9 tips for attending your first Pride
Editor's Note
Gay pride celebrations happen worldwide throughout the year. They feature parades, parties, political gatherings, community rallies and memorials for those who have made sacrifices for the gay rights movement. No two pride celebrations are the same, but all are a great excuse to travel. With Gay Pride season in full swing, TPG offers these tips for what to consider ahead of time and what to expect when attending your first Pride.
The spirit and energy that Pride brings to any city are unlike anything else. Entire streets — neighborhoods even — adorned with rainbow flags fill with people young and old, of all backgrounds and sexual preferences, celebrating diversity. In recent years, municipalities such as New York, Tel Aviv and Madrid have begun to spend more and more on these annual celebrations — and they're not to be missed.
Although the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic placed a temporary hold on Pride celebrations, this year, they're back bigger and better than ever.
Before you pack your most fabulous Pride outfits, book that flight and hit the skies, here are a few things you'll want to consider to make the most of your first Pride experience.
Pick the right Pride for you
"You’ve seen one, you’ve seen ‘em all” applies to a lot of things in life but definitely not Pride celebrations. Make sure you pick the right one for you so you'll have the best experience.
For example, San Francisco Pride is great for IT folks, techies and those who like to network: Apple, Google and pretty much every other tech company you can think of will be out in full force there with their CEOs marching alongside employees. Meanwhile, New York's celebration has hundreds of interest groups that participate and can be either solidly issue-based or more like a big circuit party, depending on the angle from which you choose to hit it.
You'll find multiple noteworthy options abroad, too. Sydney Pride, better known as Mardi Gras, is a two-week event best suited to those who have enough stamina to survive the ordeal. Tel Aviv's events are largely centered around Hilton Beach (set beside the Hilton Tel Aviv), while in Copenhagen, it’s an all-inclusive experience where pretty much anyone can find and join a parade float that represents them.
Start with a city you'd like to visit, then research the vibe and events of its Pride celebration to determine whether it's the right fit for you.
Related: 3 ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month
Pack accordingly
Remember that Pride, regardless of where you go, is a celebration of who people truly are, not who society wants them to be or who others expect them to be. So toss any notions of what you think is expected of you out the door when you pack. Whatever you love to wear is what you should pack. Period.
Keep in mind, though, that if you plan on celebrating your Pride in a Northern Hemisphere area, it may get hot, hot, hot. Be sure to dress cool and comfortably.
Detox before you retox
Pride is a marathon, not a sprint. The one thing all Pride celebrations have in common is an abundance of parties and frivolity. In addition to the clothes you love, pack a spare liver. Make sure you pack vitamins and ibuprofen or your headache-chaser of choice, too.
The week before your chosen Pride event, be sure to take it easy and hydrate well with some much-needed electrolytes.
Location, location, location
Use that stash of points to cover a stay at a centrally located hotel.
When it comes to huge Pride celebrations, like those in Madrid, New York and Sydney, being in the wrong area of town can have a huge impact on your experience. Parades, street parties and other events often result in street closures and public transportation deviations, so even just getting around your own area of town can be tough.
Being far from the center of things will do you no favors. It's worth every penny to be in the heart of it all and not have to worry about missing out because you’re spending too much time underground on the subway.
Related: 13 amazing Pride events around the world
Book ahead of time
Make your Pride plans well in advance. Earmark where you want to go, and keep your eyes peeled for good deals.
There are no blackout dates around Pride events, but mileage seat availability will go pretty quickly during these times, as will rooms in the most ideal properties. Booking flights and hotels early will help you avoid stress later on.
Go with friends
No matter where you go for Pride, you’ll have more fun if you don’t go alone.
The atmosphere at any Pride is jovial. While you’re bound to meet new people, going with a friend never hurts. In fact, it makes the experience better because you have someone to share it with and you won’t feel quite as lonely as you pass couples embracing in the streets.
Do your homework
Spend some time researching the Pride you plan to attend and its associated events. In many cities, you can buy passes that will not only get you into multiple events but also offer admission at a steep discount compared with door prices.
The parties you're most looking forward to attending may sell out, so create a game plan and schedule for yourself and make any possible ticket purchases as far in advance as possible.
Related: Pride on points: How to use miles and points to celebrate Pride in 6 US cities this year
Tailor your expectations
Pride is about leaving all your prejudices and preconceived notions at the door, so do just that.
As different as every city’s Pride is bound to be, they all celebrate diversity. So, in that spirit, allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised by whatever it is that you’ve jumped into.
Hold your head high and have fun
We still have a long way to go in terms of achieving full equality and acceptance. However, don't forget the most important rule of Pride: Have fun.
No matter who you are, who you choose to love or how you choose to express yourself, your Pride experience should be full of energy and excitement. Dance your heart out in the street, celebrate the joy of diversity and don't forget to hold your head up high and be proud. After all, that's what Pride is all about.
Have a safe and happy Pride!
Additional reporting by Kevin Martinez.
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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
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- 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.
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- 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.