LGBT holidays guide
It is the 21st century, and gay marriage may have been legalised across much of the western world – and beyond – but when it comes to travelling overseas, LGBT travellers can still face regressive laws, prejudiced hosts, and being criminalised simply for who they are. Laws are complex, local attitudes are difficult to gauge, and even within a country, different communities may have different stances on sexuality and gender.
When so many couples go on holiday in order to spend time together and nurture their relationships, it’s heartbreaking that others still feel unsafe simply holding hands on the street.![]()
A huge problem is the lack of information, including from tour companies themselves. Same sex relationships are legal in Mexico, for example, but how can a gay couple be sure they won’t face discrimination there for requesting a double room? What about explaining to their South African host family that they are married, or transgender? And what are the attitudes in deeply religious societies or indigenous communities? Responsible Travel has created this LGBT holidays guide to provide the most comprehensive information about LGBT issues around the world. It’s important to note that we do not sell specifically LGBT or gay holidays, nor do our tour operators exclude travellers based on their gender or sexual preference. Our holidays are open to everyone.
Our LGBT Holidays
LGBT Cuba tour
Take the pulse of Cuba through its progressive LGBTI scene
From
£1249
7 days
ex flights
Self drive South Africa holiday
Explore Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route
From
£2300 to £4500
15 days
inc UK flights
Yoga and Thai massage retreat in Portugal
Nourishing Yoga retreat in the mountains of Portugal
From
€960 to €1380
7 days
ex flights
Cape to Windhoek Namib desert camping safari
Camping safari from Cape Town to Namibia, Sossusvlei, Etosha
From
€2090
14 days
ex flights
Zambia & Malawi small group safari
Unique adventure safari kayaking, game viewing & hiking
From
€2840
16 days
ex flights
Namibia Desert & Caprivi camping safari
Safari covering the highlights of Namibia & Caprivi
From
€1980
15 days
ex flights
South Africa walking holiday
Active walking holiday Kruger Swaziland Zululand Drakensberg
From
€1950
14 days
ex flights
South Africa and Swaziland safari
Lodge safari all encompassing South Africa & Swaziland
From
€2240
17 days
ex flights
Yoga & relaxation holiday in Portugal
Yoga, massage and mud baths in the Portuguese mountains.
From
€960 to €4020
7 days
ex flights
Botswana camping safaris
Botswana's premier game parks, Okavango Moremi Savuti Chobe
From
€1790
14 days
ex flights
Camping safari in Southern Africa
Camping safari highlights of Zimbabwe, Botswana & Kruger
From
€1790
16 days
ex flights
Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe expedition safari
Expedition trip through Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.
From
€3350
20 days
ex flights
Safari adventure holiday, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique
An extraordinary camping safari across South Eastern Africa
From
€2490
22 days
ex flights
Namibia and Botswana camping safari
Camping safari to Namib desert, Caprivi, Etosha & Okavango
From
€2480
21 days
ex flights
Northern Zambia Luangwa expedition
Expedition trip to the finest wilderness area's of Zambia
From
€2290
13 days
ex flights
Botswana National Parks safari holiday
Botswana's premier game parks, Moremi, Savuti & Chobe.
From
€1480
10 days
ex flights
Portugal Vinyasa flow yoga retreat
A week of yoga, music, massage and mud baths in the Portuguese mountains.
From
€960 to €4020
7 days
ex flights
Self drive Cuba family holiday
Family holiday Cuba for parents & children
From
€1590 to €2990
15 days
ex flights
La Paz to Buenos Aires overland truck tour
Overland from the Altiplano to Argentina's grasslands
From
£1130 to £1150
21 days
ex flights
Botswana lodge safari
Botswana affordable lodge safari Okavango, Moremi, Chobe
From
€2640
13 days
ex flights
Sri Lanka family holiday
A fabulous family holiday including the best of Sri Lanka
From
£1650 to £2200
15 days
ex flights
Windhoek to Victoria Falls, Namibia lodge safari
Classic Journey lodge safari through Namibia & Botswana
From
€3450
14 days
ex flights
Kalahari desert expedition safari, Botswana
Central Kalahari Game Reserve & Kgalagadi National Park
From
€2990
14 days
ex flights
Patagonia overland truck tour, South America
From the Chilean Fjords to the Magellan Straits
From
£1560 to £1600
23 days
ex flights
Tibet overland explorer
Travel through the sensational landscapes of the Himalayas and Nepal
From
£2025
31 days
ex flights
Cape Town to Victoria Falls small group camping safari
"Overland" camping safari to Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe
From
€2590
21 days
ex flights
Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe expedition
Expedition through the wildlife havens of Zimbabwe & Zambia
From
€3350
20 days
ex flights
South Africa safari and Mauritius beach holiday
This luxury itinerary combines a wildlife safari with relaxation time on the beach
From
£3340 to £5100
13 days
inc UK flights
South Africa luxury holiday, Garden Route & safari
South Africa Super luxury Cape town, Garden Route and Safari
From
£3900
18 days
ex flights
Who is this guide for?
Responsible Travel’s holidays focus overwhelmingly on wildlife, cultural experiences and activities such as hiking, cycling or kayaking, not experiences such as gay (or straight) clubs or LGBT cruise ships and resorts. This guide, therefore, is not about gay holidays. It aspires to answer some of the questions that LGBT travellers may have when visiting certain countries, and to do so in an honest way. Responsible tourism benefits destinations and local communities, but it also needs to support travellers, and not shy away from difficult issues, which is unhelpful, and above all, irresponsible.
Why are there so few LGBT holidays listed on Responsible Travel?
At Responsible Travel, we have over 5,500 trips on our website, and all accept LGBT travellers.
However, at present just a few dozen of these trips are listed as ‘LGBT holidays’. The reason for this is that those we describe as LGBT on our site have specifically undertaken detailed research so that they can provide LGBT travellers with specific information and assurances. This includes on-the-ground research with local accommodations, tour guides, drivers and so on. It’s impossible for any holiday company to guarantee that their travellers will be free of harassment or discrimination, no matter where they travel or what precautions are taken; even in the UK a B&B owner turned away a gay couple in 2008. There will always be exceptions. But the tour operators whose trips are now listed as LGBT friendly on our site have done as much research as they can, and are comfortable that they can share any necessary information with LGBT travellers. Many will have already welcomed LGBT travellers on their holidays, and will have used these experiences and any feedback received to be able to better inform future travellers.
However, at present just a few dozen of these trips are listed as ‘LGBT holidays’. The reason for this is that those we describe as LGBT on our site have specifically undertaken detailed research so that they can provide LGBT travellers with specific information and assurances. This includes on-the-ground research with local accommodations, tour guides, drivers and so on. It’s impossible for any holiday company to guarantee that their travellers will be free of harassment or discrimination, no matter where they travel or what precautions are taken; even in the UK a B&B owner turned away a gay couple in 2008. There will always be exceptions. But the tour operators whose trips are now listed as LGBT friendly on our site have done as much research as they can, and are comfortable that they can share any necessary information with LGBT travellers. Many will have already welcomed LGBT travellers on their holidays, and will have used these experiences and any feedback received to be able to better inform future travellers.
This is an ongoing effort. We hope that in the coming months, and years, many more – if not all – of our trips will be classed as LGBT holidays, as more and more operators become aware of the importance of providing this information, and know what questions to ask, in order to ensure that LGBT travellers can enjoy our holidays just as much – and as safely – as anyone else.
Our top LGBT Holiday
LGBT Cuba tour
Take the pulse of Cuba through its progressive LGBTI scene
From
£1249
7 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about LGBT or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Why do LGBT people need dedicated travel guides?
Sadly, the reality is that many countries still have laws which discriminate against the LGBT community. Same sex sexual activity may be a criminal offence; same sex marriage or partnerships may not be recognised; discrimination may be legal; and even activities such as kissing or holding hands may result in penalties. It is important to familiarise yourself with the laws of the country you are visiting, to help you decide whether or not to visit, as well as to understand how open to be about your sexual orientation while in the destination.
In some countries, the situation is more complex than simply reading up on the legal issues. South Africa, for example, has very progressive anti discrimination laws and was one of the first countries – and remains the only one in Africa – to legalise same sex marriage. However, outside of the more liberal, metropolitan areas, deeply conservative attitudes prevail, and harassment and violence towards LGBT people is commonplace. LGBT travellers, then, will need to know what questions to ask their holiday companies to ensure their safety, to find out if experiences such as community homestays are feasible, and to understand how open to be about their relationships or gender in more traditional regions.
Sometimes it works the other way around. In India, sex between men is criminalised, but the country’s famously hospitable attitude towards tourists means that gay tourists should encounter no discrimination. In Japan, too, homosexuals receive no legal protection, yet this very private nation does not believe in interfering in other people’s personal business, and LGBT people will be treated no differently to anyone else.
More about LGBT
Bhutan's issue with homosexuality is that it is 'non Bhutanese'. But times are changing, politicians are calling for acceptance, and LGBT visitors should not face discrimination.
Costa Rica's liberal mindset, growing gay community and superb nature mean that LGBT holidays are one of the fastest growing sectors of its travel industry.
Communism may hold the promise of equality for all, yet as Cuba’s LBGT community can attest, this is far from the truth.
Same sex sexual activity was recently decriminalised in India. This move has opened up space for conversations, protests, festivals and a creeping acceptance of LGBT rights.
Japan has a long history of openness towards homosexuality, revealed through its arts and even its religion, up to its modern day gay districts and huge Pride events.
Morocco is one of the safest countries in Africa for LGBT travellers, and our travel guide will help you understand local attitudes, taboos and laws.
South Africa is the most welcoming country in Africa for LGBT travellers, with equality and protection from discrimination enshrined in law.
Thailand may be known as the gay capital of Asia, but Vietnam is at the forefront too, with a more progressive approach than many of its neighbours.
Majority Muslim Malaysia is one of the more conservative countries in Southeast Asia, and that is reflected in its gay scene, which is nowhere near as open as that in Thailand or Vietnam.
From the Tsars and Tchaikovsky to the Soviet Union and the Sochi Winter Olympics, Russia's stance on LGBT rights has never been entirely out and proud.
Jamaica has been described as the most homophobic country in the world, thanks to its brutal, archaic laws and cultural attitudes towards the LGBT community.
Uganda has some of the harshest anti-LGBT laws in the world. Some homosexuals face life imprisonment, and Pride parades and other events are shut down.
We've published guides to the least gay friendly countries because we believe everyone should be free to track gorillas or ride the Trans Siberian Railway, regardless of their sexuality.
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