LGBT Travel Advice

Attitude towards the LGBT community may vary around the world, so it is important to take some safety precautions and do your research before travelling. Whether you fancy a sunny beach holiday or a thriving city escape, our guide will make sure planning a LGBT holiday is a fun experience, including all the useful travel tips and advice on LGBT friendly destinations. 

For further information, we advise all holiday hunters to visit www.gov.uk.

Transgender Passport

Booking transgender holidays are somewhat different to booking any other type of holiday. Transgender travellers can have trouble entering a country if their gender identity no longer corresponds with their passport. To make sure you travel as freely as possible, transgender travellers are advised to update their passport in their new name and gender in order to avoid any security issues at the airport.

If you’re on the lookout for transgender travel destinations, HM Passport Office provides information for anyone unsure when applying.

Be Cautious

Whenever you’re travelling to a new destination it’s wise to find out about the countries cultural and social attitudes towards LGBT people. Even in places where same sex relationships are much like the UK, attitudes can vary in different areas. Ensure you research and follow the local laws, as this will give you a better idea of how helpful the local police are likely to be in protecting LGBT interests, in case of any incidents were to occur. 

CHECK YOUR HOTELS

Some of the biggest cities and hotels have a welcoming and lively LBGT community. However, when planning your holiday, it’s important to be aware that some hotels – especially in lesser-known areas - may refuse bookings from same sex couples. In countries where same sex couples are illegal, it's advised that customers book a twin room. So be sure to check before you fly.

Beware of Cons

Watch out for entrapment campaigns. These can take place on online chat rooms, or in bars and establishments known for being more tolerant. It has been known for police officers of the law to be involved in entrapment cons, as well as opportunists looking to blackmail an individual for money.

DESTINATION INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW

Unfortunately, not all destinations are as relaxed as we are in the UK when it comes to LGBT travel, so customers planning their dream holiday should set some time aside to do a little research.

Indian Ocean destinations

Indian Ocean destinations

LGBT rights in far-flung resorts such as the Seychelles or Maldives are still in development, so LBGT travellers are unlikely to be welcomed by a gay friendly community or scene – and PDA’s are a no-go, but these destinations are fine to visit if you respect the country’s beliefs. Plus, you’ll find that there are some private hotels/resorts that do support same sex visitors – so you shouldn’t have to worry about sleeping in the same bed as your partner. 

Caribbean destinations

In the Americas, knowledge on LGBT rights can differ, with Caribbean destinations like Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda frowning on same sex relations. But there are a few lesser-known gems that embrace the gay friendly community, (with some communities of their own), including popular Puerto Rico, St. Barts and Curacao – a resort that publicly welcomes the gay and lesbian scene. 

Arabian destinations

As is the case in a few exotic destinations, homosexuality is still a crime in Morocco - punishable by up to three years in prison - but same sex couples from overseas are left largely alone. In fact, if you look hard enough and you will find gay friendly riads and hotels in Marrakech – although they’re unable to advertise themselves as such. 

Middle East destinations

In the Middle East, Egypt, homosexuality isn’t illegal, although homosexual acts in public are. Public displays of affection are frowned upon outside of the main tourist areas (what counts as a homosexual act is open to local interpretation here), so exercise caution if you’re exploring outside of your hotel or beach resort. Across the UAE and in Dubai, all homosexuality is illegal. Even in opposite sex relationships, sex outside of marriage is illegal, and public displays of affection are equally frowned upon. If you do decide to travel to Dubai as a couple, it’s advisable to book a twin room. Cross-dressing is also illegal under Islamic law. 

FAVOURITE LGBT FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS

New York City

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Gran Canaria has a booming LGBT scene with bundles of attractions to keep you busy, both on and beyond the beach. Head to the south of the island (think Playa del Ingles or Maspalomas) for bustling nightlife, chic boutiques and high quality restaurants - Parrots is a popular choice for fantastic food and entertainment. For more information, read our travel advice for holidays in the Canary Islands.

Ibiza, Balearic Islands

Mykonos, Greece

Sitges

For Spain holidays, you can't get much more vibrant and sun-soaked than charming Sitges. Located 32km from Barcelona, Sitges is well-known for its thriving LGBT scene. In fact, back in the 80’s it opened Spain’s first ever gay disco, and it hasn’t looked back since. Here you’ll find lashings of LGBT-friendly hotels and a gorgeous gay beach to the west of the city, too.

 

Attitudes towards LGBT travellers differ around the world, but if you do your research, you shouldn’t have any problems. For further information, we advise all holiday hunters to visit www.gov.uk.