Countries like Mexico, Greece, France, and Italy are all making travel top 10 lists again for 2023…and understandably so. But, maybe you already explored some of these hot spots and crave something different. We got you covered either way.
There’s never been a better time for LGBTQ travelers. With more countries around the world changing laws to support gay rights and tourism industries ramping back up post-lockdown, the world is your gay oyster. So, pack your pearls and let’s dive in.
Here are Venturing OUT’s top recommended countries for LGBT travelers in 2023 and 2024:
Spain
España has been a queer favorite for years. Likely thanks to its liberal culture, prominent gay villages, and Mediterranean beaches. And Spain just keeps getting better! The country started off 2023 with new laws, now allowing legal gender changes and banning gay conversion therapy. Spain, shantay you stay!
Hit the hot spots – Pop over to the RIU hotel and grab a cocktail at 360° Rooftop Bar in Madrid. Once you’re done falling in love with the birds-eye view, keep the night going in Chueca district (central Madrid) where you’ll find a welcoming and colorful gay scene ranging from mild to wild.
March to the beat of your own drum – Grab a train to the coastal city of Alicante to escape the tourist crowds. Soak up the Mediterranean breezes and take in another 360-degree view, atop the Castle of Santa Bárbara that adorns the cliffs surrounding the local beach below. Be sure to also hire a ride inland to Bodega’s Francisco Gomez, an organic winery and vineyard offering intimate cellar tours and wine tastings.
We recommend visiting Spain in June for the many Pride celebrations.
Singapore
Okay, so Singapore may not recognize gay marriage…yet. But things are changing in this tiny country the size of New York City. At the end of 2022, Singapore finally eliminated the censorship of LGBT issues. It’s also officially ditched some ancient homosexual activity laws that haven’t been enforced in ages.
Why you might love it – Singapore is a paradise for shopaholics and street food connoisseurs. Titillate your taste buds with an incredible Asian fusion food scene of Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Indian, and more.
Other notable activities – Strolling Singapore’s Chinatown (night and day to NYC’s). Plunging into the world’s longest elevated infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands Singapore. And if you visit in August, join in the festivities of the city’s annual pride parade.
Argentina
Hello, gay-friendly wine country! Brazil’s neighbor to the south doesn’t get near enough praise if you ask us.
Many may be tempted to head straight forward to the big city allure of Buenos Aires, but we’d be remiss not to suggest Mendoza for a new world wine extravaganza.
Towering over Uco Valley’s endless vines are the majestic Andes mountains. Fine dining and wine-tasting venues offer uninterrupted views while you sip and sample. In Mendoza, you eat and drink like royalty in an atmosphere surrounded by the beauty of nature but with all the modern comforts of the big city.
Pro tip – Santiago, Chile is a quick 60-minute flight from Mendoza. You may as well pop over for a few days – you’re so close!
Taiwan
We love a trailblazing Asian nation! Taiwan legalized gay marriage officially in 2019 marking the first place in Asia to do so. We think that’s worth celebrating with a trip to East Asia.
Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, offers an array of gay-owned establishments, LGBT nightlife, and friendly queer locals. Explore one of the world’s largest night markets, Shilin, and sample exotics like oyster omelets, coffin bread, bubble tea, and ALL the noodle dishes you can get down your neck.
Gay it up – Don’t miss Taipei’s gay village in Ximending district around the Ximen Red House. Plus, give into your curiosities with a visit to one of the city’s various gay spas and saunas. Taiwan is one of our recommendations for travel in February for the Lantern Festival.
Canada
Whether you’re in Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver, many welcoming gay villages and epic drag shows await you.
For the city slickers – Montreal’s Le Village gai is one of the largest queer villages in North America. It’s the epitome of inclusivity and fun. Stop by Le Cocktail for a…well, cocktail! See a French drag show at Cabaret Mado. And for the late-night bar hoppers, Club Unity and Stereo will keep the party going.
ive your flannel fantasy – Nature lovers and those wanting to “get away from it all” can find peace in Banff (Alberta).
Gaze at the epic Canadian Rockies from a gondola, book a dog-sledding tour, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, and sip Chardonnay by the fireplace. It may be chilly outside but things are sure to heat up in your cozy cabin-style quarters.
Barbados
If you’re like us, you think of queen Rihanna when you hear the word, “Barbados.” And with some outdated laws being overturned recently in the fight for equality, this Caribbean gem will have you shouting, “please don’t stop the music!” all vacation long.
It’s said that Barbados is the birthplace of rum. Its most famous brand…? It’s called “Mount Gay!” – this feels correct. The island nation had its first LGBT Pride parade in 2018 and its gay scene is just getting started. Change IS happening though, and that’s worth celebrating.
To the west lies Payne’s Bay which is home to not only one of the island’s best beaches, but also the gay-friendly adults-only resort, Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels. Instead. You may also like the chic LGBT-friendly atmosphere at the pink-toned 1940s-inspired, Cobbler’s Cove.
PDA tip – “Gender-bending” public displays of affection in Barbados are still a pretty foreign concept to many locals. We recommend practicing some caution around showing PDA outside your resorts and tours.
Belize
Do you love a good Mexican beach destination but also feel ready to mix things up a bit?
It’s time to check out the island of Caye Caulker. You won’t quite get the party scene and crowds of a place like Puerto Vallarta here. However, you will find laid-back island life with chill locals, beach bars, and remarkable snorkeling and diving options.
Travel budget tip – Caye Caulker is an affordable romantic getaway for LGBT couples looking for quiet water-front accommodations with lively beach bars & restaurants in town.
And if you’re not sold on Belize, check out our other top gay beach destinations.
Germany
Somehow Germany (despite its liberal culture and eclectic gay scenes) still gets overlooked. Maybe it’s the strong neighboring competition like Spain, Italy, and Greece.
Either way, we are officially declaring Germany a must-see for anyone in the alphabet mafia. Whether you’re a single gay man ready to dive into the underground club scenes of Berlin, or an LGBTQ+ couple looking to spend the holidays nestled in your cabin in the snowy Alps, you WILL fall in love with Germany. We can pretty much promise it.
For best times to visit Germany, we recommend July and December but it really is a great year-round location.
Gay and away for the holidays – There is a quaint mountain town on the Austrian border called Garmisch-Partenkirchen (say that ten times fast). Think quaint Christmas markets with snow flurries, ski slopes, and all the charm of a small European town. You’ll want to get your hands on some wiener…schnitzel and sip on hot mulled wine (glühwein) while you’re in town.
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