In the case of LGBTQIA+ journey, common locations like Rio, Paris, Provincetown and Mykonos usually come to thoughts. However with extra international locations embracing LGBTQIA+ travellers, the record of must-visit spots is rising.
In 2022, I spent 15 days country-hopping by way of the Balkans on my first Intrepid journey. I used to be thrilled to be taught that LGBTQIA+ travellers had been the MAJORITY on my tour. Are you able to imagine it? Right here’s to exploring and celebrating the great thing about our numerous world!
Whether or not you search journey, rest or cultural immersion, there are actually extra choices for LGBTQIA+ travellers than ever earlier than. By visiting these inclusive places, you not solely enrich your personal life but in addition contribute to a worldwide tradition of acceptance and understanding.
These locations will spark your wanderlust.
Las Vegas, Nevada
There’s a motive they name it the leisure capital of the world. Stay exhibits, pool events, nightclubs that keep open until the early hours, the probabilities in Vegas are by no means ending. To not point out it has a thriving queer scene with numerous LGBTQIA+-focused occasions all yr lengthy, not simply throughout Pleasure Month.
Wish to add one other queer-friendly metropolis to your journey locations? Simply journey from Vegas to San Francisco with Intrepid. Along with giving travellers the prospect to discover the queer scene in each iconic cities, these routes additionally go to key locations for any nature lover like Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon and Zion Nationwide Park.
Valletta, Malta
Touchdown quantity two on the Spartacus Homosexual Journey Index of 2024, Malta is likely one of the most LGBTQIA-friendly locations on this planet. This small island in southern Europe is widely known for its pure magnificence and champions in terms of anti-discrimination, marriage equality, and adoption laws—making it a great vacation spot for LGBTQIA+ travellers.
Take a step again in time and uncover Malta’s historical past whereas additionally having fun with hikes alongside the shoreline, sunbathing at one of many numerous seashores, wine tasting at native wineries and LGBTQIA+ occasions all yr lengthy.
Vancouver, Canada
Canada constantly ranks on the prime in terms of the remedy of LGBTQIA+ individuals and Vancouver hails as being queer-friendly and secure. Town has a seamless mix of metropolis and nature that provides to its enchantment. Whereas the membership scene might not be corresponding to main cities like London or NYC, Vancouver’s underground scene is rising with noteworthy drag queens slaying the home down.
Transitioning from the inclusive and vibrant LGBTQIA+ scene in Vancouver, the Canadian Rockies present a serene and awe-inspiring escape into nature. With Intrepid, you possibly can traverse by way of a few of Canada’s most iconic landscapes, the place the grandeur of the wilderness takes centre stage. The distinction between Vancouver’s vibes and the Rockies’ pure tranquility creates a singular and fulfilling journey expertise.
Copenhagen, Denmark
With a relaxed and tolerant angle, Copenhageners are identified for his or her liberal views on LGBTQIA+ points. Denmark’s capital metropolis has lengthy served as a welcoming house for LGBTQIA+ people, whether or not native or visiting. In Copenhagen, you possibly can reside freely, be open and, most significantly, be your self.
Attend MIX COPENHAGEN, one of many oldest LGBTQIA+ movie festivals on this planet, celebrating queerness, genders, sexualities and variety since 1986. Copenhagen can also be dwelling to one among Europe’s oldest homosexual bars. Established in 1917, Centralhjorne overtly grew to become a homosexual bar within the Fifties. Now, you will discover a great deal of LGBTQIA+ institutions within the Latin Quarter and simply off Radhuspladsen within the metropolis centre. Town presents LGBTQIA+ historic strolling excursions, queer occasions and institutions catering to LGBTQIA+ locals and travellers alike.
Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is extensively recognised for its progressive stance on LGBTQIA+ rights, having made substantial beneficial properties within the twenty first century. The nation’s transformation is especially notable given its historical past of repression throughout the Estado Novo dictatorship, with homosexuality being decriminalised in 1982, eight years after the Carnation Revolution.
As we speak, Portugal stands out for its anti-discrimination legal guidelines, together with a constitutional ban on discrimination based mostly on sexual orientation. In 2010, it grew to become the eighth nation worldwide to legalise same-sex marriage, marking a big step ahead in its dedication to LGBTQIA+ equality.
Since shifting to Lisbon, I’ve been amazed by how the LGBTQIA+ scene thrives in each neighbourhood, with no single space claiming the title of homosexual district. As an alternative, the complete metropolis seems like a celebration, from bookstores stocked with LGBTQIA+ literature to queer dance events that preserve you shifting all evening lengthy. One in all my favorite experiences goes to see a drag present at Trumps, the place the queens don’t even take into consideration taking the stage till 3 am. Lisbon’s inclusive and welcoming vibe has made it really feel like dwelling in each sense. It’s a metropolis that embraces variety and presents one thing particular for everybody within the queer neighborhood.
Santiago, Chile
Santiago has a thriving and vibrant queer scene and the neighborhood Bellavista is the epicentre of all of it. Right here you’ll discover queer bars and nightclubs together with hip and upscale eating places, music venues and wine lounges the place you possibly can create memorable nights out.
Begin in Santiago and finish your journey in one of many prime LGBTQIA+ locations in South America, Rio de Janeiro, with Intrepid’s 15-day Premium Chile, Argentina & Brazil journey. Led by native leaders, you’ll uncover the sights, sounds and tastes of Chile, Argentina and Brazil.
Bogota, Colombia
You possibly can’t consider Bogota’s LGBTQIA+ scene with out pondering of Theatron, one of many largest homosexual golf equipment on this planet. This membership is the center of the scene and its 19 completely different rooms rework every week. Dance the evening away or cheer on the native drag queens as they provide their all on the stage. Within the neighbourhood of Chapinero, you will discover LGBTQIA+ locals and travellers alike celebrating themselves unapologetically.
With these Intrepid journeys, discover out all that Colombia has to supply with a kicking level in Bogota.
Bangkok, Thailand
In Thailand, sexual choice is revered. The LGBTQIA+ neighborhood, together with gays, lesbians and transsexuals, is warmly accepted and thought of an integral a part of society. Thai individuals, identified for his or her candy, pleasant and well mannered disposition, make the nation an inviting place for everybody, particularly LGBTQIA+ guests.
Bangkok has emerged because the homosexual capital of Southeast Asia, drawing vacationers with its vigorous and numerous LGBTQIA+ scene. Town is dwelling to a wide selection of LGBT-friendly venues, together with accommodations, inns and nightclubs.
Silom is commonly cited because the epicentre of Bangkok’s homosexual nightlife, with Soi 2 that includes energetic dance golf equipment and Soi 4 providing a extra relaxed setting with bars and eating places. This space is especially favoured by international guests resulting from its proximity to Sala Daeng BTS Skytrain and Silom MRT Station.
Sydney, Australia
Australia presents a secure atmosphere for LGBTQIA+ travellers, supported by its numerous inhabitants, inclusive tradition and complete anti-discrimination legal guidelines. As some of the LGBTQIA-friendly international locations on this planet, queer people can really feel safe nearly in every single place they go along with discrimination in opposition to somebody on the idea of their sexual orientation or gender identification unlawful nationwide.
Sydney, celebrated as Australia’s homosexual capital, stands out with its cosmopolitan vibe and the very best focus of LGBTQIA-focused venues within the nation. A mere 5 minutes from Sydney’s metropolis centre, Darlinghurst bursts with life, providing a few of the most well-known queer venues on the town. Equally, Newtown, additionally 5 minutes away, is a beloved LGBTQIA+ enclave, the place residents come to reside, store and join. Collectively, these neighbourhoods kind the center of Sydney’s queer neighborhood. Then every February, Sydney transforms for a month-long pageant generally known as Sydney’s Mardi Gras with greater than 100 occasions across the metropolis celebrating LGBTQIA+ tradition and activism.
Taipei, Taiwan
In the case of the betterment of circumstances for LGBTQIA+ individuals, Taiwan is at all times the chief amongst Asian international locations and was the primary nation to legalise homosexual marriage in Asia. Office discrimination based mostly on sexual orientation is outlawed, and Taipei’s annual Homosexual Pleasure in October attracts over 50,000 individuals. The Pleasure occasion is a testomony to the town’s inclusive values and thriving LGBTQIA+ neighborhood. It’s a celebration that continues to develop in measurement and significance.
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey by way of Taiwan’s lush landscapes, from glittering coastlines to serene temples. Enjoyment of evening market flavours, be taught from Indigenous tribes and discover tea farms as you uncover the island’s historical past and tradition.
San Jose, Costa Rica
Costa Rica has advanced right into a sought-after vacation spot for LGBTQIA+ travellers within the final decade, with San Jose main the best way as a welcoming metropolis for the neighborhood. The capital has a wide range of gay-friendly institutions, together with bars, golf equipment, saunas and some gay-owned B&Bs, in addition to LGBTQIA+ bookstores and neighborhood centres.
Regardless of its progress, San Jose stays considerably conservative, so it’s smart to train discretion outdoors these gay-friendly areas. Town’s nightlife is common amongst locals who commute from close by areas, usually making venues busier earlier within the night. Some areas can really feel abandoned at evening, notably round sure homosexual bars. Nonetheless, San Jose presents a dynamic and secure atmosphere for exploring Costa Rica’s LGBTQIA+ tradition.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay is likely one of the most progressive nations in South America in terms of LGBTQIA+ inclusivity. Homosexuality, for example, was decriminalised way back to 1934, with anti-discrimination laws launched in 2003, adoption rights in 2009, and homosexual marriage legalised in 2013. As a result of these progressive LGBTQIA+ rights safety insurance policies which have been handed, Uruguay has established itself as one of many most secure international locations for LGBTQIA+ travellers and residents alike.
Whereas usually neglected in favour of extra common South American locations like Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is steadily gaining recognition. Much more so in its capital, Montevideo. Stuffed with queer golf equipment, bars and exhibits, Montevideo is being hailed as a best choice for LGBTQIA+ guests in search of a welcoming and inclusive seaside trip.
