10 LGBTQIA+ Friendly Places To Travel To Around The World

For LGBTQIA+ travellers, picking a destination isn’t always hassle-free. To celebrate Mardi Gras/Pride, we thought we’d fill you in on the hot goss and list some places around the world that have an inclusive spirit and good vibes so that you can easily (and safely) explore and express yo’self. They also have raging nightlife and some of the best parties and fezzies to bless the gay universe. 

1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Because they set the bar high and became the first country in the WORLD to officially recognise same-sex marriage, it’s only fair they kick off our list. Ride a bike, take a walk through the infamous red light district, eat some ‘special snacks’, check out some museums but be sure to visit Reguliersdwarsstraat – Amsterdam’s most famous gay street where you’ll find gay bars, shops, clubs, and cafes.

2. Greater Palm Springs, USA

Greater Palm Springs has consistently been dubbed as one of the top gaybourhoods in the world. Less than a two-hour road trip from L.A, you have probs heard of it 'cause of Coachella. But beyond that, Palm Springs offers signature LGBTQIA+ events year-round worth travelling for. White Party is one of the top dance/pool parties for gay men in the USA and The Dinah is one of the largest lesbian parties in the world!

3. Sydney, Australia

Sydney Mardi Gras, Oxford Street, “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” and her Royal Highness Kylie Minogue. Need I say more? 

4. West Hollywood, USA

On the topic of California, West Hollywood was the site of the world’s first permitted Pride parade in 1970, and it’s been the epicentre of LGBTQ culture in California ever since. And with nearly 40% of West Hollywood’s population identifying as LGBTQ, you can see why.

Santa Monica Boulevard is where it's at. Must visits are The Abbey (read: the best gay bar in the USA) or the Circus of Books if you’re after something cheeky.

5. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a vibe on so so many levels, especially since they boast a vibrant and inclusive gay history that dates back to the golden age of the 1920s and with no ‘closing time’, the party never ends! Attend the largest gay street festival in Europe "Motzstraßenfest", in summer or get your fetish on at Easter Leather Fetish Week. 

6. Virginia, USA

Virginia is for lovers. Literally, that’s their slogan! Today, Virginia is for ALL lovers and is a great destination for LGBTQ+ travellers. Virginia is the first southern state in America to ban the gay panic defense, conversion therapy and is actively reducing the stigma and barriers to healthcare for people living with HIV. If you still aren’t convinced, you can literally stay at the Dirty Dancing resort. It’s actually called the Mountain Lake Hotel and it's based in Pembroke, Virginia – and while Patrick Swayze won’t be there you will be standing exactly where he was in 1987, so that still counts right?

7. Sitges, Spain 

If you haven’t heard about Sitges you must be living under a rock because it’s absolutely fabulous, and probably the gayest destination in Spain. Every year, gays flock to this coastal town in their thousands to attend the world-class parties, packed to the rafters with hotties from all over the world.

8. Copenhagen, Denmark

The heart of Denmark, Copenhagen, is one of the most tolerant, open, edgy and free places on earth! At Copenhagen, you'll find Europe’s oldest openly gay bar, "Centralhjørnet", as well as the fuuuunky district with tonnes of gay clubs, one of which is literally called "Gay Copenhagen".

9. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik has been described as one of the friendliest and most inclusive places in the world. Its Pride march is one of Europe’s oldest LGBTQIA+ parades, and the Bears on Ice event shouldn't be missed (so get registering!). Fun fact, Iceland also has some of the world’s most progressive laws. In 2006, same-sex couples were given equal rights with their heterosexual counterparts 👏🏼

10. Mammoth Mountain, USA

Whether you're an Olympic hopeful or you prefer the bunny slope, Mammoth Mountain’s gay ski week is a vibe. Mammoth Gay Ski week is a five-day ski and snowboard event that overtakes the small town of Mammoth Lakes and celebrates queerness in the rugged Sierra Nevada. Mammoth Ski week draws close to 2,500 participants every year. Meet new people from around the world, make new mates, ski by day and boog on the dance floor by night.

So what are you waiting for? Book that flight, get out there and live your best LGBTQIA+ life. 🌈