There are safe destinations to visit and here are six of them for you to consider.
As a Travel Advisor and ally of the LGBTQ community it has been an interesting journey for me to talk to suppliers and Tourism Boards from all over the world about equity and inclusion and their, or their countries, acceptance of gays.
Some countries, due to strong religious beliefs, are not as welcoming. Other countries, some I didn’t expect, are very welcoming and want more travelers from the gay community to visit.
Here are some of the safe destinations for gays that I would recommend because they are welcoming of gay couples, and are amazing places in their own right.
LGBTQ+ Travel Guide: Australia’s Welcoming Shores
There aren’t many people that I speak to, as soon as they hear my Australian accent who don’t say “Oh, I’ve always wanted to visit Australia.” It is on many peoples bucket lists.
The Australian continent is nearly as large as the United States land mass wise, so if you want to visit, give yourself some time.
There are many more things to see than the icons you will be familiar with, the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru.
Australia has so many hidden gems; amazing places that you will love. The people are super friendly. Seasons are the opposite of her in the USA, so you can put away your winter woollies and get out your bathing gear when you visit.
Festivals, fun and stunning landscapes, along with the hundreds of wonderful beaches are all there to be explored.
If Australia has been on your bucket list, it’s time to plan your trip, to tick it off.
LGBTQ+ Travel Guide: Australia’s Welcoming Shores
Australia stands as one of the world’s most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations, offering a safe and inclusive environment for all travelers. The country’s progressive laws and social attitudes make it an ideal choice for LGBTQ+ tourists.
Legal Protections and Rights
Australia legalized same-sex marriage in 2017 and has comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. These legal protections extend to visitors, ensuring a secure travel experience.
Vibrant LGBTQ+ Scene
- Sydney’s famous Mardi Gras is one of the world’s largest pride celebrations
- Melbourne, Brisbane, and other major cities boast thriving LGBTQ+ communities
- Numerous LGBTQ+-friendly establishments across urban areas
Welcoming Culture
Australians are known for their accepting and laid-back attitude. Major cities especially embrace diversity, with visible LGBTQ+ representation in public life, media, and culture.
Many hotels and accommodations are proudly LGBTQ+ certified.
Yes, Australia has LGBTQ+ certified hotels. Booking.com’s Travel Proud program certifies properties that have completed Proud Hospitality training, ensuring they provide inclusive and welcoming experiences for LGBTQ+ travelers. These certified hotels are marked with a Travel Proud badge on their listings.
While not all hotels in Australia are officially certified, many are known to be LGBTQ+ friendly. Some notable examples include:
* Vibe Hotel in Sydney, located near the city’s vibrant gay scene
* Turtle Cove Beach Resort in Cairns, which claims to be Australia’s only LGBTQ+ exclusive resort.
* Noosa Cove Adults Only Retreat in Queensland, which caters specifically to LGBTQ+ guests.
Most tourist areas and major cities are very LGBTQ+ friendly. Popular beaches and coastal areas are welcoming to all couples.
LGBTQ+ Travel Guide: New Zealand’s Progressive Paradise
New Zealand is such a special country. It is smaller in size than Australia, and they speak different English (an insider joke), yet it is a must see destination.
From thermal pools, to art filled cities, and delicious wines, you don’t want to miss spending 10 days in New Zealand.
There are boutique gay run accommodation places, that will have you feeling like you are at home. Well, perhaps even more so. New Zealand is a very safe destination to visit.
The food is fresh and more often than not, locally grown. The air is clean. Māori culture abounds, so you can immerse yourself in it.
Trains give you views of the countryside not to be missed.
Each island North and South, are very different, so depending on what you want to experience you can spend more time on one than the other. I would highly recommend a trip to both islands though so you get to see the differences.
Plan your next vacation to New Zealand when you will be welcomed wholeheartedly to Aotearoa New Zealand.
LGBTQ+ Travel Guide: New Zealand’s Progressive Paradise
New Zealand ranks as one of the world’s most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, with strong legal protections and a highly accepting social culture. That is why it is a very safe place for gays to travel to.
Legal Framework
New Zealand has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2013. The country has comprehensive anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals in all aspects of life.
Social Acceptance
- Strong public support for LGBTQ+ rights across the country
- Vibrant pride celebrations in major cities like Auckland and Wellington
- Active LGBTQ+ community groups and social scenes
Travel Considerations
- Same-sex couples can freely express affection in public
- Wide range of LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations available, including boutique properties owned and operated by gay couples
- Popular tourist destinations are welcoming and inclusive
New Zealand’s commitment to equality and social progress makes it an ideal destination for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking both adventure and peace of mind. You could add this to the top of your list of safe destinations for gays to travel.
LGBTQ+ Travel Guide: Portugal’s Progressive Welcome
Who knew that each of the seven different regions in Portugal could be so different.
Each region has it’s specialties and points of interest.
– For a beach vacation – visit the Algarve region down South,
– To see cork forests and wineries – visit Alentejo, just north of the Algarve,
– Lisbon and the region surrounding it is full of art and history,
– Central Portugal will wow you with it’s seaside villages and centuries old history,
– Up North in the Porto region you can experience the Douro valley and it’s wineries, as well as more history and different landscapes,
For something different you can experience Madeira, an island that has a lot of walks, hikes, and adventure experiences.
And lastly for the most unique experience of all, spend time in the Azores; 9 island with different degrees of infrastructure. It boasts untouched nature, mineral springs and spectacular views.
The beautiful fresh food in Portugal is reason to go alone. But, if you are a wine drinker then you have the added bonus of being able to taste some stunning wines.
Portugal was nothing like what I expected, on my very first visit in 2024. Add it to your bucket list! I would recommend it.
Portugal has emerged as one of Europe’s most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, offering a perfect blend of cultural richness and social acceptance.
Legal Protections
Portugal has strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, having legalized same-sex marriage in 2010 and implementing comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.
Cultural Acceptance
- Portuguese society is known for its open-minded and accepting attitude
- Major cities like Lisbon and Porto have thriving LGBTQ+ scenes
- Popular beaches and resorts are welcoming to all couples
Safe Spaces and Entertainment
- Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real in Lisbon are popular LGBTQ+ friendly districts
- Annual pride events celebrate diversity across major cities
- Wide selection of LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and establishments
Portugal’s combination of historic charm, modern values, and welcoming atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for a European getaway that is safe for gays.
LGBTQ+ Travel Guide: Vietnam’s Evolving Landscape
Warm, friendly and welcoming are the words that connect with the Vietnamese culture. They love to share, their food and culture with everyone.
Traveling around Vietnam is an experience in itself. You might be surprised to see how they outsmarted the westerners during the Wars.
You might try Vietnamese food and decide you can’t live without it when your vacation is over. It is flavorful, delicious and unique.
Spend 10 days in Vietnam and I am sure you will be wanting to return again in the future. Whilst you might not have imagined Vietnam as a safe destination, it is.
Vietnam has become increasingly welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers, with a generally tolerant attitude and improving social acceptance, particularly in urban areas.
Legal Status
While Vietnam has no specific laws against homosexuality, it also lacks comprehensive legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. However, the country has made progressive steps, including the removal of bans on same-sex marriage in 2015.
Social Climate
- Major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have growing LGBTQ+ communities
- Young urban Vietnamese are generally accepting and open-minded
- Annual pride events are held in major cities
Travel Considerations
- Urban areas are generally safe and accepting for LGBTQ+ travelers
- Most tourist destinations and international hotels are LGBTQ+ friendly
- Public displays of affection (for any couples) are culturally modest
While Vietnam’s LGBTQ+ scene is still developing, the country’s traditional values of hospitality and respect, combined with increasing social acceptance, make it one of the safe destinations for gays, especially in major tourist areas.
LGBTQ+ Travel Guide: Costa Rica’s Progressive Paradise
This tropical destination has a lot to offer. Up in the forested areas, the wildlife and waterfalls with surprise you. Experience beautiful accommodation in the quiet of a forested area, to tranquil bliss.
Spend time in the hot springs, soaking up the minerals. Go horseback riding, or be a daredevil and go ziplining.
Unique experiences are around each and every corner, but it is the welcoming warmth of the locals that you will remember.
Costa Rica stands out as one of Central America’s most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, offering a combination of legal protections and social acceptance that makes it particularly appealing to LGBTQ+ travelers.
Legal Framework
Costa Rica made history in 2020 by becoming the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage. The country has strong anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals.
Social Climate
- Generally accepting and progressive society, especially in urban and tourist areas
- Thriving LGBTQ+ community in San José with numerous venues and events
- Growing number of pride celebrations across the country
Tourist-Friendly Destinations
- Manuel Antonio is known as a particularly LGBTQ+-friendly beach destination
- Many eco-lodges and resorts openly welcome LGBTQ+ travelers
- Popular tourist areas like Tamarindo and Jacó are very accepting
Costa Rica’s combination of natural beauty, progressive values, and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal and safe destination for gay travelers seeking both adventure and acceptance in Central America.
Plan Your 2025 Vacation In Advance
Due to the political climate there may be more people than usual traveling in 2025, so get in and book your travel early.
Most of these destinations, aside from Portugal, are in the Southern Hemisphere, so remember the seasons in these other safe destinations for gays to travel are reversed.
Traveling in the shoulder season works well – March/April or September/October. Check the climate and in country holidays to pick the best time to travel. Visit the LGBTQ+ Off Peak Travel Calendar for a full list of suggested places to travel during shoulder season.
Some of these places require Electronic Travel Authorities to enter the country, so be sure to check visa requirements before you travel.
Enjoy your 2025 travel to these safe destinations.