Know Before You Go Travel Insights WORLD TRAVEL TRENDS BLOG
The Friendliest Countries to LGBTQ+ Travelers
Traveling as a member of the LGBTQ+ community can be a vastly different experience, depending on the destination. While some countries offer a warm welcome, others might pose challenges. Fortunately, numerous nations around the globe are known for their progressive attitudes and inclusive policies, making them ideal destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. Based on the 2023 Spartacus Gay Travel Index, here's a look at some of the friendliest countries to LGBTQ+ travelers, with each country offering its own unique blend of culture, beauty, and acceptance.
Malta: Topping the list for its progressive laws and policies regarding LGBTQ+ rights, Malta is not just a Mediterranean paradise but also a beacon of inclusiveness. From vibrant Pride celebrations to romantic getaways, Malta offers a welcoming atmosphere for all. It also has a great deal of historic architecture with European and Middle Eastern influences, particularly in its capital city of Valletta, including the majestic St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
Canada: Known for its diversity and open-mindedness, Canada stands out as one of the friendliest countries in the world for LGBTQ+ travelers. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver host large Pride festivals and offer a variety of LGBTQ+-friendly venues and communities. Canada also hosts a wide array of astounding attractions, including the gorgeous mountain scenery of Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park, Garibaldi Provincial Park, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, and other parks in the mountainous regions of British Columbia and Alberta. Niagara Falls in Ontario is another world-famous natural wonder, and the cultural and architectural attractions of Quebec City, Montreal, and Ottawa also beckon travelers.
Switzerland: With its picturesque landscapes and comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, Switzerland offers a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ travelers. The country celebrates its diversity with various events, including Zurich Pride Festival and Geneva Pride. It also boasts many exciting attractions, including the signature Matterhorn peak and other epic mountain sights in the Alps, as well as gorgeous historic cities and towns, such as Bern and Lucerne.
Australia:Australia’s vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne are known for their lively LGBTQ+ scenes, including events like the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The country’s beautiful beaches and warm climate are a bonus for travelers. The arid center known as the Outback beckons travelers, with Uluru and Kata-Tjuta providing iconic views of gorgeous red rock scenery.
Denmark: As the first country to recognize same-sex partnerships, Denmark has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights. Copenhagen is renowned for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, with a variety of bars, clubs, and cultural events. Copenhagen is also a gorgeous city with its canals, crisscrossing roads, palaces, churches, and other historic buildings. The colorful buildings lining the Nyhavn Canal are especially picturesque. The small town of Helsingor provides a great getaway for a day trip with its medieval buildings and imposing Kronborg Castle, while Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerod is another astounding destination.
New Zealand:New Zealand is celebrated for its stunning landscapes and inclusive society. The country hosts several Pride events throughout the year and is known for its welcoming local communities. The gorgeous mountain scenery of the Southern Alps also beckons travelers, with epic locations like Milford Sound on South Island.
Portugal:Portugal combines a rich cultural heritage with progressive LGBTQ+ rights. Lisbon and Porto, in particular, are known for their vibrant nightlife and inclusive atmosphere, making them popular destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. The country also abounds with a vast wealth of splendid architecture, with signature blue-tiled azulejos and gorgeous palaces combining European and North African influences. Lisbon, the capital and largest city, is a historic treasure, while the nearby town of Sintra has a particularly large concentration of historic palaces. Porto, the country’s second-largest city, also has a very unique and eclectic style of historic architecture, as well as the decadent signature francesinha sandwich.
Uruguay: As one of the most progressive countries in South America for LGBTQ+ rights, Uruguay offers a friendly and open environment. Montevideo’s annual Pride Parade and its welcoming beach resorts are highlights for visitors. The small and charming historic town of Colonia del Sacramento also draws in tourists.
Germany:Germany is known for its rich history and inclusive society. Berlin, with its thriving LGBTQ+ scene and history, has many key attractions. A wealth of charming historical architecture can be found in smaller cities like Heidelberg, Bamberg, Regensburg, Quedlinburg, and Tubingen. The country also has many gorgeous castles and palaces, such as the iconic Neuschwanstein, located in the Alps amidst scenic mountain views.
Ireland:Ireland has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. Dublin is particularly renowned for its inclusive environment, vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and annual Pride parade. The country also boasts a variety of natural attractions, such as the Cliffs of Moher, as well as historic castles.
Spain: With progressive policies and vibrant communities, Spain is a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona host large Pride events and boast numerous LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs. These two cities also have a wealth of historic architecture, with Madrid also hosting the gorgeous Museo Nacional del Prado, one of the world’s greatest art museums. Stunning fusions of Spanish and North African architecture can be found in the region of Andalusia, especially in the cities of Seville, Granada, and Cordoba.
UK:The UK offers a diverse and accepting environment, especially in cities like London, Manchester, and Brighton. These cities are known for their vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes and host numerous events and festivals. London boasts a wealth of astounding museums, such as the National Gallery, British Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as iconic historic attractions like the Tower of London and Houses of Parliament. Other amazing palaces and castles can be found across England, such as Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace, and Hampton Court. Scotland also offers the astonishing historic city of Edinburgh with its ornate grey stone architecture, as well as the rugged natural scenery of the Highlands, with particularly epic locations including the Isle of Skye and Glencoe.
Traveling with CAP Tripside Assistance
For LGBTQ+ travelers, having the support of CAP Tripside Assistance can enhance the travel experience. CAP offers comprehensive travel assistance services, providing support during unexpected travel disruptions, medical emergencies, or other challenges that might arise during travel. CAP is also a member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and offers numerous services specifically catered to LGBTQ+ travelers. Knowing that you have a reliable support system can make your travels more secure and enjoyable, regardless of where your journey takes you. Coupled with the security provided by CAP Tripside Assistance, LGBTQ+ travelers can explore these destinations with peace of mind, knowing they are in a place that respects and celebrates diversity.
Traveling as a member of the LGBTQ+ community can be a vastly different experience, depending on the destination. While some countries offer a warm welcome, others might pose challenges. Fortunately, numerous nations around the globe are known for their progressive attitudes and inclusive policies, making them ideal destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. Based on the 2023 Spartacus Gay Travel Index, here's a look at some of the friendliest countries to LGBTQ+ travelers, with each country offering its own unique blend of culture, beauty, and acceptance.
Australia: Australia’s vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne are known for their lively LGBTQ+ scenes, including events like the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The country’s beautiful beaches and warm climate are a bonus for travelers. The arid center known as the Outback beckons travelers, with Uluru and Kata-Tjuta providing iconic views of gorgeous red rock scenery.
Uruguay: As one of the most progressive countries in South America for LGBTQ+ rights, Uruguay offers a friendly and open environment. Montevideo’s annual Pride Parade and its welcoming beach resorts are highlights for visitors. The small and charming historic town of Colonia del Sacramento also draws in tourists.
UK: The UK offers a diverse and accepting environment, especially in cities like London, Manchester, and Brighton. These cities are known for their vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes and host numerous events and festivals. London boasts a wealth of astounding museums, such as the National Gallery, British Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as iconic historic attractions like the Tower of London and Houses of Parliament. Other amazing palaces and castles can be found across England, such as Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace, and Hampton Court. Scotland also offers the astonishing historic city of Edinburgh with its ornate grey stone architecture, as well as the rugged natural scenery of the Highlands, with particularly epic locations including the Isle of Skye and Glencoe.