LGBT vacations guide
It is the 21st century, and gay marriage may have been legalised across much of the western world – and beyond – but when it comes to traveling overseas, LGBT travelers can still face regressive laws, prejudiced hosts, and being criminalised simply for who they are. Laws are complex, local attitudes are difficult to gauge, and even within a country, different communities may have different stances on sexuality and gender.
When so many couples go on vacation in order to spend time together and nurture their relationships, it’s heartbreaking that others still feel unsafe simply holding hands on the street.![]()
A huge problem is the lack of information, including from tour companies themselves. Same sex relationships are legal in Mexico, for example, but how can a gay couple be sure they won’t face discrimination there for requesting a double room? What about explaining to their South African host family that they are married, or transgender? And what are the attitudes in deeply religious societies or indigenous communities? Responsible Travel has created this LGBT vacations guide to provide the most comprehensive information about LGBT issues around the world. It’s important to note that we do not sell specifically LGBT or gay vacations, nor do our tour operators exclude travelers based on their gender or sexual orientation. Our vacations are open to everyone.
Who is this guide for?
Responsible Travel’s vacations focus overwhelmingly on wildlife, cultural experiences and activities such as hiking, cycling or kayaking, not experiences such as gay (or straight) clubs or LGBT cruise ships and resorts. This guide, therefore, is not about gay vacations. It aspires to answer some of the questions that LGBT travelers may have when visiting certain countries, and to do so in an honest way. Responsible tourism benefits destinations and local communities, but it also needs to support travelers, and not shy away from difficult issues, which is unhelpful, and above all, irresponsible.
Why are there so few LGBT vacations listed on Responsible Travel?
At Responsible Travel, we have over 5,500 trips on our website, and all accept LGBT travelers.
However, at present just 600 of these trips are listed as 'LGBT vacations'. The reason for this is that those we describe as LGBT on our site have specifically undertaken detailed research so that they can provide LGBT travelers with specific information and assurances. This includes on-the-ground research with local accommodations, tour guides, drivers and so on. It's impossible for any vacation company to guarantee that their travelers will be free of harassment or discrimination, no matter where they travel or what precautions are taken; even in the UK a B&B owner turned away a gay couple in 2008. There will always be exceptions. But the tour operators whose trips are now listed as LGBT friendly on our site have done as much research as they can, and are comfortable that they can share any necessary information with LGBT travelers. Many will have already welcomed LGBT travelers on their vacations, and will have used these experiences and any feedback received to be able to better inform future travelers.
However, at present just 600 of these trips are listed as 'LGBT vacations'. The reason for this is that those we describe as LGBT on our site have specifically undertaken detailed research so that they can provide LGBT travelers with specific information and assurances. This includes on-the-ground research with local accommodations, tour guides, drivers and so on. It's impossible for any vacation company to guarantee that their travelers will be free of harassment or discrimination, no matter where they travel or what precautions are taken; even in the UK a B&B owner turned away a gay couple in 2008. There will always be exceptions. But the tour operators whose trips are now listed as LGBT friendly on our site have done as much research as they can, and are comfortable that they can share any necessary information with LGBT travelers. Many will have already welcomed LGBT travelers on their vacations, and will have used these experiences and any feedback received to be able to better inform future travelers.
This is an ongoing effort. We hope that in the coming months, and years, many more – if not all – of our trips will be classed as LGBT vacations, as more and more operators become aware of the importance of providing this information, and know what questions to ask, in order to ensure that LGBT travelers can enjoy our vacations just as much – and as safely – as anyone else.
Our LGBTQ Vacations
LGBT Cuba tour
Take the pulse of Cuba through its progressive LGBTI scene
From
£1249
7 days
ex flights
South Africa vacation
Explore Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route
From
£2300 to £4500
15 days
inc UK flights
Cuba tour, The Revolutionary Trail
Follow in the footsteps of the revolutionaries
From
£1725
10 days
ex flights
Nutritional food vacation in the Peloponnese
Cook to supercharge the metabolism and protect from illness.
From
£985
6 days
ex flights
Ghana small group tour
Explore the customs, history and wildlife of Ghana
From
£2849 to £2975
13 days
ex flights
Great Glen Wayhiking vacation in Scotland
Self guided walking tour of Scotland's Great Glen
From
£658 to £1001
8 days
ex flights
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about LGBTQ or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
1-866-821-6866
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Calling from outside the USA
Why do LGBT people need dedicated travel guides?
Sadly, the reality is that many countries still have laws which discriminate against the LGBT community. Same sex sexual activity may be a criminal offence; same sex marriage or partnerships may not be recognised; discrimination may be legal; and even activities such as kissing or holding hands may result in penalties. It is important to familiarise yourself with the laws of the country you are visiting, to help you decide whether or not to visit, as well as to understand how open to be about your sexual orientation while in the destination.
In some countries, the situation is more complex than simply reading up on the legal issues. South Africa, for example, has very progressive anti discrimination laws and was one of the first countries – and remains the only one in Africa – to legalise same sex marriage. However, outside of the more liberal, metropolitan areas, deeply conservative attitudes prevail, and harassment and violence towards LGBT people is commonplace. LGBT travelers, then, will need to know what questions to ask their vacation companies to ensure their safety, to find out if experiences such as community homestays are feasible, and to understand how open to be about their relationships or gender in more traditional regions.
Sometimes it works the other way around. In India, sex between men is criminalised, but the country’s famously hospitable attitude towards tourists means that gay tourists should encounter no discrimination. In Japan, too, homosexuals receive no legal protection, yet this very private nation does not believe in interfering in other people’s personal business, and LGBT people will be treated no differently to anyone else.
More about LGBTQ
Bhutan's issue with homosexuality is that it is 'non Bhutanese'. But times are changing, politicians are calling for acceptance, and LGBT visitors should not face discrimination.
Costa Rica's liberal mindset, growing gay community and superb nature mean that LGBT vacations are one of the fastest growing sectors of its travel industry.
Communism may hold the promise of equality for all, yet as Cuba’s LBGT community can attest, this is far from the truth.
Same sex sexual activity was recently decriminalised in India. This move has opened up space for conversations, protests, festivals and a creeping acceptance of LGBT rights.
Jamaica has been described as the most homophobic country in the world, thanks to its brutal, archaic laws and cultural attitudes towards the LGBT community.
Japan has a long history of openness towards homosexuality, revealed through its arts and even its religion, up to its modern day gay districts and huge Pride events.
Majority Muslim Malaysia is one of the more conservative countries in Southeast Asia, and that is reflected in its gay scene, which is nowhere near as open as that in Thailand or Vietnam.
Morocco is one of the safest countries in Africa for LGBT travelers, and our travel guide will help you understand local attitudes, taboos and laws.
From the Tsars and Tchaikovsky to the Soviet Union and the Sochi Winter Olympics, Russia's stance on LGBT rights has never been entirely out and proud.
South Africa is the most welcoming country in Africa for LGBT travelers, with equality and protection from discrimination enshrined in law.
Thailand may be known as the gay capital of Asia, but Vietnam is at the forefront too, with a more progressive approach than many of its neighbours.
Uganda has some of the harshest anti-LGBT laws in the world. Some homosexuals face life imprisonment, and Pride parades and other events are shut down.
We've published guides to the least gay friendly countries because we believe everyone should be free to track gorillas or ride the Trans Siberian Railway, regardless of their sexuality.
