Top LGBTQ+ Destinations in 2024
By Nestor M. Allende
For LGBTQ individuals, finding LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations is an important part of the experience where there are many options for those seeking a safe and welcoming space to prioritize their mental and physical health.
Sometimes a break away from the day-to-day grind is exactly what your mind and body need, and traveling gives you the space and time to relax, check in with yourself, and divest yourself of some of the stress that work, personal relationships, and general life come with, even if only temporarily.
From gorgeous beach destinations to dynamic urban experiences, LGBTQ travelers are always looking for that next “new” place to visit. But the queer community still has some old standbys, places that are accepting and hold a special place in its collective heart.
Because no matter what type of trip you’ve been dreaming of, we want to help you turn 2024 into the year you make it a reality.
Here are a few of the top destinations that should be on the radar for queer travelers in 2024.
1.Sitges, Spain
In 2023 this destination topped the list, in 2024 it continues to be one of the top places to see and be seen This is one of Europe’s top LGBT travel destinations and it’s not hard to see why! Around an hour outside of Barcelona, Sitges is a beautiful destination full of pristine beaches, cobbled streets lined with quaint cafes and bars, and a large gay community. There are also regular events throughout the calendar year that draw LGBT travelers to this beachy town such as the huge annual Pride events that take place with gay parties on the beaches. Although neighboring Barcelona is often thought of first with its famous gay district of Eixample favored by many, Sitges has come up to challenge it as the number one destination in Spain for gay travelers.
2. Saskatoon, Canada
This surprisingly dynamic Canadian prairie city is an undiscovered gem, with a lovely riverfront and a mind toward sustainability. There are many queer-owned businesses here, such as Turning the Tide, an alternative bookstore; Diva’s Nightclub; Positive Passions, a wellness center with a mind toward positive sexuality; Social Made Local for clothing and accessories, Nefelibata, an eco-alternative to buying new craft supplies; and Alt Haus, which is owned by Saskatoon’s queer power couple, Miranda Van Young (a registered interior designer) and Jo Van Young (a mural artist and collaborator)—a must stop in Saskatoon.
3.Belize
This English-speaking country is a bit Central America, a bit Caribbean in vibe, and is a popular beach, snorkeling, and diving destination. While the nation has room to advance more on LGBTQ rights, in the last decade, same sex has been decriminalized here, and courts have ruled that discrimination is illegal. Queer travelers here will generally find warm hospitality and some of the most incredible waters and coral reefs in this hemisphere.
4. South Australia
Down Under’s South Australia features 12 distinct tourism regions and is bursting with wildlife encounters, culture, food, wine, and festivals. Adelaide has a Portland vibe, with an incredible culinary scene and proximity to the local wine country. Another internationally acclaimed wine region with some of the world’s oldest vines is Barossa, renowned for its Shiraz, Grenache, and other red wine varieties, along with some of the world’s greatest scenery. And Kangaroo Island boasts a raw and rugged coastline, impossibly clear waters, and unique and abundant wildlife.
5.Croatia
Croatia’s legendary coastline has been attracting queer travelers in increasing numbers as an alternative to more heavily traveled European areas. High-end cruising with luxury groups like Brand g are hitting Croatia in 2024, giving LGBTQ folks access to gorgeous stops like Rovinj, Sibenik, and Dubrovnik.
6.Albuquerque, New Mexico
New Mexico’s charming capital is a delightful mix of new and old, with Route 66 history, Native American culture, incredible cuisine, and high-tech jobs in the aerospace and defense industries, buoyed by nearby Sandia National Laboratory. Stay in queer-owned Hotel Parq Central and lunch at queer-owned The Range Café. Nightspots include Effex Nightclub and Sidewinders Bar & Grill.
7.Madrid, Spainporto
Spain’s capital city is a queer favorite, and for those who haven’t been, there’s no time like the present. The city’s Chueca district is like a bizarro world, where 80 percent of couples on the street seem to be LGBTQ community members. You’ll find endless nightclubs, excellent restaurants, world class museums and art, and plenty more.
8.Cook Islands
Along with Barbados, the Cook Islands have very recently decriminalized same sex relations (as of this June). Queer and trans folks have been a longtime part of the culture here before colonization, so attitudes here are nuanced. The Cook Islands is a self-governing nation and in free association with New Zealand, about 2,000 miles to the southwest. The islands are popular for their unmatched beaches, crystal clear water, lack of crowds, and variety of resorts and price points.
9.Northern Portugal
Porto, the region’s largest city, has a growing LGBTQ scene. It hosts an annual Pride parade, typically in July, which is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Nearby Matosinhos Beach is known for being queer-friendly. It’s a popular spot for socializing, sunbathing, and enjoying the lively beach bars. The beach also hosts occasional LGBTQ events during the summer. Other hot areas include Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a blend of history and culture, and wine tours in the Douro Valley, a romantic and serene getaway.
10.Barbados
This island nation (and famed home of Rihanna) has stunning beaches, some lovely rums, and a lot of culture. It’s also been off the radar for many queer travelers due to its strident anti-gay attitudes. But that’s now changing, as Barbados has become one of the newest countries to strike down its anti-gay laws, hopefully just one step toward more acceptance. And for those who feel that visibility will change hearts and minds, Barbados is now a safer place to vacation in—and work toward those ends.
11.Milan, Italy
From architecture to fashion to cuisine, LGBTQ visitors will enjoy this dynamic European city, a short distance from the Alps and famed spots like Lake Como. Quiiky Travel is a tour operator here focused on LGBTQ experiences in Italy, with nearly 50 different options, such as a “Gay Light on Leonardo da Vinci” and “House of Gucci” tours.
12.French Polynesia
The islands of the South Pacific have a long history of recognizing a third gender, putting them light years ahead of many other cultures. These island groups, in addition to being romantic getaways for any couples, are ideal for queer couples, given the openness and acceptance in this part of the world. Queer travelers will also enjoy the fascinating local cuisines, which incorporate native, Chinese, and French attributes, along with fresh fish galore.
13.Vancouver, Canada
Come for Pride—one of Canada’s largest, with 80,000 revelers—from July 27 to August 4, but stay for the incredible diversity of urban pleasures and outdoor adventure, from mountain hiking to sea kayaking. Davie Village is the city’s dynamic gayborhood, but you’ll find queer acceptance everywhere in this progressive city.
14.Osaka, Japan
Osaka is home to Japan’s second-largest queer scene outside of Tokyo. Known for its hospitality and incredible cuisine, Osaka Prefecture was the first regional-level government to create a same-sex partnership. According to the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), more that 500 couples have already registered for this partnership. And IGLTA has scheduled its annual Global Convention for 2024 in Osaka, the first time ever in Asia.
15. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
A Spanish island off the coast of Africa, this place is almost guaranteed to have amazing weather year-round. Gays and lesbians congregate in the southern section of the island, specifically Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles. The Yumbo Centre is a big shopping mall full of gay and lesbian bars, clubs, and restaurants. Enjoy the sun, the beaches, the boating, and two Pride events in May and November.
16.Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina was the first Latin American country to legalize gay marriage in 2010 and the right to change gender in 2012. The best areas of this city are Palermo, San Telmo, and Recoleta, including such night spots as the Glam Club, Sitges Bar, and the Pride Café. One of the most popular activities is same-sex tango dancing at two places in the city – La Marshall and Tango Queer.
November is a great time to visit Argentina because it is late spring there, and the month of the Buenos Aires Gay Festival.
17. New York City, USA
Aside being on everyone’s travel bucket list and an amazing and one-of-a-kind place to be, NYC is also seen as being the mecca for the equality movement.
You can still visit the Stonewall Inn today and pay homage to those that rioted before us so that the queer community can have the freedoms it has today.
Other than that, there’s so much to see and do in the concrete jungle, but with a strong LGBTQIA+ community, you MUST experience New York’s coolest gayborhoods, including Chelsea, the West Village, Hell’s Kitchen, Williamsburg and Parks Slope.
18. Reykjavik, Iceland
If there was ever a place to go to get in touch with yourself and feel at peace, it’s Iceland. Iceland is easily one of the coolest countries on the planet and it just so happens to be one of the most gay-friendly countries as well! What a win.
There are many ways LGBTQ+ travelers can explore Iceland, and one of the best parts is there is no ‘zone’, the queer scene is in every space in Reykjavik and the entire country celebrates people from all backgrounds. What a way to feel right at home.
19. Mykonos, Greece
And our number one spot goes to… Mykonos, not only a top gay-friendly travel destination in Europe, but in the ENTIRE world. Every August, over 30,000 queer travelers visit this beach destination to enjoy great DJs, beaches and all the sun, sea and fun that Mykonos has to offer. Take the time to explore the quiet side of the island like Ano Mera Village, Little Venice and the windmills… a sunset here will make you want to stay forever.
20. Berlin, Germany
Famous for its energetic and youthful scene, Berlin is where you go to completely let loose and be free and be 100% yourself – no shame allowed! The city has a flourishing gay community and a dynamic scene.
This countercultural capital has some of the most iconic nightlife in the world, as well as one of the biggest Pride parties which will really allow you to wave your freak flag high!
So, no matter where you decide to go, be it around your town or around the world, make it an awesome, memorable and most of all a relaxing getaway…
