In this guest post, Charlotte Hockin offers some insight into gay travel in Asia. She and her girlfriend, Natalie, have been traveling around the continent for the past two years. Here’s what they’ve learned from traveling as a lesbian couple in Asia.

Asia is a vibrant, diverse, and exciting continent to visit. However, for LGBT travelers, it can sometimes seem like a daunting prospect. There are countries that criminalize homosexuality, deeply pious states and regions, and places that have negative social opinions of the LGBT community. It doesn’t exactly sound like all fun and rainbows, does it?

When my girlfriend and I set off on our Asian adventures two years ago, we had no idea what to expect but admittedly were rattled. Not only were we backpacking for the first time but we were traveling as a couple. Neither of us were really into social media at that point, so it almost felt like we were alone. The only lesbian couple to ever travel! Sounds silly, I know, but that’s how it felt.

Fast-forward two years, and we’ve spent the better part of that time traveling around Asia. And do you know what? Gay travel there has been one hell of a ride! I mean, we’ve experienced it all: we’ve visited gay-friendly destinations, attended illegal drag shows, stayed with local families, and on the rare occasion, been the victim of discrimination and hostility.

With this in mind, we have put together this comprehensive guide for LGBT travelers in Asia (excluding the Middle-East & Russia). We want to share our experiences as a same-sex couple in Asia, as well as lay out all the factors that you should consider when planning your trip.

We believe that travel should be for everyone, and with our guidance, you can look forward to an incredible and, most importantly, safe journey of a lifetime.

Tip 1: Research local laws

When planning your trip, it’s important to be aware of local laws regarding the LGBT community in each country you want to visit. At the same time, I don’t want you to make the common mistake of obsessing about these laws. Or worse, letting the law prevent you from visiting certain places.

Often, the laws relating to acts of homosexuality are incredibly complex. Some only apply to gay men, others mean the LGBT community are not protected from discrimination, and some countries implement sharia law. Governments do not expect tourists to get their head around this for the sake of a two-week trip. As a result, these laws are usually only enforced for locals, not tourists.

Nevertheless, that’s not to say you shouldn’t exercise caution when in public places. We suggest avoiding any public display of affection (PDA) or anything you think may draw unnecessary attention. Not just for the purpose of the law, but for the sake of being respectful. (I will touch further on understanding local cultures and social opinions below.)

On the other hand, some LGBT travelers may not want to even visit countries where these laws exist. And that’s understandable. But Asia is a huge continent.

To put things into perspective, out of the 72 countries that still criminalize homosexuality, just 10 are in Asia (outside the Middle East and Russia). That means that even if you wanted to boycott the countries where anti-gay laws are in place, close to 80% of Asia is yours for the taking.

Personally, we don’t have an issue visiting countries where homosexuality is illegal. We’ve spent a lot of time in the past two years in Malaysia, for example, where Islamic law prevails, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. (Pristine beaches, delectable cuisine, vibrant culture — what’s not to love?)

In the larger cities, such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, we found a buzzing LGBT community. And we even illegally attended a spectacular drag show!

So I guess what I’m trying to say is: you don’t need to dismiss traveling in Asia for the sake of a few old-fashioned laws. Gay travel there is way too much fun for that!

Here are a few resources to help you research local laws:

• The International Lesbian and Gay Association – Their world map summarizes sexual orientation laws by country.
• Human Dignity Trust – This website has fact sheets on countries that criminalize homosexuality.
• State Sponsored Homophobia Report – Check out their 2017 world survey for a list of sexual orientation laws.

Tip 2: Understand the local culture

Understanding and respecting the local culture in each place you visit is just as — if not more — important than the first tip. Why? Well, think about it: you’re going to spend way more time in the company of residents than you are around law enforcement officers. Comprehending the social opinion of locals could save you a lot of awkwardness and funny looks in the long run.

You see, what we discovered is that even in some countries where homosexuality is legal, it remains taboo in the community. This could be due to religious beliefs, a lack of education around the subject, or, in some cases, plain bigotry.

However, isn’t that so in most places? Even in the most advanced countries, I think we can safely say there is room for improvement.

At the same time, understanding the local culture is also important for every traveler. PDA, for example, is frowned upon in most countries in Asia — even if you are a straight couple.

On the other hand, holding hands with somebody of the same sex is extremely common in India, whether it be your brother, sister, friend, or otherwise.

This is why it’s essential to educate yourself in advance, so you know what to expect.

The typical social situations we have found ourselves in have never been a cause for concern when traveling in Asia. Often people assume we are sisters or friends. And even on the rare occasion that we’ve tried to explain our relationship, some locals don’t understand. We once stayed with a family in Indonesia for over a week, and they never could get their head around the fact that we were a couple.

But that was OK with us. What’s important is that they treated us like family, and honestly, it’s one of our most memorable travel experiences.

On the other hand, there have been times where we were allocated a twin room despite booking a double, been catcalled for being lesbians, and had religious jargon thrown at us.

But again, doesn’t this happen everywhere?

We certainly didn’t allow these minor incidents to ruin our travel experience. On the grand scale of things, these are few and far between amid all the breathtaking experiences we had.

The United Nations Development Programme has a series of country reports about Being LGBT in Asia, including in-depth sections devoted to cultural and social attitudes.

Tip 3: Be prepared to adapt

When you take into consideration everything we’ve talked about, being prepared to adapt is part and parcel of gay travel in Asia. Although, when you think about it, doesn’t this apply to all travelers?

What I’m trying to say is that any place you travel to is bound to require an element of adaptation, whether it be the food you eat, the clothes you wear, or the way in which you address the locals. It’s about recognizing what’s socially acceptable and behaving in a way that’s both respectful and appropriate.

That said, it’s a controversial subject whether LGBT couples should travel to destinations where they can’t be entirely themselves. We get challenged on this a lot, and our point is simply this: There are many elements to some religions, cultures, and the like, that I’m sure many of us don’t agree with. However, does that mean we should boycott those countries? I think it would leave a very limited pool to choose from if that were the case.

At the same time, we can empathize with those who may not feel comfortable traveling to places where they can’t be themselves. Or perhaps feel anxious as a solo LGBT traveler or an LGBT couple. If this is the case, there are plenty of gay-friendly travel destinations both in Asia and elsewhere in the world. Either way, so long as you do your research and take all the necessary precautions, you have no reason to be afraid.

Tip 4: Look up the local gay scene

When traveling to a new place, one of the first things we do is look up if there’s a local gay scene. Let’s face it: everybody knows that gay bars are the most fun! But on a serious note, it’s comforting knowing there is a safe place you can go to — a space where you can be yourself without judgment and let your hair down.

Thankfully, most Asian countries boast an active gay scene of some kind. Particularly in the big cities, you can expect to find gay bars, nightclubs, saunas, gay-friendly hotels, and drag shows in abundance! We’ve had some of the wildest nights of our travels exploring the local gay scene. Whether it’s bar-hopping in Bangkok or attending illegal drag shows in Kuala Lumpur, you’re guaranteed a night to remember!

While a quick Google search will tell you where all the queer fun is at, Travel Gay Asia is an excellent website for finding LGBT-friendly spots in any city.

Tip 5: Connect with other LGBT travelers or locals

Again, socializing with people who understand you and won’t judge you is a reassuring way to adapt to a new place or culture. Of course, locating the local gay scene is a great start; however, not everybody has the guts to walk into a bar or nightclub on their own and attempt to make friends.

Thankfully, there are easier ways of meeting people in this day and age. Yes, the good old web has inundated us with opportunities to connect with like-minded people.

We suggest using social media to locate other LGBT travelers or locals in your area. Facebook is a fantastic platform for this, where a simple search will yield results for any LGBT groups in your area. Similarly, navigating certain hashtags on Instagram such as #gaybangkok or #LGBTAsia can help you locate all things LGBT near you.

Some useful platforms for meeting people are:

• Tinder
• Plenty of Fish
• Couchsurfing
• Purple Roofs (for finding LGBT-friendly accommodation)

You don’t need to use the above dating apps in any sort of romantic way either — they are just great resources for connecting with LGBT locals and travelers. If you’re lucky, you may find yourself connecting with a local who can show you all the best spots in their area.

While Gay Travel in Asia might seem daunting, it is far less scary than it sounds on paper. As a whole, we can honestly say we had nothing but a positive experience and made memories that will last us a lifetime. Asia is an extraordinary continent, oozing adventure, beauty, and culture. By following the advice in our article, and taking advantage of all the useful resources we’ve provided, we are confident Asia will steal your heart. Just as she has stolen ours.

Charlotte and Natalie are the explorers and adventurers behind Our Taste For Life. You will often find them wandering off the beaten path, immersed in nature, or enjoying authentic cultural experiences. The rest of the time, you will find them eating. Follow their journey on their blog or Instagram.
 

The post 5 LGBTQ Travel Tips for Asia appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

We want to speak to a wide range of voices on this website so have added an LGBTQ column to talk about travel issues that are important to some of our community members. This month, Dani, one of our LGBT columnists, shares the top five lesbian travel destinations in 2019.

I have told you everything you need to know about traveling as a lesbian and how to plan the perfect lesbian-friendly trip, but what about lesbian-friendly destinations? What are the greatest locations for an unforgettable lesbian vacation — where you don’t have to be afraid to get weird stares or have to be careful with PDAs if you’re with your partner.

There are dozens of spots that fit the bill, some of which became more interesting at certain times: Lesbos became popular with gay women when the Sappho Women’s Festival was created in 2000, Los Angeles saw an increase in lesbian travelers when The L Word first aired in 2004, and Madrid was particularly popular with queer visitors during 2017 WorldPride.

Here are five fantastic destinations that welcome LGBTQ+ travelers and have something that makes them particularly interesting for lesbians now, no matter if you’re traveling solo or with your significant other. Read on for why I think you should hit up one of them this year:

1. New York City, USA

Why go?: New York City is not only known as one of the gay-friendliest cities in the world and the top-ranked LGBTQ destination in the US but it is where the Stonewall riots kicked off the modern gay liberation movement in 1969.

2019 marked the 50th anniversary of this significant event in LGBT culture, and to commemorate, New York City hosted WorldPride in June — the Pride of Prides, a full month of festivities, with over 50 events. It’s the first time in its 20-year history that WorldPride was held in the United States, and many celebrities joined in the festivities, including Madonna, who rang in the 50th anniversary year with a surprise performance at the historic Stonewall Inn bar on New Year’s Eve.

There are many more things that make the city attractive for lesbian tourists — from world-class art museums to stunning Broadway productions and dozens of neighborhoods to explore, New York City is always worth a visit. In the summer, you will get to enjoy free performances by the New York Metropolitan Opera and the Philharmonic in the city’s parks, free outdoor movie screenings, and weekend flea markets and food markets. Check out Matt’s 3-day NYC itinerary that covers all of the city’s famous sights and museums.

You’ll also want to check out New York’s lesbian nightlife, including the iconic Cubbyhole Bar and Henrietta Hudson in the West Village, the popular Hot Rabbit party, and a number of Pride parties exclusively for women, such as the Femme Fatale rooftop party on Sunday.

If you want to learn more about the LGBTQ+ history of New York, I recommend this informative LGBTQ History Walking Tour of Greenwich Village.

When to go: June. The biggest event, World Pride Parade, takes place the last Sunday in June.

Before you go: Check out the lesbian events calendar before you visit NYC. There are regular lesbian stand-up comedy shows, dance parties, and exquisite drag shows. Events like lesbian speed dating or a comedy show are especially great if you are traveling solo.

2. Montreal, Canada

Why go?: Canada legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 and has been a popular destination for LGBT-travelers ever since, and while cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or Quebec are all LGBT-friendly , Montreal is known as the city with the biggest LGBT nightlife scene and is particularly lesbian-friendly (unlike most other popular LGBT destinations, which usually focus on male clientele). The favorable exchange rate of the Canadian dollar right now also means that a trip there is not too expensive.

Rue Sainte-Catherine is where most of Montreal’s gay nightlife is centered, and it’s the center of “the village,” Montreal’s gayborhood. Sadly, the infamous Le Drugstore, a lesbian bar on eight floors, closed down, but there are still plenty of amazing nightclubs. Don’t miss Complexe Sky, the biggest gay club in all of Canada, whose four floors each have different styles of music; the terrific rooftop terrace includes a pool and hot tub.

No matter if you make it to Montreal in time for Pride or not, I do recommend visiting in the summer, since the city prides itself on an abundance of outdoor activities during the warmer months. The streets are decked with outdoor seating, and you can relax on Jean Dore Beach on the shores of St Lawrence River, just minutes from downtown. Climb up to the top of Mount Royal for sweeping views over the city, marvel at the murals on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, and swing by lesbian-owned industrial warehouse-meets-beer garden Bar Alexandraplatz in the up-and-coming Mile-Ex neighborhood for a cold beer.

When to go?: No dates have been released yet, but there will hopefully be another edition of the popular Slut Island Festival, a feminist-queer DIY music festival that was founded in Montreal in 2013 mainly for performers and audiences who identify as women, trans*, gender-fluid, nonbinary, or people of color. The festival usually occurs in July.

Montreal Pride 2019 happens August 8–18, 2019.

Before you go: LezSpreadTheWord, an organization that publishes the feminist LSTW magazine and created the popular queer web series Féminin/Féminin, hosts the bimonthly girls party “Où sont les femmes?” — try to plan your trip around one of their awesome parties.

3. Mallorca, Spain

Why go?: Mallorca has been a popular holiday destination with Europeans for decades, but in 2012, the Spanish island popped up on the lesbian travel map for the first time thanks to the inaugural Ella Festival in Palma, Mallorca’s capital. In August, the festival celebrates its seventh edition, and no matter if you identify as lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender, or intersex, every woman is welcome at Ella! You’ll get to enjoy beach parties, concerts, and a number of activities, from paddleboarding to beach volleyball, as well as island excursions.

While most of Mallorca’s LGBT nightlife happens in Palma, I recommend exploring the rest of the island as well. The easiest way to get around is by car, but you can also reach many beautiful beaches and little towns by bus. There are over 260 beaches in Mallorca, but make sure to visit the picturesque small bays of Cala Formentor and Cala Pi, and Cala Mesquida and Playa de Muro for wide sandy beaches. Also worth a visit: the Cap de Formentor lighthouse on the northern tip of Mallorca, and as many as you can of the charming little villages that dot the island, for example, Sóller, Fornalutx, Valledemossa, and Deià.

When to go?: The Ella Festival is August 30–September 6, 2019. Add on a week of island exploration before or after the festival.

Before you go: Check out Lesbian Mallorca, the “lesbian lifestyle directory” of the island, has a great overview of lesbian bars and lesbian-friendly and lesbian-owned restaurants, hotels, and shops.

4. Provincetown, Mass., USA

Why go?: Provincetown, often referred to as P-Town, is a small fishing town at the northern tip of Cape Cod, and it has long been a favorite with LGBT travelers. The charming little seaside destination is a fantastic vacation spot for anyone — straight or gay — with over 200 independent shops, plenty of art galleries, delicious restaurants, and great beaches, but its focus on lesbian travelers and the celebration of freedom of expression are what makes this open-minded community so attractive for girls.

Provincetown has more lesbian-owned businesses per capita than anywhere else in the US, the highest concentration of same-sex households in the US, and many LGBTQ-owned B&Bs and inns. No matter if you are solo or with your partner, there’s something for everyone: Provincetown is home to the oldest gay bar in the US, the A-House; the gayest main street in the world, Commercial Street; one of the top ten gay beaches in the world; and the East End Gallery District, offering world-class art. No matter what time of year you’re visiting, you’re likely to stumble upon one of the town’s many themed weeks or weekends (see below).

The daily tea dance (4–7pm) at the Boatslip, an expansive deck that overlooks Provincetown’s West End Harbor, is something you have to experience once — expect a packed dance floor and great people-watching. You’ll make new friends there for sure.

When to go: Try to plan your visit around one of the many women-focused events, depending which one best fits your preferences and interests: Single Women’s Weekend (May 17–19); Womxn of Color Weekend (May 30– June 2); Pride (May 31– June 3); Girl Splash (July 23–27); Family Week, the largest annual gathering of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified families in the world (July 27–August 3); the incredible Carnival, which attracts 90,000 visitors (August 15–25); Women’s Week (October 14–20); or the weeklong transgender celebration Fantasia Fair (October 20–27).

Before you go: Since there are so many events year-round, make sure to check what’s going on in P-Town during the dates of your visit. If they happen to be during Carnival, for example, be aware that the town turns into party central. Never arrive without having accommodation booked in advance — B&Bs and hotels tend to fill up quickly.

5. Puerto Rico

Why go?: Just over a year after devastating Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico with full force in September 2017, the island is bouncing back. Almost all hotels are open again, the New York Times just awarded Puerto Rico the #1 spot on its popular 52 Places To Go in 2019 list, and thanks to its status as a United States commonwealth, the legal rights of LGBT citizens (same-sex marriage has been legal since 2015) have had a great influence on Puerto Rico, which is now the gay-friendliest of all Caribbean nations. Especially for Americans, Puerto Rico is an easy getaway: there are plenty of direct flights from East Coast airports (and other US hubs), you don’t need a passport, and it’s a fantastic winter escape, with temperatures around 81° Fahrenheit (27° Celsius) in January.

Both San Juan, the capital, and Ponce, the island’s second largest city, have several gay and LGBT-friendly bars and nightclubs, and last year’s Pride Parade in San Juan attracted more than 5,000 people. Most gay bars are in San Juan’s vibrant Santurce neighborhood. Circo Bar is the most popular, and Oceano is a sophisticated, gay-owned, open-air beach bar across from Condado Beach. While there aren’t any lesbian bars per se (the last one, Cups, closed a few years ago), the go-to place for lesbians is El Cojo Bar (in the Hato Rey district), but all of Puerto Rico’s gay bars welcome women. Also worth a visit are the gay bars Tía María Liquor Store and Splash Lounge.

While San Juan is the best base during your Puerto Rican gay-cation, don’t miss out on the rest of the island. The jungles of El Yunque National Forest will wow those who are usually not into hiking, the underground caves of Río Camuy Cave Park are spectacular, and of course there are dozens of picture-perfect Caribbean beaches all over the island.

A quick ferry ride brings you to Puerto Rico’s hidden gems: the island of Vieques, which is famous for Mosquito Bay, one of the most bioluminescent bays in the world, and Culebra Island, where the turquoise waters at the stunning Playa Flamenco makes all your Caribbean beach dreams come true.

Vieques, a small dreamy island largely untouched by tourism, is especially popular with lesbian travelers. Don’t expect any LGBT nightlife there, but instead serene beaches, unspoiled nature, and even wild horses that roam freely in some parts. TripAdvisor listed Vieques as one of Top 25 Beach Destinations in the world, because the island has “more than 40 beaches and not one traffic light.” If you’re looking for a relaxing hideaway or a lesbian-friendly wedding spot—the W Resort offers same-sex ceremonies—Vieques is the place for you.

When to go: Puerto Rico is a wonderful beach destination during the winter months in the northern hemisphere. Mid-April to June, before the summer rainy season starts, is also a good time to visit — you’ll encounter less crowded beaches and fewer tourists. The gayest event of the year is Puerto Rico Pride, but the date for the 2019 edition has yet to be announced; it usually happens on Memorial Day Weekend.

Before you go: The upscale beachfront Ocean Park area of San Juan is where most LGBT travelers tend to stay. Not far from there is Condado, a pedestrian area with a gay-friendly beach (the stretch facing the gay Atlantic Beach Hotel). TripSavvy has a list of gay and gay-friendly hotels in San Juan.

Of course, these are not the only places that are worth a trip this year — there are hundreds of others worldwide. You don’t have to trek halfway around the globe to discover new amazing destinations. Why not plan a lesbian city break during Pride weekend in a city nearby? But, out of all the places I’ve visited, I’ve found these had some of my favorite welcoming and vibrant lesbian communities! They shouldn’t be missed.

What are your favorites? Leave a comment and let us know.

Dani Heinrich is the vagabonding writer and photographer behind GlobetrotterGirls.com. Originally from Germany, she has been nomadic since 2010, when she quit her corporate job and embarked on a round-the-world-trip. She has traveled through over 60 countries on four continents and has no plans to stop any time soon! You can also follow her adventures on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
 

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The post The Top 5 Lesbian Travel Destinations appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

I’ve added an LGBTQ+ column to the website to make the site is more inclusive and talks about issues that affect some members of our travel community. In this column, we will hear from voices in the LGBTQ+ community about their experiences on the road, safety tips, events, and overall advice for other LGBTQ+ travelers. This week, Dani from Globetrottergirls shares some of her favorite lesbian travel blogs.

Ever since I started traveling full-time in 2010, I’ve been an avid blog reader. I am subscribed to dozens of blogs, and I have visited countless places after finding out about them on blogs.

Boracay in the Philippines, for example — I read about it on blogs.

Or Las Lajas in Colombia, which I visited this year, seven years after learning about it through a travel blog.

The charming French town of Colmar? I am now keen to visit it after it popped up on several blogs I read.

Without travel blogs, I would have never found out about these places. The same goes for cafés and restaurants, ice cream shops and bars, small art galleries, and great hostels. I read blogs for travel inspiration all the time, but also for travel tips when I research a destination I am planning to visit.

While there are dozens of couples’ travel blogs, solo female travel blogs, and a fair number of gay travel blogs, there have never been many lesbian travel blogs.

At least, until recently!

It seems that in the last year or two, there are a lot more people that are selling everything they own to go traveling, and that is also true in the lesbian world. For years, the L in LGBT travel blogs was filled by only a handful of blogs, but there has been an explosion of lesbian travel blogs recently and I am excited to see the lesbian travel blogosphere expand.

These girls have inspired me with their stories about off-the-beaten-path destinations such as Bahrain and Cuba, piqued my interest in destination weddings, and made me consider spending all my savings on a campervan and heading out on the open road.

If you are looking for travel inspiration, I recommend checking out the following lesbian travel blogs — and of course you don’t have to be an LGBT traveler to enjoy them:
 

1. 2 Moms Travel

Lara and her wife Deb travel with their two kids, showing that it is possible to travel with young children.

Recommended entry: “Europe: 6 Weeks, 2 Kids, 1 Suitcase”
 

2. Straight On Detour

Prue, a photographer from Australia, and Becky, a travel writer from England, have been traveling the world together since 2012, when they met in Thailand.

Recommended entry: “You’re Ready to Travel the World: But Is Your Relationship?”
 

3. Free Wheel Drive

Laura and Camrin are two girls from Wisconsin who, in June 2017, packed up everything they could fit into their Jeep Grand Cherokee named Tina and started traveling around North America while working remotely. Their plan is to hit up as many national parks as possible, to Couchsurf, to housesit, to use WWOOF (to work on organic farms), and to see how far they can get while traveling on a budget.

Recommended entry: “The Incredible Grand Teton National Park”
 

4. Vagabroads

The Vagabroads are Sunny, a former criminal defense attorney, and Karin, who used to be a network engineer. The couple, who hail from Nashville, TN, sold all of their possessions to go on an indefinite overland journey down the Pan-American Highway through the US, Mexico, and Central and South America.

Recommended entry: “Volcano Boarding the Cerro Negro Volcano in Nicaragua”
 

5. Once Upon A Journey

Roxanne and Maartje are two gorgeous blondes from the Netherlands who shared a dream of traveling the world together. In March 2017, they made their dream a reality, starting their journey in Russia with an epic train trip: the Trans-Siberian Express all the way to China. The girls are in Southeast Asia now and are planning to head to New Zealand next.

6. The Freedom Travellers

Victoria, a Brit, and Elaina, an Aussie, met at work in Australia. They quit their corporate jobs in 2014 and have been traveling ever since. So far, they’ve visited 39 countries together.

7. Dopes on the Road

Meg Cale and her wife Lindsay met online, dated long-distance while Meg was teaching in South Korea and Lindsay was in the United States, and finally got married last year.

Recommended entry: “We Eloped: Yup, Lindsay and I Got Married in Ecuador,” about their South American destination wedding.
 

8. Gabriela Here and There

Gabriela is an adventurer who has been traveling full-time since 2016 and is on a quest to visit every country in the world. Her current country count is 77!

Recommended entry: “Backpacking in Bahrain”
 

9. Travel with MK

Mei and Kerstin have beening together since 2002. Originally from Luxembourg, they share all kinds of travel stories and itnerviews with other travelers. They’ve lived abroad in a handful of countries and share amazing photography. Lots of inspirational content here!

Recommended entry: “Less-Known Towns in Europe”
 

10. Wandering Soup

Kat and Amber are two black foodies who have lived abroad in several countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam. They make videos, have a podcast, and also run a travel company. Their website has tons of helpful tips for expats and slow-traveling nomads.

Recommended entry: “Where to Vacation – for LGBTQI of Color”

I am excited to see the growing number of wanderlust-inducing lesbian travel blogs. All these blogs show though that there is always room for quality content on the internet, and there are still not enough lesbian voices out there.

If you’re an LGBT traveler, I hope these blogs provide the inspiration and advice you need. And if you’re not an LGBT traveler, these websites are still fun and informative to read!

Dani Heinrich is the vagabonding writer and photographer behind GlobetrotterGirls.com. Originally from Germany, she has been nomadic since 2010, when she quit her corporate job and embarked on a round-the-world-trip. You can also follow her adventures on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
 

The post The Best Lesbian Travel Blogs appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Earlier this year, I added an LGBT column for the website to make the site more inclusive and talk about issues that affect some members of our community. We hear from LGBT voices about their experiences on the road, safety tips, events, and overall advice for other LGBT travelers! Returning this month is our column leader, Adam from Travels of Adam to share some of his favorite LGBT travel films!

Of the many things that motivate me to travel and explore the world, movies are definitely one of the strongest influences. Cinematography helps us experience different worlds, stories take us to new places.

And as the experience of coming out feels like a journey for so many LGBT people, it makes sense that there’d be many LGBT movies that cover the emotional journey of discovery alongside the physical adventure of travel.

From Oscar-winning classics like Brokeback Mountain to cult favorites like To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar to arthouse cinema by Almodóvar and John Waters, many films inspire us to travel.

This is my list of all-time favorite LGBT-themed movies that include traveling, and they come in all genres, from silly comedies to thoughtful dramas, from Hollywood masterpieces to indie productions.
 

1. Brokeback Mountain

Brokeback Mountain is (rightfully) at the top of any LGBT movie list. This 2005 film tells the story of two cowboys and their annual trip from Wyoming to Texas. The beautiful scenery of the mountains and the men’s camping trip is the perfect background for this painful drama.

The film depicts how many gay relationships, however they’re defined, frequently start as friendships. However, there’s also often a struggle with society and one’s personal boundaries. Despite the tragic outcome, the story reminds us that love triumphs over hate — and over physical distance.
 

2. Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

From the mountains, we travel to the desert. Two of my favorite movies are inspired by sand and hot winds. The first one is a classic and has become a gay cult movie. Set in Australia’s Simpson Desert, 1994’s Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is actually the name of a bus used by two drag queens and a trans woman to cross Australia on their way to a casino in Alice Springs.

Along the journey, the characters interact with rural populations, aboriginal Australians, and homophobic gangs. A young Guy Pearce and award-winning costume design make the film especially memorable. The film’s combination of humor and drama is essential to any road trip movie because traveling gives you exactly that: laughs and tears.
 

3. C.R.A.Z.Y.

The second desert movie on this list is a more recent (2005) Canadian production, and the desert depicted is that of the beautiful city of Essaouira, Morocco (though the setting of the movie is actually Jerusalem).

C.R.A.Z.Y. is a story about acceptance and family life, but it includes an honest portrayal of traveling as a way of silencing the voices in our heads, only to return home completely empowered and strong. It follows Zac during his journey of coming out, which includes an escape to the Middle East before he reunites with his friends and family back home. Moreover, the soundtrack includes many iconic gay anthems, including Patsy Cline (“Crazy”), Giorgio Moroder (“Here to Eternity”), and David Bowie (“Space Oddity”).
 

4. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar

This 1995 film seems to be inspired by Priscilla, but the producers insist that production started before the Australian film was released. To Wong Foo follows the lives of three New York drag queens (Wesley Snipes, Patrick Swayze, and John Leguizamo) on a road trip from NYC to Los Angeles for a drag competition.

Naturally, their car breaks down and they end up stranded in small-town America, where they have several comedic and dramatic encounters with the local police and other stereotypical Southern characters. The movie shows both the welcoming and homophobic attitudes of the American South, but for me, the best part is the combination of black, Latino and “white” narratives during the road trip.

By overcoming stereotypes and hate — mostly depicted in the figure of a police officer — the drag queens change the lives of many people and rediscover the value of friendship.
 

5. Transamerica

Another great story, Transamerica features an outstanding performance by Felicity Huffman as a trans woman, Bree, on a road trip. Her therapist insists that she must make amends with her estranged son, who doesn’t know of her transition, before signing off on her final surgery. Bree drives her son from NYC to Los Angeles under the pretense of being a Christian missionary helping him out of jail and breaking his bad habits.

As they travel together and learn about one another, the movie explores the meaning of words like “father” and “mother,” “boy” and “girl,” all the while revealing the characters’ complicated and emotional journey. It’s a story about family life, tolerance, and self-respect.
 

6. Weekend

This 2011 British drama was director Andrew Haigh’s breakout film (before he went on to direct Looking and 45 Years). Two men who meet in a gay club looking for a casual hookup before one of them is to move away. They have a passionate weekend together, sharing intimate details and experiences: their coming out, past relationships, and thoughts on sexuality. It’s the story of that emotional, in-between moment before leaving something behind and starting anew: passionate, intense, and fleeting but unforgettable.
 

7. Y Tu Mamá También

While some people are hesitant to consider it an LGBT movie, I believe Y Tu Mamá También is clearly about the stigma against bisexuality (or about the freedom to overcome any labels). While on a road trip around Mexico, two teenage boys and an attractive older woman head to the beach, only to discover the secrets of their own passions against the backdrop of Mexico’s political and social realities. The movie deftly combines comedy and drama, and it shows how traveling opens us up to new experiences by fighting societal and internal worries or doubts.
 

8. Seashore (Beira-Mar)

This lovely film from Brazil tells the story of two young men on a road trip trying to recover legal documents from relatives, with a detour to the beach. The journey gives them the opportunity to reconnect while solving their own internal struggles. One of the boys is gay, and the story follows his internal dilemma of sharing that fact with his friend.

Part of the magic of this movie is that it’s a sweet and positive depiction of gay youth. The pain of coming out is mostly absent, and the whole experience is presented as natural and easy, with very little tension. There’s a sweetness to the story, a youthfulness—and, importantly, also a realness. Not everyone has a bad experience coming out. And those stories are just as worth sharing as the others.
 

9. Todo Sobre Mi Madre

It’s impossible to talk about LGBT movies and travel without making a reference to the work of Pedro Almodóvar. Many of his movies reflect gender, politics, and pain. Todo Sobre Mi Madre tells the story of a tragicomic drag queen and prostitute, Amparo, surrounded by a couple of lesbian theater actresses, a pregnant nun, and a mother (portrayed by Argentinian actress Cecilia Roth), all while searching for a trans woman who is the biological father of her son.

The tragic story is set in two beautiful Spanish cities, Madrid and Barcelona, and through the protagonist, we learn that every trip has a different meaning at different points in our lives.
 

10. Happy Together

As for Asian cinema, the must-see film is this 1997 classic by Wong Kar-Wai. A gay couple from Hong Kong travel to Argentina, with the objective of visiting the Iguazú waterfalls and resetting their relationship.

Their physical trip abroad is a metaphor for their spiritual trip and includes episodes of depression, emotional pain, and abuse. The story is tumultuous but reveals the power of resilience and shows us how traveling can affect both past and present relationships.
 

11. August

August is another gay-themed movie about separation and reunification. After living for many years in Spain, Troy travels back to Los Angeles and begins a journey that explores the boundaries of relationships and the ugly difference between reality and expectations.

For me, travel here is a symbolic way to break old habits and learn more about ourselves and others. Returning from a long trip always has its complications, especially when old relationships show up again. But it’s our journeys abroad that add to our own personal stories, and things always change before, during, and after a big trip.

We often travel to different places in other to imagine how life would be for us there, to discover new cultures and social contexts and to explore unknown parts of our own being. Many LGBT-inspired films do exactly the same. Today, it’s easy to explore both the real or fictional worlds of gay lives in many films from different cultures, cities, and social contexts as more and more LGBT films make it to mainstream screens.

But even if you don’t identify as LGBT, I encourage you to seek out these films that follow unique and personal stories, themes we can all relate to no matter our sexuality or gender.

Maybe the more LGBT movies you watch, the easier it is to interact with others who are different or have a background that’s hard to assess.

The same goes for travel.

The more international friends and acquaintances you have and the more diversity in your life, the easier to understand and empathize with other cultures.

Note: Some of these films aren’t 100% accurate in their depictions of LGBT people and may seem dated, but many of them have had a positive impact on LGBT culture and continue to be important.

Adam Groffman is a former graphic designer who left a publishing job travel the world. He’s a gay travel expert, writer, and blogger and publishes a series of LGBT-friendly Hipster City Guides from around the world on his gay travel blog, Travels of Adam. When he’s not out exploring the coolest bars and clubs, he’s usually enjoying the local arts and culture scene. Find more of his travel tips (and embarrassing stories) on Twitter.
 

The post 11 Incredible LGBT Travel Movies appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Back again this month is our LGBTQ+ column leader Adam from travelsofadam.com who is talking about the best websites, apps, and blogs for LGBTQ travelers. 

Today, modern lesbian, gay, bi, and trans travelers no longer need a print guidebook to find underground, gay-friendly places. We don’t have to walk around with colored bandanas to send secret signals when cruising. Why? Because now — more often than not — we’re out in the open.

The basic LGBTQ trip now starts like any other planned holiday. Where do we go? What do we want to do and see? How do we save money? Thanks to increased acceptance over the years, we’re far more out in the open and, with that comes a lot more options — both online and off — to plan your trip and find LGBTQ friendly attractions, businesses, tours, and ways to meet people.

While we don’t have to let our sexuality define our travels, if you’re looking for activities and people who share a similar lifestyle, these are the best tools on the web:
 

Where to Find LGBTQ Travel Inspiration & Things to Do

Travel Blogs & Vlogs
In this new era for the travel media industry, independent bloggers and YouTubers have been at the forefront. Increasingly, we base our travel decisions (where to go, what to do) on not just our friends’ Instagrams but those who’ve already been there, done that.

The most popular gay and lesbian travel bloggers (myself included) generally publish destination guides — it’s just a matter of finding the one that fits your own personal travel style. Here are some of my favorites (starting with my own):

• Travels of Adam
• Globetrotter Girls
• Dopes on the Road
• Nomadic Boys
• Only Once Today

For more blogs, check out my complete list!

Websites
There are a handful of dedicated LGBTQ travel websites that publish detailed and up to date guides. My favorite are:

• Out Traveler – once a print magazine, still publishes and maintains up-to-date LGBTQ city guides on its website.
• AfterEllen – Regularly publishes lesbian travel guides.
• TravelGay – Provide comprehensive city guides for destinations around the world.

Travel Guidebooks
The Damron series started out in 1964 for men but has also published a separate guidebook for lesbians for nearly 20 years. And Spartacus Publishing has a comprehensive digital guidebook as well as other resources.

Most mainstream guidebooks (such as Lonely Planet) also include information for LGBTQ travelers as well

Local Magazines, Newspapers, and Guides
There are countless independent, LGBTQ-oriented city magazines and newspapers around the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Australia or England — you’re going to find a local LGBTQ print publication or guide. Some will include weekly listings of clubs, parties, and events; others might feature personal ads.

One of the best ways to find them in a new city is to simply go to the queer neighborhood and then look for them in a bookstore or bar — anyone who’s ever been inside a gay bar or club is probably familiar with the stack of magazines, brochures, or flyers in the doorway or by the bathrooms. (And make sure to support those businesses that carry these publications!)

Also check out the pamphlets, flyers, and advertisements on the corkboard in the local LGBTQ center.

Some examples:

• Siegessäule, Berlin’s free gay magazine, likes to claim one of the highest readerships and circulations of any print media in Germany.
• Windy City Times still prints an LGBTQ newspaper for Chicago.
• Washington Blade operates in DC.
• Seattle Gay News covers Seattle.

Company Blogs
Even the biggest gay apps have started to push out content through their channels. Hornet acquired the one-time popular gossip blog Unicorn Booty several years ago and now publishes gay men’s travel guides for assorted cities (even if they’re slightly basic).

Each of the other hookup apps, including the more niche ones, like Surge and Planet Romeo, maintain regularly published blogs, sometimes featuring travel tips and local insider guides.

Scruff probably has gone the furthest in incorporating travel tips into its app with the feature Scruff Venture, which allows users to search a destination for other visitors, local ambassadors, and events.

IGLTA
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association is the leader when it comes to LGBTQ tourism. Its members include hundreds of airlines, hotels, destination tourism offices, and independent tour operators, both LGBTQ-owned and mainstream.

On its website, you’ll find a useful “Plan Your Trip” feature that searches through its members (just be mindful that these are members who have paid for their placement). It’s a great place to find LGBTQ-specific things to do on your trip.

Related: An In-Depth Guide to Planning a Lesbian-Friendly Trip

LGBTQ-friendly Accommodation
Often the most challenging part of gay travel can be finding an LGBTQ-friendly hotel or accommodation. Some of the biggest hotel chains and brands have actively supported the LGBTQ community by participating in Pride events around the world, by training all their staff (from the front desk to the reservations center) in diversity and inclusiveness issues, and by running LGBTQ-inclusive campaigns.

There are gay-specific accommodation websites such as Rainbow World Hotels, Purple Roofs, and MisterBNB, but you’ll almost always find the same listings on mainstream sites for far cheaper prices.

You’re paying a premium when trying to book through a gay-specific website, and in most instances, the mainstream sites and listings are increasingly safe and comfortable for LGBTQ travelers.
 

How to Meet Other LGBTQ Travelers

Gay travelers today are much luckier to have apps like Grindr in their pockets. I never would’ve discovered a gay bar in Amman without the Grindr app and a local’s helpful directions, nor would I have met that handsome tourist from Austria during Prague Gay Pride.

Meeting strangers is one of the joys of traveling, and there’s nothing better than having an LGBTQ local to show you around. It will certainly make a trip more interesting, much more memorable. Here’s where to find them:

The Hookup Apps
If there’s one thing that’s revolutionized our little gay world, it’s Grindr, the location-based hookup app for gay men. For better or worse (you either love it or hate it), Grindr has changed the way we find sex, love, or even friends and it’s also quite simply enabled a lot more connections. Grindr makes it easier to meet locals when you’re abroad, whether it’s for a romp in the bushes behind Berghain or an innocent coffee date. While sex does happen often enough through these apps, it doesn’t have to be the end goal or even your main objective to still find value in them. Here are the main useful apps:

• Grindr
• Scruff
• Jackd
• Tinder
• HER
• Recon
• Feeld

Networking Groups
For a long time, Couchsurfing was one of the best places to meet other LGBTQ travelers and locals. With a strong community, the bed-sharing and hosting network made it easy to connect with other travelers — and the “Queer Couchsurfers” group was one of the site’s most active and welcoming. There were plenty of times I used Couchsurfing not just for a place to sleep but also to attend local get-togethers.

On Meetup.com you’ll find most major destinations have LGBTQ/queer-themed groups and meetups, and these are often a great and safe way to meet other LGBTQ travelers in nonsexual encounters. Sometimes you’ll find them for very specific interests, whether it’s a group of gay science fiction fans in Berlin or LGBTQ professional networking in London.

StartOut, a nonprofit for professional business and entrepreneurship networking events in various American cities, is also worth checking out. Facebook, with its thousands of public groups, can also provide a great meeting point online — and then offline — through local city or regional networking groups. It’s just a matter of doing some research beforehand to find the right networking group for your trip.
 

A Note on Safety

As I’ve written before in this LGBTQ travel column, safety and comfort is an important part of any gaycation. Thankfully, there are more than enough resources online to help you decide what or where might be safer to travel. For a more independent look at the LGBTQ rights and safety situation, Equaldex is my favorite.

Unlike media and blogs, this is a crowd-sourced platform where users can post and share country-specific news articles related to LGBTQ rights. This can be especially helpful for those less-familiar places and to get a general comparison of LGBTQ inclusiveness around the world.

Over the years and thanks to new technologies and new formats for our media, the way we travel now has changed for the better. And for LGBTQ travelers specifically, these advancements have made it not just easier but also safer and friendlier. Using these tools and resources, so much more of the world is open to us.

Adam Groffman is a former graphic designer who left his publishing job to travel the world. He’s a gay travel expert, writer, and blogger and publishes a series of LGBTQ-friendly Hipster City Guides from around the world on his gay travel blog, Travels of Adam. When he’s not out exploring the coolest bars and clubs, he’s usually enjoying the local arts and culture scene. Find more of his travel tips (and embarrassing stories) on Twitter.
 

The post 30+ Essential Resources for LGBTQ Travelers appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

In this guest post, Dani from Globetrottergirls shares her tips and advice to help you plan the ultimate lesbian friendly travel experience!

When I started planning my first trip to Latin America in 2010, I wondered what it would be like to travel with my girlfriend in strictly Catholic countries, many of them known for their culture of machismo.

Would we be safe?

Would we get the chance to connect with local lesbians or meet other lesbian travelers?

I had traveled extensively around Europe and I’d been to LGBT hot spots in the US but had no idea what to expect in other parts of the world. Back then, there wasn’t much information online, and social media wasn’t as ubiquitous as it is now.

Today, planning a lesbian trip has gotten much easier since then. Still, if you are not traveling to a lesbian or a Pride festival, planning an LGBT-friendly trip can be daunting and overwhelming.

Where do you start?

How to go about finding queer-friendly destinations and meeting other gay travelers?

Like me, a lot of lesbians (especially first-time travelers) feel more comfortable traveling in an environment where they feel safe. With that in mind, I’ve compiled this ultimate resource for lesbian travelers, including websites you’ll want to bookmark for trip planning, LGBT-friendly booking sites, travel opportunities for same-sex couples or lesbian solo travelers, and how to meet like-minded people during your trip!

1. Trip-Planning Strategies

Maybe you’ve already got a destination in mind, or maybe you’re completely open. If this is your first international trip, you might want to play it safe and visit a country with liberal views on same-sex relationships — and not one of the 70 countries that have legal LGBT discrimination.

The US Department of State is a good place to start to gather LGBTQ Travel Information, including some pointers on staying safe as a queer traveler.

Both the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), a nonprofit human rights group in Geneva, and the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) are excellent resources. The former has a detailed overview of sexual orientation laws around the world, and the latter has good trip-planning tools.

Damron publishes a complete travel guide by and for lesbians every year, including listings in North America, South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and major cities in Europe and Asia. It also includes festivals, lesbian tours, and conferences, as well as information for vegetarians and multiracial couples and on wheelchair access, among much more.

Passport Magazine is one of the only gay and lesbian travel magazines still in publication in the United States. It covers LGBT travel, culture, adventure, and style. It’s the perfect go-to if you’re looking for some lesbian travel inspiration.

If this is your first trip abroad, and you don’t want to travel too far from the US, I recommend Costa Rica, which is very LGBT friendly. Manuel Antonio has plenty of gay-owned hotels, and Playa Samara, my favorite beach in Costa Rica, even has a lesbian-owned B&B right on the beach.

Mexico is one of the countries that surprised me most in terms of gay-friendliness: Not even in San Francisco did I see as many gay couples openly holding hands and making out in parks as I did in Mexico City!

Moreover, Puerto Vallarta is the “gay capital” of Mexico, and along with the nearby beaches of the Riviera Nayarit, it makes for an easy getaway from the US — where you can be out without worrying about how you may be perceived.
 

2. How to Find Lesbian-Friendly Travel Companies

The IGLTA has a comprehensive list of all of its official partners, which include companies like Delta, Hilton, Marriott, and Disney.

Expedia has a separate section for queer travelers, featuring LGBT-welcoming hotels and guides to top gay hotspots.
 

3. How to Find lesbian-Owned and -Friendly Accommodation

The best place to look for lesbian-owned and lesbian-friendly accommodation is Purple Roofs, the world’s largest travel directory of LGBT-friendly accommodation. Over 4,800 bed & breakfasts, hotels, vacation rentals, and other properties are listed. Simply type in your destination and all available properties there will be listed. You’ll see right away if it’s lesbian or gay owned, the price per night, and a description of the property.

Another option is to look for TAG Approved® hotels, which are those that are not only LGBT friendly but also support the LGBT community in their employment policies and services. (TAG stands for Travel Advocacy Group.) There are around 2,000 such hotels, including several big chains, such as Hilton Hotels, Marriott, Sheraton, and The W. Similar to Purple Roofs, you can type in your destination and be shown a listing of all TAG Approved® hotels there.

While Purple Roofs focuses on small, independent businesses, TAG features mostly bigger hotel corporations. The advantage of TAG is that it features many hotels that are members of travel reward programs, so if you are looking to use points in a lesbian-friendly hotel, the TAG website will be more useful for you.

Not every lesbian cares if she is staying in explicitly LGBT-friendly accommodations. So if you’re not sure of the kind of place you’re checking in to, you may well run into this issue: having to decide if you are comfortable requesting a double bed when you are given two single beds. I don’t know how many times my partner and I were shown a room with two beds after explicitly booking a double bed. Most receptionists simply assume that two girls traveling together are friends or sisters; rarely do they assume that they are a couple.

I do remember situations in which I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to ask (in Malaysia, for example, where LGBT rights are largely unrecognized).

If you’re confident enough, you can ask for a room with one bed instead, which is what I started doing after I got tired of squeezing into a single bed with my girlfriend. But not everyone is comfortable doing this, so if you want to be 100% sure that you’re welcomed — especially when traveling as a couple — I recommend booking lesbian-friendly accommodation.
 

4. The Best Lesbian Tours and Cruises

There are several providers for lesbian tours, the biggest one being Olivia. Olivia offers all-lesbian vacations, ranging from resorts to cruises. Olivia always buys out a whole resort or charters the entire ship to make sure the trip is a safe space for women so that they feel like they can be out without worrying about anything.

In addition to ships or resorts filled with lesbians, Olivia also offer the best lesbian entertainment on their vacations, including artists like Melissa Etheridge, the Indigo Girls, Wanda Sykes, and Lily Tomlin.

Olivia is a great option for couples, but also for solo travelers who can’t find anyone to travel with but aren’t ready to go on a trip by themselves. One of the things that make Olivia special is that women come together on their trips to meet new people and form friendships, and many women travel with Olivia over and over again.

Diva Destinations is a UK-based lesbian tour operator that offers hosted lesbian group holidays around Europe, for example, the Women’s Festival in Lesvos, Greece; a golf-themed cruise; and river cruises around Europe. (These are not limited to lesbian travelers from the UK, by the way.)

R Family Vacations, founded by Rosie O’Donell, started out as “R Family Cruises” but has since grown into other kinds of LGBT family vacations. In addition to its popular family vacations for lesbian parents and their kids, the company has launched an “Adult Vacation” line, which offers kid-free vacations, not strictly for lesbian travelers but both gay men and women. In contrast to R’s family vacation line, the adult holidays aim to connect LGBT travelers without kids.

Another company that offers mixed cruises (for gay men as well as lesbians), is Aquafest Cruises, which specializes in discounted LGBT cruises to destinations such as Alaska, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, and Asia. Aquafest’s cruises are considerably cheaper than other gay and lesbian cruises (including the above mentioned R Adult Cruises), and it also offers themed cruises around celebrations like Mardi Gras and Halloween. Entertainment on board includes lesbian get-togethers, singles get-togethers, theme dance parties, gay Olympics, stand-up comedy, cabaret, and celebrity singers.

Out Of Office is a newer travel start-up that arranges high-end holidays for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender couples as well as gay-friendly flights, hotels, transfers, and excursions. It also offers several itineraries aimed at lesbian travelers (guaranteeing that the tour operators and hotels used in the itineraries are lesbian-friendly), and group trips for LGBT travelers to destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, and China.
 

5. How to Meet Other Lesbians While Traveling

These days, the easiest way to meet other lesbians while traveling is through dating apps (even if you’re not looking for a hook-up). I’ve met other lesbian solo travelers this way while backpacking through South America, had a girl show me around Milan, and got a great introduction to Tel Aviv’s lesbian scene, all of which I wouldn’t have otherwise. I am still in touch with most of the girls and happy to return the favor when they’re visiting New York.

The dating best apps to connect with other lesbians are HER (the most popular lesbian one) and all-gender dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid or PlentyOfFish. HER also has a listing of lesbian parties, meetups, festivals, and more, so you can check what is going on in the place you’re visiting.

A great option to meet lesbians who travel is through Couchsurfing groups. You don’t need to stay on a stranger’s couch if you don’t want to — Couchsurfing also has thousands of groups for all sorts of interests, including lesbian and queer groups. Here are some lesbian groups I am a member of:

Simply post about an upcoming trip and see if any other lesbians happen to be traveling in the same area or live in the place you’re visiting.

There’s another use for Couchsurfing groups: you can see if there are any LGBT or lesbian groups in the city you’re planning to visit. Most big cities have queer groups and they have regular meetups. They’re an easy way to connect with communities all over the world.

Meetup.com is a similar option, but with groups broken up into more specific interests. New York City, for example, has groups for “Lesbians Who Brunch,” “Black Lesbians,” and gay twenty-somethings, to name just a few. Just scroll through the meetup groups in the place you’re traveling to and join a meetup that fits your interests.

Facebook is also becoming an increasingly popular way to connect with other lesbians, and you can search for lesbian groups, as well as events in the city you’re traveling to.

Join the groups you find interesting and RSVP to events you think you’ll enjoy. If you’re comfortable going out by yourself, check if there are any lesbian bars or parties while you’re visiting.
 

6. How to Travel Safe as a Lesbian

As I mentioned above, you should be doing a fair amount of pre-trip research about your destination(s), especially if you are traveling abroad.

What’s the country’s stand on same-sex relationships?

Are there laws that allow discrimination against LGBT persons?

Have there been any incidents involving queers?

It’s a controversial topic if gay and lesbian travelers should visit anti-LGBT countries, but I know a lot of lesbians who are willing to travel to such places. So if your dream is to climb Kilimanjaro, you’ll obviously tone down the PDAs there, considering that Tanzania is a country where same-sex sexual acts are crimes punishable by the state.

If you don’t want to risk being assaulted as an out-and-proud lesbian, then don’t travel to countries that are known to be severely homophobic. Choose your destination wisely and only travel to a place you’re comfortable visiting, especially when on a solo trip. I, for example, can block out the catcalls and whistling that are common in Central America, but I know other lesbians who can’t handle that kind of machismo.

If you are traveling as a couple, you will find yourself toning down PDAs a lot, as I have mentioned in my previous article: Lesbian Travel: 4 Things To Know.

When traveling alone, take the same precautions other solo female travelers take: be street-smart and vigilant, always listen to your gut feeling, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t flash your valuables.

As a lesbian, you may be more worried about your first trip overseas than your straight friends who don’t have to think about potential discrimination and anti-LGBT-laws, but as long as you do your research and thoroughly plan your trip, you don’t have to be afraid. On the contrary: you’ll probably be surprised to see how welcoming most places are of lesbian travelers.

If you want to be on the safe side, go with a lesbian tour company for your first trip, but after having traveled all over the world independently for years, I can honestly say that I have never felt threatened anywhere, simply because I took all the precautions necessary to stay safe as a lesbian traveler.

Traveling has given me so many unforgettable experiences, connected me with other lesbians all over the world, and shown me some of the most beautiful spots on the planet — and I have no doubt that it will do the same for you.

Dani Heinrich is the writer and photographer behind GlobetrotterGirls.com. Originally from Germany, she has been nomadic since 2010, when she quit her corporate job and embarked on a round-the-world-trip. She’s is always on the hunt for amazing street art, mouthwatering food, secluded beaches, scenic running routes, off the beaten path gems and a hammock to work from. You can also follow her adventures on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
 

The post An In-Depth Guide to Planning a Lesbian Friendly Trip appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

In this guest post, Adam from Travels of Adam shares his favorite LGBT events from around the world!

It was raining when I walked up to the park entrance, decked out in a brightly colored banner and a row of security staff checking bags. In front of me, a guy was wearing a pink tutu under a blue poncho and two girls to my right had faces painted with more colors than I could count. I could hear the beats from a faraway stage.

A little while later, the rain clouds disappeared, and a rainbow lit up the sky. No, this wasn’t your typical music festival, nor was it a Gay Pride festival — it was Milkshake Festival in Amsterdam.

Milkshake Festival takes place the week before Amsterdam’s annual Gay Pride and is labeled as a festival “for all who love” (raises hand). Most major queer performers, from Peaches and Mykki Blanco to crossover indie acts like Hercules and the Love Affair, have performed here.

There are bright colors, crazy costumes, incredible performances, half-naked dance parties, drugs, and people of all shapes and sizes. It’s wild and it’s wonderful! And it’s more than just a celebration of LGBT pride — it promotes and celebrates queer culture like only a multicultural, independent, and original festival can.

Gay Pride festivals in the West were once opportunities to be visible and publicly demand equal rights. As more and more of those rights have materialized (especially in the past few years), the political aspect of many Gay Prides has diminished. That’s not to say it’s totally gone (read on), but these days, a lot of our Gay Pride celebrations center around headline bands, parades, parties, and plenty of skin.

Gay Pride is a lot of fun — but the fun doesn’t have to stop there. All year long, there are dozens of festivals and events celebrating LGBT culture, sports, and arts, some specialized for different segments of our community or particular fields of interest. It’s a great way to experience a new destination, surrounded by like-minded travelers and locals.

These are some of the best LGBT events and festivals around the world:
 

LGBT Film Festivals

Even if you’re not a film aficionado (spoiler alert: I am!), film festivals are a great way to experience LGBT or queer culture. There are literally hundreds of LGBT-specific film festivals taking place around the world. From small towns like Bloomington, Indiana (Bloomington PRIDE Film Festival) to less-than-expected cities like Fort Worth, Texas (Q Cinema), these are often fun events to meet other LGBT locals and see outstanding cinema.

And the best part? They happen year-round!

At the Q Cinema Film Festival, local and regional filmmakers from Ohio to Louisiana premiered their works. It was a small and casual affair at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, catered by local businesses and an easy place to meet filmmakers, actors, and documentarians between screenings. “Professional lesbian” stand-up comic Vickie Shaw (who has performed on LOGO and Olivia Cruises and at HRC events) had the audience in tears from laughter. Featuring the best empanadas I’ve had in Texas; it was a fun weekend.

Bigger LGBT film festivals like the legendary OutFest in Los Angeles or BFI Flare in London are as popular for industry insiders as they are for local film fans and visitors.

At these larger events, you generally need tickets in advance — especially for big-picture premieres.

In Berlin, the leading Berlinale International Film Festival presents the Teddy Awards for excellence in LGBT cinema; past Teddy winners — about murder, mystery, sexual desire, and everyday themes — have often been attended by A-list celebrities.

Why visit an LGBT film festival?

While more often than not big Hollywood productions don’t include LGBT characters, at an LGBT film festival, you’ll find films touching on every aspect of queer identity and culture.

Besides, everyone loves to see a bit of themselves portrayed in the movies. Movies can also be the perfect kind of escapism, the chance to see different scenarios related to our own personal experiences or emotions.
 

Art, Music, and Theater Festivals

Sure, it’s a stereotype that a lot of those in the art, music, and theater industries might identify as LGBT, but that’s what makes these institutions so colorful. Around the world, there are many cultural festivals and events tailored specifically to LGBT artists and performers.

Each May, the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival celebrates LGBT artists, writers, and performers in the hometown of celebrated gay writer Oscar Wilde. Theater companies from around the world get the chance to show their work — including but not limited to musicals, dramas, comedies, and cabaret — over two weeks throughout Dublin. With both free and paid events, it’s a fun way to experience Ireland’s LGBT culture and history.

Afterward, a lot of artists bring their successful submissions to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Though not explicitly gay, it always includes plenty of LGBT artists. And naturally, because of the large number of international performers and creatives in Edinburgh during the month — whether as spectators or performers — there’s just a great big gay vibe in the city.
 

Gay Sporting Events

While a lot of the biggest gay events occur in the summertime, there are plenty of gay festivals each winter, too. Gay ski weeks are a thing: imagine drag queens in hot tubs, daytime adventures from skiing to snowshoeing (or lounging by the fireplace with a hot cup of cocoa), and steamy, late-night parties. European Gay Ski Week takes place in Switzerland each winter, while North America’s largest ski area celebrates Whistler Pride & Ski Week each January. There’s a definite party vibe to these ski events, but in such a relaxing and peaceful setting, it’s easy to enjoy as a couple or a single.

There are the lots of gay rodeos in the United States organized by theInternational Gay Rodeo Association.

Attending any gay sporting event as an athlete is always fun (plus there’s the prospect of trophies and prizes), but usually, these are big events that overtake towns and cities, turning them into temporary queer meccas and creating a way for anyone to enjoy somewhere new safely and comfortably out.
 

Lesbian & Transgender Festivals

Some segments of the LGBT community are regularly sidelined in many events and festivals. Lesbians have a handful of events around the world to look forward to each year, however — from the annual ELLA International Lesbian Festival each summer in Spain (in recent years these events have expanded to Colombia and Mexico) to The Dinah in Palm Springs.

Both are heavily attended by international visitors and include music acts, parties, and more — all with a very festive vibe and in summery locations, so expect bikinis, sunglasses, and lots of swimming (or poolside lounging).

Since 2006, the National Transgender Charity has hosted an annual transgender festival called Sparkle in the Park in Manchester (arguably the UK’s gayest city). It brings in over 22,000 people at the Sackville Gardens (where a National Transgender Memorial stands) in the city’s gay village. There’s free music, entertainment, and educational workshops. Alongside the festival, a “fringe” event features plenty of cabaret, music, theater, and comedy.
 

Political, Human Rights, and Tech Events & Conferences

In addition to the many fun festivals and events described, many LGBT events are also still entrenched in serious political activism. Even the gay sporting events often run alongside LGBT conferences dealing with activism and politics. And many Gay Pride festivals are attended by local political action groups, political parties, and activist organizations.

But there are also many conferences year-round by national and global organizations dealing exclusively with human rights. In Fort Lauderdale each autumn, the city hosts the Southern Comfort Conference where transgender activists and educators gather for learning and networking. These events were canceled the past few years, but they plan on bringing them back in the future.

Other activists and allies meet each year at conferences organized by OutRight International, the National LGBTQ Task Force, and the ILGA — offering community leaders from around the world a chance to meet and plan LGBT equality initiatives around the world.
 

Gay Circuit Parties

There are mega-parties that take place annually around the world, catering to different segments. For example, Provincetown attracts bears and their admirers for the annual Provincetown Bear Week each July.

Then there are circuit parties, popular for a particular subset of gay men. While these mega dance parties have been around for decades, it’s Barcelona’s annual Circuit Festival which has made the mega electronic-music parties popular again.

Barcelona’s Circuit Festival has become so big and so popular since starting up in 2007, the entire city seems to be overflowing with hunky gay men for weeks leading up to and following the festival. With beach and foam parties, all-day & night DJs, and (so it seems) a rule that requires men to go topless, similar gay circuit festivals are now popular around the world from Bangkok (GCircuit during Songkran) to Tel Aviv, Amsterdam and WE Party in Madrid.

Similar parties to the circuit festivals include Southern Decadence in New Orleans (friends swear by it being one of the best parties in NOLA, the “gay Mardi Gras”) and Winter Party in Miami.

And then there are the Gay Days Orlando — the first Saturday of June where tens of thousands of gays and lesbians descend upon the Magic Kingdom and at hotel pool parties throughout the city for sun and fun.
 

Other LGBT Events

Not all LGBT events are based around big parties, however. Just as the full LGBT spectrum includes so many varied sexualities and gender identities, it makes sense there’d be an equally wide range of events for every type of individual.

In Sonoma each Spring there’s the Gay Wine Weekend for three days of tastings, dancing and food in a picturesque setting.

In Slovenia, Pink Week is a week-long experience throughout the country including wine tastings, museum tours and culminating in a formal ball to benefit LGBT organizations in the country.

Black Tie in Dallas, Texas raises donations each year for both local and national LGBT organizations.

Events like the Lesbians Who Tech summit promotes LGBT technology and science for general audiences. It’s an event where technology and queer culture intersect, giving LGBT start-up employees and entrepreneurs the chance to network, brainstorm, and discuss ideas and innovations in related industries. Past presentation topics have included hackathons, feminism, and virtual reality — all from a queer perspective — and LGBT apps and queer history (or in some cases, both at once).

Family-friendly LGBT events are increasingly popular as well, including many zoos from Berlin to Washington, D.C. which open up for specific “gay days” to promote family equality. Check local LGBT community centers for the most up-to-date listings of similar events.

Globally, Wikipedia has the most comprehensive list of LGBT events, while Travel Gay Europe and Travel Gay Asia both have an up-to-date event, festival, and party listings for each respective continent.

To be LGBT is to be a part of a really diverse community. Luckily for us, there are so many different LGBT events for so many different niches and interests, it’s easy to find a cool festival or event abroad or at home.

Traveling to an event like this is a great way to meet other like-minded travelers — those that share the same passions and interests — or to experience a new place through a comfortable or familiar lens.

Adam Groffman is a former graphic designer who left his publishing job to travel the world. He’s a gay travel expert, writer, and blogger and publishes a series of LGBT-friendly Hipster City Guides from around the world on his gay travel blog, Travels of Adam. When he’s not out exploring the coolest bars and clubs, he’s usually enjoying the local arts and culture scene. Find more of his travel tips (and embarrassing stories) on Twitter.

The post Great LGBT Events to Visit (Other than Pride) appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

I’ve added an LGBTQ column to the website to make it more inclusive and talk about issues that affect some members of our community. In this column, we hear from voices in the LGBTQ community about their experiences on the road, safety tips, events, and overall advice for other LGBTQ travelers. Returning this month is our column leader, Adam from travelsofadam.com. 

The great thing about travel today is that more of the world is accessible and open — no matter your sexuality or gender identity. While there have been ups and downs in the political movement for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) equality, major cities still provide the safest and friendliest spots for members of these communities.

I’ve been traveling around the world since 2009 and have visited some of the world’s most popular LGBTQ-friendly destinations along the way. I’ve marched and danced in Gay Pride parades from Sydney to Stockholm and been to more queer music festivals than I ever even imagined existed. And as the Orlando Pulse shooting reminded us, clubs are still important places to find culture and community.

Many cities really strut their LGBTQ history and queer identity. Using some of my favorite LGBTQ travel resources, I’ve compiled this list of 12 great gay-friendly destinations. There are, of course, many more such hot spots around the world, but these are my favorites because of their history of activism, the number of diverse LGBTQ events they host, and the fact that they’re just really cool cities.

If you’re a gay, lesbian, bi, trans, or queer traveler looking for a city that has it all, check out one of these:
 

1. New York City

New York City is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world — and there’s no denying it’s a special place for queer people. It’s the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, which began in 1969 when the Stonewall Inn was (again) raided by police, and the crowd inside and out rebelled and rioted. Located in the West Village (part of Greenwich Village), the Stonewall still operates as a bar and club today and was recognized as a national historic landmark, with a plaque and statue commemorating its history.

Greenwich Village is home to countless other LGBTQ venues. While it’s easy and enjoyable enough to wander the area on your own, there are several guided tours that mingle the history and present, including the long-running and popular Oscar Wilde Tours.

Besides the Stonewall, other Village gay clubs and hangouts are Julius’ Bar (serving cheap but tasty bar food), the site of Mattachine Society events in the past and present; and Pieces, known for its legendary drag performances.

There are also LGBTQ scenes scattered around the city, with many bars located in Hell’s Kitchen (near Broadway), Chelsea, and the East Village, as well as other boroughs, including in Astoria (Queens) and Williamsburg (Brooklyn).

Organizations that regularly host LGBTQ special events include the gender-neutral clothing store and event space The Phluid Project, the Leslie Lohman Museum of Art, and the city’s LGBTQ Community Center. Look for LGBTQ events, news, and special things to see and do in the city’s gay newspaper, Metrosource.

When to visit: June is National Pride Month in the United States, and NYC hosts the nation’s largest Pride event, always during the last weekend of June. Millions of visitors flock to the city for a parade that weaves through Manhattan (always passing by the iconic Stonewall Inn) and ends with an outdoor music festival on one of the city piers. Halloween is also an equally queer-friendly time to visit New York City, because there’s a massive Halloween parade that marches through Greenwich Village. For movie lovers, the NewFest queer film festival takes place in October.
 

2. Berlin

Germany’s capital has a unique place in gay history. In the 1920s Weimar era, it was one of Europe’s most liberal cities — home to gaudy cabaret and the site of one of the first gay villages. Today, Berlin’s free-spirited attitude has propelled it to the top of many “best of” lists thanks to 24-hour nightlife, a burgeoning art and food scene, and a diverse, international population.

Historically, the gay center of Berlin was around Nollendorfplatz in Schöneberg, an area still popular for its fetish clubs and leather bars, not to mention the legendary Folsom Europe street party each September and a gay history museum. But in today’s Berlin, the new hot spots are found throughout the Kreuzberg and Neukölln neighborhoods, in indie bars and clubs such as SchwuZ, SilverFuture, or Tristeza — all popular spots for drag shows.

Berlin’s legendary nightlife shines through queer parties that are increasingly not just for LGBTQ people — everything from the techno-fueled weekends at Berghain to KitKat Club’s open and accepting fetish atmosphere.

When to visit: Visit Berlin during the summer, when the city comes alive with countless festivals, open-air parties, and queer events. The annual Christopher Street Day parade (Gay Pride) is celebrated by hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists each July.
 

3. Manchester

While London still holds an important place in the UK’s LGBTQ scene, Manchester plays host to a number of the biggest and best queer events in the country. Once the home to iconic gay hero Alan Turing, Manchester became internationally famous thanks to the 1990s TV series Queer as Folk set in and around the city’s gay neighborhood, Canal Street.

Today, Canal Street is still filled with bars, clubs, and other gay-owned businesses — from the pretty and glitzy Richmond Tea Rooms to popular nightclubs like G-A-Y and Via Manchester. The city’s Northern Quarter, with its trendy bars, underground rock clubs, and small indie art galleries, has also become a queer-friendly hot spot a little further removed from the twinky, tank top–filled Canal Street.

When to visit: Manchester Pride each September is the UK’s largest, but other queer events happen year-round, such as the trans-focused Sparkle Festival in July and the Queer Contact arts and theater festival each February.
 

4. Dallas

Maybe it’s not the first LGBTQ-friendly place you think of in the United States, but Dallas, Texas, has become a hot spot in the past decade. The Oak Lawn neighborhood is the epicenter of queer culture there, with many gay bars and LGBTQ-owned businesses on Cedar Springs Road, as well as in the nearby Bishop Arts District.

Legendary nightlife venues like Station 4 and the Round-Up Saloon attract big crowds each weekend with their drag shows, square dancing, and other special events. And for those looking for slightly more offbeat travel adventures, the nearby Wildcatter Ranch is a gay-friendly cowboy resort.

The city of Fort Worth (just a 35-minute drive from Dallas if you get really lucky with traffic) is also home to a handful of LGBTQ bars and venues, though without the distinct “gayborhood” you’ll find in Dallas.

When to visit: Dallas Pride takes place each September, but the Oak Lawn neighborhood also comes alive, full of color and costumes, each Halloween for the annual Oak Lawn Halloween Block Party.
 

5. Los Angeles

With its seemingly endless warm weather, sunshine, and meticulously manicured population, Los Angeles has been one of the United States’ most gay-friendly cities for a long time. So much so that since 1969 there’s been an LGBT center in the city that now boasts it serves more queer people than any other organization in the world. You’ll also find the ONE Archives Foundation here, tasked with recording LGBTQ history by preserving historical artifacts, publications, and testimonies.

Then there’s the nightlife, including West Hollywood’s gay clubs and bars, such as crowd favorites The Abbey and Rocco’s. Besides the “gay ghetto” of “WeHo,” Silver Lake is also a popular hot spot. There you’ll find The Black Cat, site of the first documented LGBTQ civil rights demonstration in the US and now a popular brunch hangout. For nightlife in Silver Lake, AKBAR draws the bearded hipster crowd with its small dance parties.

When to visit: The LA Pride Music Festival and Parade takes place each June in West Hollywood, with hundreds of thousands of spectators. But if summertime is too hot, the biggest gay party of the year is the free Halloween Carnival, a street party on Santa Monica Boulevard.
 

6. Tel Aviv

One of the Middle East’s most vibrant and welcoming cities, Tel Aviv has fashioned itself into a popular LGBTQ travel destination, especially during the summertime. Tel Aviv Pride is popular for Europeans and Americans, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each June with beach parties, street fairs, and an inclusive parade with celebrity attendees. The Tel Aviv Municipal LGBTQ Center, located in Meir Park, hosts small community events for locals (occasionally in international languages as well).

Hilton Beach is the city’s primary gay beach, with men (and occasionally women) spending their days playing beach volleyball or the local favorite sport maktot (a beach version of tennis or ping pong). Nearby Frishman Beach and all the beachside restaurants, bars, and cafés are very welcoming.

Just down the street from Tel Aviv’s biggest tourist attraction, the Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel), is the popular LGBTQ bar and café Shpagat. Operating as a café and small restaurant by day, it turns into a lively bar great for dates or occasional dancing (often spilling out onto the sidewalk in front) at night. Other bar and nightlife venues include Lima Lima Bar (with a nice outdoor space), the hipster Kuli Alma art and club space, and Uganda Bar (which used to be located in Jerusalem).

When to visit: With its party beaches, impressive culinary scene, and rich history, Tel Aviv is one of the hottest cities in the Middle East, and therefore it’s oftentimes a summer destination. Tel Aviv Pride takes place in mid-June each year and is without question the gayest time of year to visit, but the city’s many other attractions, temperate climate, and occasional LGBTQ events make it worthwhile visiting in the spring and autumn as well. Be mindful of the Jewish high holidays (in September) and spring holidays, which affect opening hours and access to transportation.
 

7. Buenos Aires

Argentina was the first South American country to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption rights, putting the country at the forefront of LGBTQ equality since 2010. The capital Buenos Aires has benefited, with a large and vibrant queer culture.

The areas of Recoleta, Palermo, and San Telmo are where you’ll find the largest concentration of gay bars and nightlife. Palermo, with trendy bars, cafés, shops, and restaurants in its Soho district, offers a lot of cool things to see and do — from the Latin pop and drag at Jolie Club (Fiesta Jolie) every Wednesday to the video bar Peuteo Palermo in Soho.

The gay community in Buenos Aires is relatively out and open, but the culture is more subdued than other over-the-top gay destinations. But you’ll still find LGBTQ life fairly well integrated in society, with many tango bars and clubs even offering queer tango lessons and dance nights.

When to visit: Buenos Aires Pride takes place in November, at the beginning of the southern hemisphere’s summer season.
 

8. Bangkok

A longtime favorite for LGBTQ tourists, Bangkok has a lot to offer, making it one of Asia’s most popular gay destinations. The fun and friendly gay scene is centered around the Silom neighborhood, specifically the streets known as Soi 2 and Soi 4.

Bangkok’s best gay nightlife is at DJ Station every weekend, specifically the midnight drag shows each Friday. Telephone Pub on Soi 4 serves as an early evening hangout with drag shows and pub food, while G.O.D. (Guys on Display) draws the after-hour crowds when all the other gay bars close down for the night (so it’s best after 2 a.m.). Also, look out for gay events at Bangkok’s luxury hotels such as the Sofitel So, which runs regular gay parties on its rooftop bar and pool lounge.

While Thailand hasn’t recognized many LGBTQ rights, many tourists will find the city surprisingly open-minded. (In summer 2020, though, a bill was introduced to legalize same-sex marriage.) And while you’ll find some seedy sex clubs throughout the city, Bangkok’s legendary shopping and culinary scenes make it equally interesting for travelers with more discerning tastes.

When to visit: One of the biggest and best events in Bangkok is the annual Songkran water festival in April, with the largest circuit party, called gCircuit, in Silom — with all the trappings of every other international circuit party (think: hunky shirtless guys and lots of electronic music raging day and night).
 

9. Stockholm

Famous for cold winters, sunny summers, and trendsetting Swedes all year long, Stockholm has an eclectic mix of art, fashion, culture, and design — and one of Scandinavia’s best queer scenes. Sweden is also one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to queer and women’s rights.

The gay scene is spread throughout the city. From the cozy Chokladkoppen café (with rainbow flags out front) to the kitschy ABBA Museum, there’s something for everyone. Open only during the summer months, the Mälarpaviljongen restaurant (located on a set of floating docks) hosts a number of LGBTQ events, fundraisers, and parties.

When to visit: Stockholm Pride each August is the biggest gay event of the year, with big music acts, parties, and public seminars on everything from fetish training to human rights.
 

10. Madrid

Spain has a long history as an accepting country and is often considered one of the most gay-friendly in the world. Much of Spanish literature, film, and culture includes references to queer life dating back to the Middle Ages.

Madrid, Spain’s capital, is understandably a hot spot for LGBTQ life and culture because of that history and its welcoming population. In fact, Madrid’s annual Pride festival is the largest in Europe!

Madrid’s gayborhood of Chueca is just north of the Gran Via shopping street and has countless gay bars, clubs, and shops catering to every type of LGBTQ individual. Why Not is a small, unassuming cocktail bar, while Bearbie disco plays pop music and caters to the bear community.

When to visit: Madrid Pride takes place the first Saturday of every July, though there are lots of additional parties and events surrounding the main parade. The Madrid-based WeParty promoters run many gay events in Madrid, as well as occasional festivals and parties abroad, so that’s a useful resource when looking for circuit parties or other DJ-focused events.
 

11. Toronto

Home to Canada’s largest LGBTQ community, Toronto has a vibrant and lively gay village. The intersecting streets of Church and Wellesley feature a number of queer-owned bars and businesses. The area comes alive each night with locals and visitors, most famously at Woody’s, one of the best clubs on Church Street.

But Toronto’s gay-friendliness extends elsewhere in the city, such as the West Queen West and Trinity Bellwoods neighborhoods. Take a walk down Ossington Avenue, College Street, or Queen Street West (bordering these neighborhoods) for a number of cool, queer-friendly businesses, from Toronto’s best macaroons at Nadege Patisserie to the monthly Yes Yes Y’all queer hip-hop and dancehall party.

When to visit: Too cold in the winter, Toronto is best in the summer when it’s sunny and full of color. Pride Toronto — one of the world’s largest such celebrations — attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every June. Other popular events include the Inside Out film festival, which takes place over two weeks at the beginning of each summer, showcasing more than 200 queer-themed films alongside artist talks, premieres, and industry panels.
 

12. Sydney

Australia legalized same-sex marriage equality back in 2017, and while most Australian cities are very welcoming to LGBTQ tourists, Sydney stands out a beacon of gay-friendliness on the continent. Sydney’s progressive attitudes, beautiful beaches, and active arts scene make the city is as vibrant as ever.

The Darlinghurst neighborhood, just south of Hyde Park on Oxford Street, serves as the unofficial gay neighborhood. Many bars, cafés, and shops are located around Taylor Square, with Stonewall Hotel and Oxford Hotel (both are bars, not hotels) hosting some of the more lively crowds each evening.

But the areas of Surrey Hills and Newtown further out from the city center, with their cool cafés, trendy bars, and small, indie basement clubs (like the Imperial Erskineville pub), are also accessible and mostly gay-friendly areas with plenty of drag and cabaret shows on offer each weekend.

When to visit: Sydney’s annual Pride takes the form of Mardi Gras (February/March). It’s one of the world’s largest Pride parades and features weeks of events and parties. It’s a colorful event, with crowds that fill the streets and parks of Sydney all day and night.

Here’s the thing: just about any city in the world can be a “gay hot spot” — it’s always a matter of knowing where is safe and how to meet locals. Planning your visit around LGBTQ events — from film festivals and Pride parades to political activist seminars — is a pretty solid way to make any holiday that much more gay.

Adam Groffman is a travel writer based in Brooklyn, New York. He’s a gay travel expert, writer, marketer, and blogger and publishes a series of LGBTQ-friendly Hipster City Guides from around the world on his gay travel blog, Travels of Adam. When he’s not out exploring the coolest bars and clubs, he’s usually enjoying the local arts and culture scene. Find more of his travel tips (and embarrassing stories) on Twitter.

The post 12 Great Gay Hotspots Around the World appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

In this months LGBT column, Dani from GlobetrotterGirls discusses lesbian travel and shares 4 important thing every lesbian travler needs to know before heading out on the road. 

While sitting at the rooftop pool of my hotel and sharing beers with other travelers over sunset, the ever-dreaded question comes up: “Do you have a boyfriend?”

Here we go again, I think to myself, another coming out.

Though I’ve had this conversation hundreds of times, the words “I’m gay” still don’t come easily, especially because I never know what reaction to it will be.

Will the situation get awkward?

Will someone make a homophobic comment?

It’s never a simple affair. Instead, it usually results in a number of questions where I feel like I’m the ambassador of all things lesbian — scissoring, dildos, and why some women choose an androgynous look – to a group of strangers I just met.

Like gay travel, lesbian travel presents its own set of challenges.

If you are a femme lesbian or couple, it isn’t much different from solo female travel. Nobody is looking at you funny, and you don’t need to feel particularly threatened in one of the over 70 countries where homosexuality is not legal (including 12 where it is punishable by death) — because nobody knows you’re a lesbian. When traveling with a feminine girl, it is usually more likely that we’ll get asked if we are sisters than lovers.

However, if you are a butch lesbian, it’s a completely different story. It’s much more obvious that you are gay, and you can’t hide your sexuality. If you are a femme/butch couple or butch/butch couple, it is nearly impossible to hide your sexual orientation or the fact that you are a couple — even if you keep the PDAs to a minimum. You’ll definitely notice the looks of other people.

As Mindy Postoff, who writes the lesbian travel blog Bounding Over Our Steps with her wife Ligeia said,

Don’t assume everyone sees you the way you see yourself. Most people will see you based on the stereotypes they were raised with. Your butch appearance is a clear sign to many people in the U.S. that you’re a lesbian. In other countries, especially non-Western ones, you might just be stereotyped to being ‘a woman with short hair.’ I’ve been mistaken for a man many times before, but most (if not all of those times), they’re the ones that are embarrassed about it.

For butch-looking lesbians traveling for the first time, she recommends: “If you’ve caught the travel bug, then go to places that have similar societal norms as your own. Go to places where same-sex marriage is legal and pride events are big celebrations.”

So, if you’re a lesbian about to head out on the road, here are some important things to know beforehand:
 

1. It’s harder to meet lesbians and find travel companies that cater to lesbians

There are many more hotels, resorts, cruises, and organized tours that cater to gay men. Sure, there are some tour operators who specialize in lesbian travel (such as Olivia), there is the occasional lesbian cruise, and there are some lesbian-owned B&Bs and hotels, but they are few and far between.

(In my experience they also tend to cater to lesbian couples and older lesbians, leaving out younger girls who are looking to meet other single girls their age on vacation.)

Most big cities also have at least one gay bar, whereas there are fewer and fewer lesbian bars.

Even on a recent visit to Berlin, a major gay hotspot, I struggled to find a lesbian party on a Friday night because the popular girls’ night only takes place every other Friday.

If you are traveling alone and want to connect with local girls, I recommend lesbian dating apps like Her or Scissr, or general dating apps such as Tinder, Plenty of Fish, or OkCupid.

These apps can be used for hookups, of course, but I have never had a problem using them simply as a way to connect with a local girl to show me around or introduce me to the lesbian bar or club scene.

If you would like to go to a lesbian party, check Time Out or Purple Roofs for lesbian events. Lesbian or queer groups on Couchsurfing.org and Meetup.com are also a great place to ask for recommendations or find lesbian meet-ups.
 

2. Traveling as a couple? You’ll often tone down your relationship

If you are traveling with your partner, you will often find yourself toning down your relationship in order to not draw attention, especially when you are traveling in regions where homosexuality isn’t widely accepted. This includes little gestures like stroking your partner’s back, using terms of endearment with each other or holding hands. Things that are completely normal for straight couples are often an absolute no-go for same-sex couples.

While this may not seem like a big deal, it can be tough at times to not be able to fully show your feelings for each other, especially on a rough travel day that doesn’t go as planned. It can wear you down after a while, which is why it is important to book private rooms at least part of the time, even when you are on a long-term backpacking trip with a tight budget. That way, you can at least have some time away from prying eyes.

There is one advantage that lesbian couples have over gay male couples: it is much less of a hassle to get a double bed for two women than it is for two men, even in countries where homosexuality is illegal. Two girls sharing a bed is socially much more accepted than two men asking for a double bed, which can turn into an awkward situation at the check-in counter, or even become downright dangerous if you are in a country where same-sex relationships are a no-no.

(That said, be warned: you will get odd looks sometimes when you insist on a double bed at check-in or are given a room with twin beds even though you specifically booked a room with a double bed.)
 

3. Know the laws and safety situation

In some respects, safety — as a queer traveler — is actually less of an issue for women, because there are still a lot of countries where same-sex relationships between two men are punished, but same-sex relationships between two women are not.

And, as mentioned, a femme solo traveler or couple often does not raise any suspicions.

On the other hand, safety is a much bigger concern for lesbians than it is for gay men because women of any sexuality have to worry about being sexual assault or abuse. That’s not to say it can’t happen to men but that it happens to women much more often. Lesbian travelers have the added issue of being victims of hate crimes, too.

It is important to do a lot of research before your trip. How is homosexuality seen in the country I’m traveling to?

Are PDAs inappropriate, or can I go ahead and smooch my girlfriend without fearing a rock might get thrown at me?

It is important to understand what might be seen as offensive in the country you are visiting and respect the local culture.

The ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) is a good starting point for your research with its maps of sexual orientation laws, as is the IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travelers Association) with their online travel planning resources for LGBT travelers.
 

4. Don’t let fear hold you back — go somewhere welcoming

If you feel unsure about a certain destination because your sexual orientation is obvious, start instead with a country that is known to be gay friendly, such as Costa Rica or Mexico or one of the countries that have legalized same-sex marriage and 19 more that offer something equal, or even a destination with a thriving gay culture within the U.S., such as San Francisco or New York.

If you are looking to embrace your gay-ness while traveling, then why not check out a lesbian festival like the Ella Festival in Spain, L-Beach in Germany, or the Eressos Women’s Festival in Greece. WikiTravel has a great overview of gay-friendly and dangerous destinations, plus a list of all major Prides and other gay events.

Traveling the world is an amazing experience that teaches you a lot about yourself and the world around you. Traveling safely, though — regardless of your gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or even the color of your skin — is all about preparation.

Do your research, know what to expect, and your journey can be all the more satisfying. Instead of being afraid to travel because of your sexuality, you should see traveling as a lesbian also as a chance to raise awareness of gay culture. I guarantee that you will meet people (including Americans) who have never met a gay person in their lives, and showing them that we are — as solo travelers and as couples — no different from them and opening their minds to other ways of living is a rewarding by-product, as you learn about different cultures and lifestyles yourself.

Dani Heinrich is the writer and photographer behind GlobetrotterGirls.com. Originally from Germany, she has been nomadic since 2010, when she quit her corporate job and embarked on a round-the-world-trip that continues to this day. Dani is always on the hunt for amazing street art, mouthwatering vegetarian food, secluded beaches, scenic running routes, off the beaten path gems and a hammock to work from. You can follow her adventures on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
 

The post Lesbian Travel: 4 Things To Know Before You Hit the Road appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Should LGBT travelers only visit “safe” destinations or should they branch out and visit any country they want — even if homosexuality is illegal there? In this guest post, Adam from Travels of Adam shares his thoughts on this controversial topic and provides some suggestions to help you grapple with this complex decision.

At last count, there are 70 countries where homosexuality is illegal, with death sentences possible in at least 12 of those. As a traveler, it’s rare (but not totally unlikely) for LGBT tourists to get caught up in local antigay laws when traveling.

But there are such stories out there.

A gay British tourist jailed in Morocco, a gay Swedish tourist jailed in Tunisia, a couple facing harassment in Dubai, entrapment in Egypt.

The list goes on.

It’s not always safe or easy for gay travelers (and certainly even harder for LGBT locals living under those laws and customs).

There are ethical and moral issues in play, as well as safety issues. Out Now Consulting’s LGBT research shows that a key factor for LGBT travelers is determining how welcome they will feel in the places that they visit and that many of those travelers are choosing purposefully not to visit places with anti-LGBT laws.

But as someone who believes in creating fewer borders, should my sexuality also control my travel plans?

For me, it’s a gray area. There’s no clear-cut answer for how or where I travel. There are some anti-gay destinations that I have zero interest in visiting to begin with, and their anti-gay laws just make the destination that much less attractive.

For me, one such place is Dubai. But countless friends (gay and straight) have been there and go often. And I don’t judge them for it. My travel preferences are my own.

But then there are also some anti-gay destinations which I do have an interest in visiting. I may not make plans to travel there now, but I won’t cross them off my list either.

At the very least, I believe travelers need to learn about and understand a destination’s political restrictions before traveling — even when those laws don’t apply to you. Once you’re fully informed about the political and security situation, attendant risks, and necessary precautions, the decision whether to visit an anti-gay destination is yours to make.

But, by visiting anti-gay destinations, can we actually make a difference?

A UN World Tourism Organization report estimates that the economic impact of LGBT travelers in the USA alone is over $65 billion per year, and another source cites potentially over $200 billion for LGBT leisure spending globally.

So first, let’s address the issue of nottraveling to a given destination. Travel boycotts are a contentious issue, and one that brings up as many questions as answers.

Do you boycott an entire country for its anti-gay laws, or just a specific region or state?

What if the people there aren’t universally anti-gay?

For example, some states in the USA have passed anti-LGBT legislation. Do you then boycott the entirety of the USA or just those states?

And there are always going to be LGBT individuals in every city, state, and country, many still closeted. By boycotting anti-gay destinations, are you hurting or helping those LGBT locals?

Ashton Giese, Outreach Director for OutRight Action International and editor of the weekly GAYography news brief, suggests that “boycotts don’t really work against dictators or authoritarian regimes. Democratic institutions have to exist, where people and businesses could actually have a voice to make change.”

By boycotting anti-gay destinations, however, you also miss out on the opportunity to support LGBT businesses that may exist there. Ashton recommends: “See if there’s some type of LGBT tour guide or safe space to assist. I visited Egypt in February. It was incredible to see the sights and interact with the gay community there.”

If you do want to visit a destination with anti-LGBT laws on the books, it’s still important to consider safety. Do you have to hide your sexuality, or can you just be mindful if and when to come out?

You might want to book with travel agencies that specialize in LGBT tourism, as they’ll be more familiar with LGBT-friendly hotels, tours, guides, and specific activities. Independent gay group tour operators often have the most recent information regarding a country’s LGBT safety for tourists.

But it’s not just your own safety you need to keep in mind.

Visiting an anti-gay destination to specifically seek out LGBT venues or groups can backfire. Sometimes giving a secret LGBT venue extra visibility can actually harm the small business, making it a potential target for hate crimes after you, the tourist, are long gone.

As travelers, we’re often in a bubble with our “tourist privilege,” so it’s important to be mindful of privacy issues, not just for yourself but for the people you interact with when traveling.

But do you always have to be an activist?

If it’s possible to visit safely as an LGBT traveler, should we deny ourselves travel experiences because of who we are? Most LGBT travelers I’ve spoken to about this issue are conflicted.

There’s a sense that you shouldn’t give your tourism money to notoriously anti-gay destinations, but where people draw those lines seems to vary. For example, Uganda may have horrible anti-gay legislation, but there are still LGBT people living there — and still LGBT tourists traveling there. Not to mention their thriving tourism industry.

Troy Petenbrink, a journalist and blogger, wrote:

In general, I think we do more to help change anti-gay destinations’ attitudes and behaviors by rewarding destinations that openly welcome us. I believe destinations seeing the power of the LGBT travel dollar benefiting their competition can bring about change. Those who argue that gays and lesbians vacationing in a horrible anti-LGBT destination such as Jamaica will somehow bring about change are foolish — and potentially dangerous.

In the end, travel is often political. And choosing to specifically not visit a destination is a political statement, hopefully, formed out of a belief system and ideas based on reality.

My best holidays have been ones where I’ve both had fun and learned something and I’ve found travel to be an amazing way to discover the many differences in our world.

When visiting homophobic places, it’s important to make yourself aware of the local customs and laws, while still being mindful of both your safety and that of the locals. Trust your instincts and make informed decisions.

For me, I don’t rule out visiting anti-LGBT destinations. Governments change and people’s attitudes don’t often reflect their government’s. While I think it’s important to be extremely cautious — and some countries aren’t on my bucket list because of their policies — I believe it’s just as important to take each country on a case-by-case basis and look at the overall situation.

The best we can do is be as informed as we can, but also remember that, while it is important to be cautious, if we believe travel can break down barriers, a blanket boycott of all anti-LGBT destinations won’t do that.

Adam Groffman is a former graphic designer who left a publishing job to travel around the world. He’s a gay travel expert, writer, and blogger and publishes a series of LGBT-friendly Hipster City Guides from around the world on his gay travel blog, Travels of Adam. When he’s not out exploring the coolest bars and clubs, he’s usually enjoying the local arts and culture scene. Find more of his travel tips (and embarrassing stories) on Twitter.
 

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