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 orientation. Our holidays are open to everyone.
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 600 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 600 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 LGBTQ 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
Thames Path walking holiday, Oxford to Windsor
Self guided walk along the River Thames Oxford to Windsor
From
£660 to £954
7 days
ex flights
Central Asia overland tour, the stans
An epic journey through the five 'stans' of Central Asia
From
£4999
26 days
ex flights
The Caucasus tour, Russia's wild frontier
Rich cultures and dramatic landscapes of Russia's deep south
From
£4399 to £4599
18 days
ex flights
Nepal teacher volunteering
Volunteer with children in Pokhara, Nepal.
From
£1695 to £3145
4 weeks
ex flights
Volunteer with horses in Portugal
Help out with horses and conservation near Porto
From
£989
7 days
ex flights
Catalonia centre based walking holiday, Spain
Self guided walking holiday in Catalonia
From
€925 to €1070
8 days
ex flights
Croatia family activity holiday for teenagers
Adventure holiday in Croatia for families with teenagers.
From
€995 to €1050
7 days
ex flights
South West Coast Path walking holiday, England
Bude to Newquay along the South West Coast Path
From
£720 to £992
9 days
ex flights
Japan private tour, authentic journey
Experience Japan's cities, mountains and fascinating culture
From
£3835
13 days
ex flights
Buenos Aires Tango holiday, Argentina
Best place to learn Tango, the seductive Buenos Aires
From
£1115
7 days
ex flights
Bali discovery holiday, tailor made
An active holiday escape for adventure seekers or families.
From
£1575
14 days
ex flights
Botswana and Zimbabwe Ivory Route lodge tour
Classic journey adventure safari Botswana, Zimbabwe Namibia
From
€4180
15 days
ex flights
Botswana lodge safari
Botswana affordable lodge safari Okavango, Moremi, Chobe
From
€2640
13 days
ex flights
Bali holidays on a shoestring
Discover the temples, beaches and cities of beautiful Bali
From
£1360
14 days
ex flights
Birdwatching in India
Visit India's top birding and wildlife destinations.
From
Rupee227500
15 days
ex flights
Catalonia to France walking holiday
Catalonia into France, a wonderful adventure
From
€737 to €837
7 days
ex flights
Mountains of Georgia small group tour
Remote villages, snow-capped peaks and high mountain passes
From
£1699 to £1749
12 days
ex flights
Tiger and Kerala beaches tour in India
Tigers safaris in central India with backwaters of Kerala
From
Rupee182000
17 days
ex flights
Family cycling holiday in Portugal, 5 days
A leisurely cycling holiday in the North Portugal
From
€650 to €800
5 days
ex flights
Jordan and Dubai small group tour
A week tour across two fascinating countries
From
£1105 to £1259
10 days
ex flights
Ladakh & Kashmir holiday, India
Timeless monasteries, stunning mountain scenery and Srinagar
From
£2649 to £2699
14 days
ex flights
5 days in Patagonia holiday
One week in Patagonia to discover Ushuaia and El Calafate.
From
US $1410
7 days
ex flights
Wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka, private departure
Wildlife holiday to see Sri Lanka's 'Big Four'
From
£2495
15 days
inc UK flights
Borneo orangutan conservation volunteering
Care for rescued orangutans in beautiful Borneo
From
£1280
15 days
ex flights
Peru small group tour, Andes and Incas
Explore ancient empires, local life and wild scenery in Peru
From
£2499 to £2599
14 days
ex flights
Tailor made tour of Jordan & Israel
A tour of Jordan & Israel with breathtaking sites & fascinating history
From
£3295
15 days
ex flights
South Downs Way walking holiday, England
Walk The South Downs Way in Southern England.
From
£980 to £1420
11 days
ex flights
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about LGBTQ or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
01273 823 700
Call us Monday after 9am
Calling from outside the UK
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 LGBTQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
