in various currencies (over 20) and offer competitive exchange rates.
Though many of the challenges and considerations travellers will have to face will be similar and are regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, for the community, additional factors need to be considered. The legal status, attitudes and safety of community members visiting a new area or region must be established before travelling.
Whether any medications you take or contraception you plan to use throughout your trip, it is always advisable to take more than you need in case of emergency and not keep all your supplies in one place. Though you might be able to get medications and contraception at your chosen destination, there are no guarantees, or it might take time and effort. Splitting your medication between your various bags means that should one of the bags be lost or stolen, it will reduce the risk of you being stranded during a medical emergency.
Travel insurance is always essential, and so is understanding any exclusions and whether you are covered if you travel to, say, a country where same-sex relationships are a crime. Travel insurance typically does not provide coverage or support when a crime is committed, even if that crime is outdated. If you are unsure, you should contact your insurance provider.
Since the pandemic, cash and how we pay for things have dramatically changed. Many public transportation systems are cashless; you will need to register and top up the card before use. You should look into where and how to obtain a travel card before you travel to save time upon arrival; with many stores and vendors accepting digital payments, establishing that your bank or credit card will work there and exchange rates is crucial.
Prepaid currency cards and payment apps can be a great way to manage how much you spend. Using a prepaid card in the local currency means that you know not only the exchange rate but also all associated costs. Apps such as Wise (https://wise.com/) enable you to hold amounts in various currencies (over 20) and offer competitive exchange rates.
Though many of the challenges and considerations travellers will have to face will be similar and are regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, for the community, additional factors need to be considered. The legal status, attitudes and safety of community members visiting a new area or region must be established before travelling.
Exploring the world and meeting new people and cultures helps us understand more about the diverse and exciting world around us. It also offers us the opportunity to relax, unwind, remain positive, and, more importantly, feel connected.
Stay safe, and always remember adventure awaits.
Stay safe, and always remember adventure awaits.
With countries around the world treating members of the LGBTQIA+ community differently, planning an overseas trip can be challenging. With over 233 country and 435 regional guides, Gayther Guides provides all the information you need to plan your trip.
Learn more about the weather and climate information for many destinations around the world. Discover the best time to travel to a specific area, when it is the hottest, when there is the least chance of rain or when it might snow.
Need a little inspiration? Need help finding your next trip? Take the travel inspiration quiz to find out the top destinations worldwide by type and month of year.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: All published articles have been written by members of the general public. Many will likely not be journalists nor be affiliated with any professional bodies associated with members of the media. The articles will likely be based on the authors’ own opinions, views, and experiences. Gayther does not endorse or accept any responsibility or liability regarding any materials within the news and media pages. This page may contain external links to third party websites; Gayther provides these links for your convenience and does not endorse, warrant or recommend any particular products or services. By clicking on any external links, you will leave Gayther and be taken to the third-party website, which you do so at your own risk and by accessing the site, you will be required to comply with the external third party’s terms and conditions of use and privacy policies
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