How To Choose A Gay-Friendly Vacation Destination

Looking to find a new and exciting destination at which to party and cut loose? Or perhaps you just want to get away for a little rest and relaxation. How do you determine what locations are best for LGBT travelers? Do you want to party all night? Are you dying to shop till you drop? Or do you just want to be left alone in pure relaxation? These tips will help you figure out where to start and how to choose the perfect gay-friendly destination.

Determine What Type of Trip You Want

First you must decide what type of experience you'd like to have. Perhaps youre looking for a beach, culture, historical significance, culinary experiences, exotic surroundings, sporting activity or a certain kind of locale. Beaches are, of course, a fabulous way to take in the scenery, but the view in non-tropical areas can be just as appealing. Couples' get-a-ways are a definite possibility, for those of you into the domestic scene, and many hotels cater to couples with romantic packages involving varying themes. You'll also find plenty of tours and cruises to fit all budgets.

Research Local Laws and Protections for LGBT People

Not every city in the world is as advanced as some others might be when it comes to laws assuring LGBT rights and safety. If you are discrete and avoid public displays of affection, this may not be a concern. But for many of those who are out and proud, it could become an issue quickly if the area you're visiting is anti-gay and intolerant of LGBT people. Even with laws in place, certain areas' local law enforcement may not recognize governmental rules and regulations and may instead honor their own code of ethics, or lack thereof.

Gay Friendly Accommodations

Gay-friendly or gay-exclusive accommodations can be found around the world and some resources to find them include IGLTA member Hotels, MisterBnB rentals, Purple Roofs or other similar services. Even sites like TripAdvisor feature gay clubs, resorts and hotels and these days with helpful reviews by former visitors. Other considerations that might determine whether a destination is appropriate might include whether or not you're traveling alone, going with a partner or taking a family vacation. Adult-only places, for example, may appeal to the swinging single but would certainly never do for a family.

LGBT Festivals or Events

Usually, gay local events are a good indication of whether or not a destination might be a gay-friendly place. The more plentiful the gay clubs, festivals and venues, the more gay-friendly the place probably is. A little research goes a long way here and luckily, events are easy to find online.

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