Expert recommendations for vacation spots gay travelers will love.
Queer travelers spend an average of 33 percent more on their luxury trips than their straight counterparts, according to a survey by Proud Experiences. And yet, community members can still face obstacles when it comes to choosing destinations where they’ll be safe and accepted. We asked a few Virtuoso advisors who specialize in LGBTQ+ travel about queer-friendly vacation spots: destinations that welcome gay travelers and actively support their local gay population.
“I’m never more excited than when a traveler expresses interest in an escape to Greece. For an amazing small-island experience, reminiscent of what Mykonos was like long ago, I suggest Páros. Beautiful beaches such as Monastiri and quiet villages like Naoussa (which becomes lively with queer-friendly parties at night) help make the island special. Local on-site tour connection Original Senses – Greece can also work with your advisor to arrange a farm-to-table dinner experience, where guests cook with a local resident and experience Páros’ warm, kind, and welcoming culture.” – Travis Dedmore
“Ireland has a long-standing reputation for being one of the friendliest countries in the world for the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2015 and Dublin’s Pride celebration turns 50 in 2024. Start off in Dublin at the chic Shelbourne Hotel, which is walking distance from Grafton Street and the Temple Bar neighborhood, as well as Saint Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square, home to the famous statue of Oscar Wilde. Then head west to rugged highlands in County Mayo and Connemara National Park, or to County Kerry for a scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry. Regal manor estates such as Ashford Castle (former home of the Guinness family) or country lodges such as Sheen Falls offer respite after a day spent exploring friendly villages, pubs, and wilderness.” – Susan Moynihan
