Travel opens us up to different experiences, cultures, and people. It’s an exciting way to grow and expand your view of yourself and the world. But for numerous reasons, people might be scared or simply less interested in traveling alone. Especially as a queer traveler, it’s common to feel uneasy or unsure about where you should go, where it’s safe to go, and where the local queer community of that destination is.
Gay tours allow you to see the world with a queer perspective while discovering gay history, gay nightlife, and LGBTQ+ community across the globe. Different countries have different traditions and cultures, some regarding gender and sexuality, that are important to learn about if you’re visiting. Queerness exists everywhere; just not always in the way you’re used to seeing it or hearing it described.
It’s important to keep safety in mind when traveling as a queer person, and traveling in a group makes things safer and is a lot of fun. There are a variety of gay travel tours being offered nowadays whether you like cruises, land tours, history, or going out, there’s opportunities for many different interests.
EveryQueer
EveryQueer is hosting a variety of tours in 2023 specifically for queer women, trans and nonbinary people, and their friends. These tours span around the world and offer opportunities for a wealth of different experiences.
The Gay Cancun trip includes a stay at one of the most luxurious 5-star hotels in the world, Maroma by Belmond, a private group cenote tour, touring the Mayan ruins in Tulum, and more. Attend one of the largest pride parades and largest queer women parties in the world on the Gay Argentina tour. Explore Egyptian history on a Uniworld Cruise on the Ancient Splendors of Egypt adventure. Or, join the LGBT Family Cruise to Latin America for some family fun aboard one of the biggest cruise ships in the world with its own private island. EveryQueer’s Gay Thailand tour is a great opportunity for queer adventure as well. From lively floating markets to volunteering at Thai elephant sanctuaries to the breathtaking Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival, this trip combines lively city life with historic regions. If you’re looking to explore the history, culture, and nightlife of Thailand, you won’t want to miss this excursion.
All of these tours create unforgettable memories and experiences, all with a group of queer friends and a community with emphasis on your safety and comfortability. You can feel confident that you’ll be respected and understood on these incredible trips.
Olivia
Olivia hosts tours specifically for queer women with cruises, resorts, and riverboats. Their Alaska cruise has you visiting glaciers, sea otter wildlife, and more. On the Amsterdam to Switzerland riverboat cruise you’ll set sail to see the famous tulips, historic castles, and vivacity of the city. Their tours strive to be a space where you’ll see the wonders of the world and feel at home in your community.
Photos courtesy of Olivia
Out Adventures
Out Adventures hosts many tours and cruises for the LGBTQ+ community, with a main audience of gay men. Their Australia tour explores Australia Pride at Sydney Mardi Gras (read about Sydney WorldPride 2023 here), Tasmania rainforests, and the lively city of Melbourne. Their New Zealand adventure takes you on beautiful hikes, kayaking, national parks, and more. They also host a variety of cruises.
Photos courtesy of Out Adventures
VACAYA
VACAYA hosts LGBTQ+ cruises like their Venice cruise, a cruise exploring beautiful jungles with complimentary open bars on board, a Caribbean cruise on one of their big ship tours, and more! These tours are full of entertainment on and off board with an opportunity to connect with other gay travelers and see the world while sailing beautiful waters.
Photos Courtesy of VACAYA
Source Journey
For luxury gay travel, Source Journey offers top notch luxury experiences for the LGBTQ+ community. They’ve been hosting gay tours for over 20 years with LGBTQ+ safety and fun as their top priority. With travel all over the world, including India, Vietnam, and the Galapagos Islands, their trips promise a luxurious and remarkable experience with an accepting community.
Photos courtesy of Source Journey
Everyone should feel free to travel regardless of their sexuality or gender. These gay tours strive to create an environment where you can go on the trip of your dreams while feeling safe and welcome in a group of other queer travelers. Lifelong friendships and memories are made on these tours where you can be yourself and see the world.
