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Our Favourite Destinations for LGBTQ+ Travel

Two men and a child sitting in an open safari vehicle with trees in the background.
Contents
  1. Australia
  2. Argentina
  3. New Zealand
  4. Brazil
  5. The Canary Islands
  6. Iceland
  7. South Africa
  8. Spain
  9. Thailand
Jess Kay

An important part of travelling, whether solo, as a couple or family is feeling comfortable, relaxed and welcome.

Here's our pick of the top destinations for LGBTQ+ travel.

Australia

A large red sandstone monolith under a clear sky in a desert landscape.
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, in central australia. Uluru Kata-Juta National Park attracts many tourists to the central desert and the rock is photographed and explored by people. NT

Whether you’re all about the nightlife or would prefer to soak up the rays on the beaches at North Bondi and Tamarama, Sydney is the ideal LGBT-friendly destination. Iconic landmarks, a rich history and first-rate restaurants are part of what make the city so popular.

Two kangaroos standing between rows of green vines in a sunny vineyard.
Wild kangaroos touring a vineyard at Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley region, New South Wales, Australia.

Whether you are after a more secluded intimate getaway, or you are keen to make new friends beneath bright lights, your visit to Australia will be anything but dull.

Argentina

Two glasses of red wine sit in the foreground, overlooking a large, green vineyard beneath mountains.
Forefront of a glasses of red wine, as a background, the vineyard and the Andes. Mendoza, Argentina.

From tropical rainforests to waterfalls and vibrant cities, Argentina is the perfect destination for a memorable holiday, and they were the first in the region to legalise gay marriage. Other great LGBT friendly destinations in Latin America include Chile, Colombia and Uruguay.

A group of four hikers resting on a rocky hill with snow-capped mountains and a lake in the background.
Family hiking in Torres del Paine/Patagonia

Buenos Aires itself is full of world-class restaurants, chic bars and luxury hotels, or head into the Mendoza wine region or Patagonia and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Argentina at a more leisurely pace.

New Zealand

wo people paddling a tandem orange kayak on calm blue water near a forested coastline.
Sea kayaking off the coast of New Zealand

Rugged coastlines, pristine beaches and snow-capped mountains – a visit to New Zealand is something truly special. Add in the dramatic scenery, exquisite cuisine and a welcoming and inclusive attitude towards the LGBT community and it’s the ideal place to escape to.

A flock of sheep grazing on a green grassy hill with snowy mountains in the background.
Sheep in a green meadow and snowy mountains in the background in the Southern Scenic Route, New Zealand

It’s perfect for travellers looking for a rich cultural experience, as well as for adrenaline junkies looking for their next thrill. White water rafting, caving, skydiving and bungee jumping are just a few of the many activities that will help make your stay a wild ride.

Brazil

The Christ the Redeemer statue stands on a mountain peak overlooking a coastal city and bay.
An aerial perspective features the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro and Sugarloaf Mountain.

In energetic Rio, anything goes. Although the famous Carnival lasts just five days, the party atmosphere echoes throughout the Brazilian city all year round.

A woman in a sparkling carnival costume and feathered headpiece smiles as confetti falls around her.
A smiling dancer wearing an elaborate silver and black feathered headpiece performs amidst falling confetti at a celebration.

Soak up the rays, catch a wave or play beach volleyball at Ipanema and Leblon, and then when the sun goes down, find your rhythm in the sexy samba hangouts in the city.

The Canary Islands

Sailboats docked in a harbor at dusk with lights from a building reflecting on the calm water.
Sailboats are moored in a calm marina at twilight, with the warm glow of lights reflecting from nearby waterfront buildings.

Just off the coast of Morocco, the strikingly beautiful volcanic Canary Islands are a year-round paradise. The Spanish island of Gran Canaria ranks alongside Ibiza, Sitges and Mykonos as one of the most popular LGBT destinations in Europe, with a diverse and energetic scene.

A wide landscape of rolling orange sand dunes leading to a blue sea under a clear sky.
Desert landscape, Gran Canaria, The Canary Islands, Spain

Enjoy dozens of clubs, restaurants, exclusive hotels and a large gay entertainment centre. But it’s not all about the party – rejuvenate as you spend days appreciating the black-and-white sand beaches, lunar landscapes and volcanic peaks.

Iceland

The Christ the Redeemer statue stands on a mountain peak overlooking a coastal city and bay.
An aerial perspective features the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro and Sugarloaf Mountain.
The view from inside a cave behind a large waterfall looking out toward a sunny landscape.
The iconic waterfall of Seljalandsfoss tumbling from the mountain cliffs of southern Iceland into the clear pool below. ProPhoto RGB profile for maximum color fidelity and gamut.

With some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe, Iceland’s volcanic rock and lava fields contrast with magnificent icebergs and glacial lakes. It’s an inspiring place for an unforgettable holiday, and it’s also the first country to have had an openly gay Prime Minister. Spend time with the locals in the cafes and bars in Reykjavik, or hit the clubs and dance the night away.

A coastal city with colorful buildings and red roofs set against a large mountain and blue water.
Aerial view of Reykjavic against the waterfront, with mountains and clouds on the other side of the water under a clear blue sky

Reykjavik Gay Pride attracts huge crowds every year and is only one of the numerous international LGBT festivals that happen there annually. The popular events put as much of a focus on Icelandic culture, art and nature as they do on partying.

South Africa

A wall mural of a person with large glasses next to the words Basement Radio.
Street art on a concrete wall features a large face with glasses alongside graffiti and the text Basement Radio.

Breathe the fresh air at the top of the iconic Table Mountain, and catch a tan on Camps Bay Beach before hitting the popular clubs in Green Point. The city also has a flourishing theatre and visual arts scene, so you won’t be at a loss for ways to make your trip extra special.

Silhouette of a person on a cliff watching the sun set over the ocean and coastline.
Tourist girl looking into the sunset from the famous viewpoint rock on Lion’s Head overlooking Cape Town at sunset.

With progressive laws and a thriving gay village, Cape Town is the perfect place to enjoy fine wine, great food, breath-taking scenery and a stellar party atmosphere.

Spain

Ornate yellow and red historic building facade framed by blooming purple and white petunia flowers.
Cityscape of Malaga – capital of the Province of Malaga on Costa del Sol in Andalusia, Spain

Spain has long been an LGBT favourite, thanks to the vibrant gay villages in most of the major cities. If you love food, music and art – this is the perfect destination for you. If you’d prefer to take a break from cultural exploration, switch the galleries and museums out for the bright lights and thumping beats of Madrid, Barcelona, Sitges and Ibiza’s lively party scenes.

High angle view of a turquoise bay and sandy beach surrounded by lush green mountains and a coastal city.
Aerial view of San Sebastian, Spain

Tap into the passion of the country with fiery flamenco and soulful music in the sun-soaked south, and breath the fresh air among the rugged hills and vineyards of the Basque Country.

Thailand

People wearing traditional hats row wooden boats through a busy floating market canal.
People in wooden boats navigate a narrow canal at a floating market, with vendors and colorful stalls visible in the background.

Thailand has long been known as an accepting, friendly and open country for travellers of all kinds. It’s the perfect destination for lazy beach days along with pulse-racing adventure. Go island hopping in the south, trek across the highlands of Chiang Mai and explore the bustling city of Bangkok.

A wooden boat on bright green water surrounded by steep, greenery-covered cliffs in a tropical bay.
Beautiful tropical beach in Thailand, Phi-Phi Island, Leonardo Bay.

Make the most of the city’s electric club scene, or head out into the breath-taking countryside to discover temples and palaces – whatever your interests, Thailand is ready to welcome you.

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