5 LGBTQ+ travel resources to bookmark right this second
Seriously—save them now and thank me later.
If you’ve ever frustratedly abandoned a fruitless Google search for…
gay-friendly travel destinations around the world
for queer-owned businesses and experiences to check out in a city you’re visiting
LGBTQ+ safety advisories in a country you’re planning a trip to
…hello and welcome to the queer travelers’ corner of the internet!
First and foremost, you should know that you’re definitely not alone in your struggle to find inclusive travel inspiration. I’m right here with you—and so are plenty of others. In fact, since 2015, search interest in LGBTQ+ travel has skyrocketed.
This is precisely why (spoiler alert!) I’m working with Lonely Planet on a first-of-its-kind LGBTQ+ travel book that will be packed with practical information on what to see and do in queer-friendly destinations all around the world. But until that’s published and available for purchase at a local bookstore near you, here are five essential LGBTQ+ travel resources that can help you plan inclusive adventures that are not just safe but also comfortable, enjoyable, and spectacular.
IGLTA
For 40 years now, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association has been the world’s leading network of LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism businesses. In addition to putting in much-needed work to promote equality and safety within the global LGBTQ+ tourism industry, the IGLTA also offers tons of useful (and free!) resources for queer travelers like a directory of inclusive activities happening around the globe that can be filtered by region or category, a worldwide calendar of LGBTQ+ events, and a massive list of queer-friendly excursions.
Everywhere Is Queer
The geography-minded hero that the LGBTQ+ community has been waiting for! Everywhere Is Queer offers a constantly-growing map of queer-owned spaces to shop, connect, eat, learn, and grow all over the world.
As EIQ founder Charlie (he/they) puts it, “When you pull up the Everywhere Is Queer map on your phone to find your next favorite spot to buy a plant, do your gym workout, or grab a sandwich […], you’re also supporting a worldwide queer movement of support, security, and hope. You’re supporting that bright future we’re creating space for in the present.”
Basically, finding LGBTQ+ businesses and finding community in your hometown and while traveling just got way easier.
Purple Roofs
Husbands Mark and Scott launched this gay-owned-and-operated directory of LGBTQ+ owned and queer-friendly accommodations back in 1999. In the nearly 25 years since, they’ve expanded this resource to feature inclusive travel agents and tour operators too, making it easier than ever for LGBTQ+ community members to travel safely and with confidence no matter where they’re headed.
Scott and Mark particularly pride themselves on curating a unique collection of lodging options and vacation properties all around the world. In their words, “A lot of our listings are small mom-and-mom or pop-and-pop businesses—places you’ll have a hard time finding anywhere else.”
GayCities
GayCities is just one of the must-read publications under the Q.Digital umbrella along with LGBTQ Nation (the world’s most-followed LGBTQ+ news source), Queerty (relatable and often hilarious culture and entertainment content), and Into (a space for the queer community to openly share about our lives, passions, struggles, and ideas). And while all of these publications are 100% worth following, GayCities is the one that’s most relevant to LGBTQ+ travelers in particular.
Whether you explore this resource in your browser or in the stand-alone GayCities app, it showcases inspirational travel content from LGBTQ+ friendly destinations across the globe. Two particularly unique features to check out would be Wanderluxe, a section detailing “smart splurges for queer travelers,” and the annual Best Of GayCities travel awards highlighting the crème de la crème of queer travel experiences as voted upon by the LGBTQ+ travel community each year.
Out Traveler
You’re probably already familiar with Out Magazine—y’know, the LGBTQ+ news, fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle magazine boasting the highest circulation of any LGBTQ+ monthly publication in the United States—but are you familiar with their dedicated travel platform, Out Traveler?
Curated by notable members of the LGBTQ+ community, this publication blends gorgeous photography with coverage of the latest trends in LGBTQ+ friendly travel in both print issues and a traveler newsletter. For more not-to-be-missed features, be sure to check out the Best of Travel section, the Experts advice column, and the Virtual Travel experiences to inspire future adventures.
What are your go-to LGBTQ+ travel resources?
Share them in the comments below and take part in building a sense of community and connection for both existing and aspiring LGBTQ+ travelers around the world.
And if you’re so inclined, consider sharing this post with other queer travelers who may feel isolated or marginalized during their travels (or too anxious about their safety to plan trips in the first place) as a reminder that there are welcoming and safe spaces all over the world for them to explore, whether it’s from the comfort of home or on the road. They’re not alone—they’re welcome here, always. And so are you.