8 LGBTQ+-Friendly Travel Destinations to Consider This Pride Month and Beyond
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As all eyes watch the gradual roll-out of anti-LGBTQ legislation in the U.S., many members of the community may feel even more apprehensive about traveling to other countries where laws are already more strict.
“Having LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations is not only vital for the LGBTQ+ community but also for promoting complete equality and inclusivity for all people,” says Michael King-Hew, CEO of Kamalame Cay in Bahamas’ Andros Island. “By creating LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations, we send a powerful message that everyone, regardless of who they are, deserves respect, acceptance, and the opportunity to explore the world without discrimination.”
Despite being in the Bahamas, which is generally notorious for upholding more traditional views on sexuality, the mission of Kamalame Cay is to “lead with love.” And with Michael and his partner David at the helm, love is exactly what you feel after stepping off the resort’s ferry and onto the shell-adorned sand.
Though days are spent in secluded villas and what is essentially a private beach, the staff welcomes visitors from all walks of life during mealtimes, boat trips, and oversea bungalow spa treatments, creating a true sense of community in an oasis that hosts only 110 people at capacity.
“But for LGBTQ+ travelers visiting less-welcoming destinations, it is crucial to prioritize personal safety while advocating for complete equality and inclusivity,'' King-Hew stresses. “Researching the destination's laws and cultural norms beforehand can help navigate potential challenges.”
King-Hew recommends connecting with LGBTQ+ organizations or online communities, which can help provide support or guidance when visiting a new destination. “It is important to remember that promoting respect and understanding is an ongoing process, and by being visible, respectful, and engaging with local communities, LGBTQ+ travelers can contribute to creating positive change,” he adds.
While finding accepting, welcoming resorts like Kamalame Cay are not always easy, especially for the on-the-go traveler who may not have the time to sift through options, we’ve gathered eight destinations and accompanying hotels to consider for your next getaway. Here, the best LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations.
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For the art and design lover: London, England
There is no shortage of eye-catching architecture across the pond, ranging from Victorian townhomes with tulip-lined terraces to contemporary skyscrapers like the egg-shaped Gherkin or pyramid-inspired Shard. London’s diverse neighborhoods make it a hub of extensive walking tours where visitors can spend hours exploring what makes each part of town unique, all while hitting up some of the most world-renowned restaurants, museums, and shops along the way.
Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Royal Cafe
This five-star gem is where elegant Mayfair and trendy Soho converge to offer the perfect blend of tradition and modernism. Wood-paneled rooms are sleek and polished, yet warm and inviting, while common spaces like the Cafe Royal drip in over-the-top, gilded opulence as the once preferred haunt of Oscar Wilde. Book an afternoon tea that will transport you to the late 1800s and bask in the glory of interior design that has been preserved for literal decades.
For the foodie: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Epicurean-friendly Buenos Aires is so much more than a destination for top-tier red meat. The coastal metropolis, which showcases a heavy Italian influence, is a hub of inspired cuisine, ranging from plant-based bites at MARTi barra, modernized Jewish classics at Mishiguene, and more traditional comfort foods at El Preferido de Palermo and Don Julio. You can also wander into the city’s many markets to nosh on small dishes like empanadas or book a tour through Mai10 for a more personalized foodie experience, curated by locals. Keep in mind that Argentina is South of the equator, so our summer is their winter and vice versa.
Hotel Recommendation: Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt
A converted palace located in the Paris of South America’s wealthy Recolata district, Palacio Duhau not only boasts regal, fireplace-laden suites with views of a charming central garden, but it is also home to Duhau Restaurante and Vinoteca, Oak Bar, and an on-site patisserie with bread, pastries, and chocolate sculptures aplenty. Be sure to sign up for a wine and cheese-tasting course which highlights rare delicacies from across the region.
For the party person: Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos has essentially become synonymous with luxury gay travel, attracting Speedo-clad men from all over the world who want to party on yachts, drink at posh clubs, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants. Though wealth and status are flaunted like a limited edition Birkin bag (which you may just see), you can allow all inhibitions and judgments to fall by the wayside as you spend an entire evening on the dance floor.
Hotel Recommendation: Belvedere Hotel
The island staple’s primary mission is to stay true to its Myconian roots through the nostalgia of overgrown bougainvillea and “age-old splendor,” though it appeals to a younger demo with light and airy waterfront villas and a Nobu Matsuhisa sushi joint that gives his famed stateside establishments a run for their money.
For the history buff: Amsterdam, Netherlands
If spending time galavanting through world-class museums sounds more like your speed, don’t sleep on Amsterdam. Sure, the progressive city has its fair share of late-night antics (which you will want to partake in after a more tame day), but its history is rich with stories and events, both tragic and inspiring, that are worth taking the time to learn about. And the city makes it easy with many city passes that allow you to conveniently hop from place to place and enter museums and art galleries with one set fee.
Hotel Recommendation: Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
Walking distance to the central railway station, museums, and shopping districts, this Dam Square-based hotel has been one of Amsterdam’s crown jewels for over 150 years. It’s also been home to world conventions, royal celebrations, and an impressive guest list of global lawmakers, celebrities, and cultural icons who, to this day, continue to make it a must-stop during their European travels.
For the spiritual: Bali, Indonesia
Known as the “land of the Gods,” Bali attracts wellness-minded tourists in need of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The green oasis has become a respite for those in need of a mental reset and a bit of inspiration from Mother Nature with rainforests teeming with an abundance of waterfalls and wildlife. Despite the region’s archaic anti-LGBTQ+ laws, it is rarely, if ever, an issue with locals who welcome guests with open arms and open hearts.
Hotel Recommendation: Capella Ubud
Recommended by King-Hew himself, the Capella Ubud is nestled in Bali’s serene rainforest and offers a tranquil and inclusive retreat that “embraces complete equality for all guests,” allowing them to connect with nature, Balinese culture, and each other. The dramatically terraced landscape is also breathtaking with canopied suites that practically become one with the foliage that surrounds them.
For the single traveler: Sitges, Spain
Sometimes the allure of solo travel is to meet a potential soulmate. And while we’re not suggesting this is going to yield a full Eat, Pray, Love experience, Sitges is the perfect backdrop for a potentially romantic getaway. Chock-full of LGBTQ+ singles from all over the world, the locale hosts those who appreciate the finer things in life: exploration, fine dining, bar-hopping, and, perhaps most important, interacting with those around you.
Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Casa Vilella
The charming seaside sanctuary makes a mission to promote comfort and convenience. Vacationers are treated to personalized touches where staff will accommodate practically any need, from sleeping to dietary, after a long day of exploration. In the off chance you allow yourself some downtime, opt for a wellness or massage treatment at Hotel Casa Vilella’s spa – touted as some of the best in the area.
For the beach-goer: Curaçao
Arguably the most LGTBQ-friendly island in the Caribbean (it was the first to host a Pride parade in 2012), turquoise-lined Curaçao boasts some of the most stunning beaches, coves, and cliffside ocean views in the world. Locals are also hyper-aware that the influx of tourism bolsters their economy, which inspires them to be even more accepting and obliging to anyone who has gone out of their way to make the journey. Whether you prefer to snorkel and scuba dive or lay out and forage for shells, the Dutch-influenced locale serves as an ideal backdrop for anyone who vibes best with water.
Hotel Recommendation: Pietermaai Boutique Hotel
Only a hop, skip, and a jump away from a strip of public beaches and Instagram-worthy landmarks like the Queen Emma bridge, this Willemstad lodge is one of the only four-star boutique hotels downtown with some of the largest suites on the island. It’s an opportunity to not only immerse yourself in the feeling of being detached from the real world, but also feel like a king or queen while doing so.
For families: St. Petersburg, Florida
As the only U.S.-based city on this list, sunny St. Pete has emerged as a hotbed of arts and culture with dozens of street-lined galleries and the famed Dalí Museum. It’s also an ideal setting for families who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life without having to book a flight across the world with kids in tow. And while Florida has garnered plenty of negative attention when it comes to the stripping of LGBTQ rights, the coastal town is home to one of the most flourishing queer populations not only in the Sunshine State, but also the entire country.
Hotel Recommendation: The Don CeSar
Sitting pretty in pink, the iconic Don CeSar attracts those who desire a more well-rounded vacation experience. Guests can enjoy a day at the spa, kayak and paddle boards, fireside lounge areas, and, perhaps best of all, a children’s beach play area so that mommies and daddies can partake in some much-needed alone time.
As all eyes watch the gradual rollout of anti-LGBTQ legislation in the U.S., many members of the community may feel even more apprehensive about traveling to other countries where laws are already more strict.
“Having LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations is not only vital for the LGBTQ+ community but also for promoting complete equality and inclusivity for all people,” says Michael King-Hew, CEO of Kamalame Cay in Bahamas’ Andros Island. “By creating LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations, we send a powerful message that everyone, regardless of who they are, deserves respect, acceptance, and the opportunity to explore the world without discrimination.”
Despite being in the Bahamas, which is generally notorious for upholding more traditional views on sexuality, the mission of Kamalame Cay is to “lead with love.” And with Michael and his partner David at the helm, love is exactly what you feel after stepping off the resort’s ferry and onto the shell-adorned sand. Though days are spent in secluded villas and what is essentially a private beach, the staff welcomes visitors from all walks of life during mealtimes, boat trips, and oversea bungalow spa treatments, creating a true sense of community in an oasis that hosts only 110 people at capacity.
“But for LGBTQ+ travelers visiting less-welcoming destinations, it is crucial to prioritize personal safety while advocating for complete equality and inclusivity,'' King-Hew stresses, adding that researching the destination's laws and customs can help navigate potential challenges.
He also recommends connecting with local LGBTQ+ organizations or online communities, which can provide support and guidance to first-time visitors. “It is important to remember that promoting respect and understanding is an ongoing process, and by being visible, respectful, and engaging with local communities, LGBTQ+ travelers can contribute to creating positive change,” he adds.
While finding accepting, welcoming resorts like Kamalame Cay are not always easy, especially for the on-the-go traveler who may not have the time to sift through options, we’ve gathered eight LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations and accompanying hotels to consider for your next getaway.
For the Art and Design Lover: London, England
There is no shortage of eye-catching architecture across the pond, ranging from Victorian townhomes with tulip-lined terraces to contemporary skyscrapers like the egg-shaped Gherkin or pyramid-inspired Shard. London’s diverse neighborhoods make it a hub of extensive walking tours where visitors can spend hours exploring what makes each part of town unique, all while hitting up some of the most world-renowned restaurants, museums, and shops along the way.
Where to Stay: Hotel Cafe Royal
For the Foodie: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Epicurean-friendly Buenos Aires is so much more than a destination for top-tier red meat. The coastal metropolis, which showcases a heavy Italian influence, is a hub of inspired cuisine, ranging from plant-based bites at MARTi barra, modernized Jewish classics at Mishiguene, and more traditional comfort foods at El Preferido de Palermo and Don Julio.
You can also wander into the city’s many markets to nosh on small dishes like empanadas or book a tour through Mai10 for a more personalized foodie experience, curated by locals.
Where to Stay: Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt
For the Party Person: Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos has essentially become synonymous with luxury gay travel, attracting Speedo-clad men from all over the world who want to party on yachts, drink at posh clubs, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants. Though wealth and status are flaunted like a limited edition Birkin bag (which you may just see), you can allow all inhibitions and judgments to fall by the wayside as you spend an entire evening on the dance floor.
Where to Stay: Belvedere Hotel
For the History Buff: Amsterdam, Netherlands
If spending time galavanting through world-class museums sounds more like your speed, don’t sleep on Amsterdam. The progressive city has its fair share of late-night antics, but its history is also rich with stories and events, both tragic and inspiring, that are worth taking the time to learn about. And Amsterdam makes it easy with many city passes that allow you to conveniently hop from place to place and enter museums and art galleries with one set fee.
Where to Stay: Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
For the Spiritual: Bali, Indonesia
Known as the “land of the Gods,” Bali attracts wellness-minded tourists in need of rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The green oasis has become a respite for those in need of a mental reset and a bit of inspiration from Mother Nature with rainforests teeming with an abundance of waterfalls and wildlife. Despite the region’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws, it is rarely, if ever, an issue with locals who welcome guests with open arms and open hearts.
Recommended by King-Hew himself, the Capella Ubud is nestled in Bali’s serene rainforest and offers a tranquil and inclusive retreat that “embraces complete equality for all guests,” allowing them to connect with nature, Balinese culture, and each other.
For the Single Traveler: Sitges, Spain
Sometimes the allure of solo travel is to meet a potential soulmate. And while we’re not suggesting this is going to yield a full Eat, Pray, Love experience, Sitges is the perfect backdrop for a potentially romantic getaway. Chock-full of LGBTQ+ singles from all over the world, the locale hosts those who appreciate the finer things in life: exploration, fine dining, bar-hopping, and, perhaps most important, interacting with those around you.
Where to Stay: Hotel Casa Vilella
For the Beach-Goer: Curaçao
Arguably the most LGTBQ-friendly island in the Caribbean (it was the first to host a Pride parade in 2012), turquoise-lined Curaçao boasts some of the most stunning beaches, coves, and cliffside ocean views in the world. Locals are also hyperaware that the influx of tourism bolsters their economy, which inspires them to be even more accepting and obliging to anyone who has gone out of their way to make the journey. Whether you prefer to snorkel and SCUBA dive or lay out and forage for shells, the Dutch-influenced locale serves as an ideal backdrop for anyone who vibes best with water.
For Families: St. Petersburg, Florida
As the only U.S.-based city on this list, sunny St. Pete has emerged as a hotbed of arts and culture with dozens of street-lined galleries and the famed Dalí Museum. It’s also an ideal setting for families who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life without having to book a flight across the world with kids in tow. And while Florida has garnered plenty of negative attention when it comes to the stripping of LGBTQ rights, the coastal town is home to one of the most flourishing queer populations not only in the Sunshine State, but also the entire country.
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