Travel with Pride: 7 planning resources that cater to the LGBTQIA+ community
There are issues LGBTQIA+ travelers face that most other travelers don’t ever have to consider — staying safe, being welcomed, feeling comfortable and more. It may not be as easy to travel as it should be in some places of the world, and that’s when reaching out for a little help can be a gamechanger.
Sexual orientation doesn’t influence everything, but it can make a difference when travelers decide how, why and where to travel. The good news is no one has to figure it all out by themselves.
There are travel agencies, online websites, hotels, tour operators and other travel professionals dedicated to assisting the LGBTQIA+ community with our travel needs. These companies and organizations help LGBTQIA+ travelers find safety, comfort, welcoming accommodations, friendly events and fun with like-minded travelers.
No one wants to be put in boxes, stereotyped or labeled, but sometimes it’s just more comfortable traveling to destinations that throw their arms open in a giant welcome to the LGBTQIA+ community. Here are 7 travel resources we think can help LGBTQIA+ travelers with all their trip planning needs.
Olivia Travel
Sometimes girls just want to have fun … and sometimes lesbians want to take vacations solely with other lesbians. This is where Olivia Travel comes in. These travel experts deliver world-class travel experiences catering exclusively to women who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
This is not your run-of-the-mill travel agency. They take groups on trips around the world, including small-group African safaris, chartered cruises to the Mediterranean or hosting a weekend of female empowerment at a luxury hotel in the Caribbean.
These group trips are all LGBTQIA+ women, so there is a comfort level provided that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
VACAYA
VACAYA helps you book inclusive group travel experiences with friends, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Gay, lesbian, trans and even straight allies can travel the world, relax and connect in environments where everyone feels safe. All are welcome.
VACAYA produces trips that incorporate fun for everyone — all genders, sexualities, religions and races. They offer exclusive access to cruises and resorts for a fully immersive experience tailored specifically to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. VACAYA creates unique all-LGBTQiA+ itineraries to a variety of places like Provincetown, Costa Rica and Seychelles.
Related: Pride on points: How to celebrate Pride in 6 international cities using points and miles
Zoom Vacations
Zoom Vacations puts together no ordinary tours. They offer luxury pre-scheduled tours for small groups around the world, ranging from Rwanda to Morocco to Paris and Laos.
Want to learn about architecture? Explore a volcano? Take an all-gay luxury train ride in Europe? Zoom does all of those tours and more — including private and independent trips and celebrations.
The personalized packages include everything for adventures to LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations that go way beyond the generic hotel and airfare packages found on many traditional travel sites. Everything is geared toward making sure their travelers feel safe, comfortable and connected, no matter where they want to roam.
IGLTA
For those who don’t want a group travel experience — or who simply want the freedom to plan their own trip itineraries — the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association has a lot of helpful information. Since 1983, IGLTA has been focused on promoting LGBTQIA+ welcoming tourism.
The organization provides free travel resources and information on its website so travelers can feel comfortable and secure booking whatever trip they are looking to take. Members of IGLTA include LGBTQIA+ friendly accommodations, transportation, resorts, service providers, travel agents, tours, events and more in countries across the globe.
Out Adventures
Based out of Canada, Out Adventures focuses on arranging tours of a lifetime. Tour options have included yacht trips in the Mediterranean, hiking adventures in Scotland and wine tastings in Slovenia. Out Adventures puts together small-scale tours and offers detailed guides, calendars and reviews groups can use to book LGBTQIA+ friendly travel.
Starting with your chosen theme (such as active, cruise or cultural), Out Adventures tailors trips for every individual traveler. Their website also has travel agents available to help organize private itineraries or book one of their featured vacations.
World Rainbow Hotels
For the DIY travel planner, there are many options. However, not all of those options provide information relevant to the LGBTQIA+ audience.
For anyone booking a hotel for business or pleasure, the hotels within the World Rainbow Hotels directory are certified as gay-friendly. This global brand carefully selects hotels that live up to the philosophies of “love is love” and “make the table bigger.” All travelers are welcome, but LGBTQiA+ travelers will know that the hotel staff respects them and understands their unique travel concerns.
Each hotel in this directory is actively seeking LGBTQIA+ travelers and is honored to host members of our community. The “Out & About” gay local travel guides are available at every member hotel and can help make a stay in a new city much more comfortable.
FabStayz
For those who aren’t looking for your typical group tour, hotel stay or destination, FabStayz is a great resource for short-term rentals. This website has cultivated a selection of unique and one-of-a-kind accommodations around the world.
Whether you are traveling solo, planning a romantic getaway or taking the kids on a family vacation, FabStayz likely has a vacation rental that fits exactly what you’re looking for. You can book a tiny house, a vintage RV or even a designer loft in Ipanema, Brazil.
FabStayz makes sure that there is no awkwardness or even hostility with hosts that some LGBTQIA+ members have experienced when booking trips using traditional vacation rental sites. Every FabHost (what they call owners of the rental) is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or a supportive and inclusive ally. They promise every traveler will be welcomed, seen and valued when staying at FabStayz properties.
Bottom Line: LGBTQ+ travel is now easier than ever
With the world starting to reopen, many people are looking to get back out there — and LGBTQIA+ travelers are no different. Booking with these travel agents and tour operators, or staying in accommodations that promise to welcome the LGBTQIA+ community, can make traveling so much more relaxing.
While gay travelers can and should go anywhere they want, it’s easier, more comfortable and safer to go to places identified as LGBTQIA+ friendly.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.