Recently updated on May 14th, 2025 at 11:49 am
Why do we love touring? Because we see wonderful, diverse groups of people make incredible memories every day – which is why going guided is the perfect choice for LGBTQIA+ travelers. Not only that, but we’ve heard firsthand from our guests and from the IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) that taking a guided tour is an option that helps them feel safe and supported around the world.
Here’s why going guided is one of the best choices for LGBTQIA+ travelers, as we dive into the best ways to travel, hear what past guests love about going guided, and explore what fellow travelers can do to be supportive allies.
Why are guided tours a good option for LGBTQIA+ travelers?
Hear from Auston Matta, Marketing Director of IGLTA, the world’s leading network of LGBTQI+ welcoming tourism businesses about the inclusive travel landscape and the best ways to travel.
The IGLTA works to promote equality and safety within LGBTQIA+ tourism worldwide and provides free information and travel resources for both businesses and consumers. Members of the organization’s extensive network include LGBTQI+ friendly accommodations, transport, destinations, service providers, tour operators, events and travel media located in over 80 countries.
“Tour operators were probably one of the very first segments of LGBTQI+ tourism,” Auston tells us. “There were several companies that started back in the 70s and 80s creating tours for LGBTQI+ people. The way that they did that is that they found a select group of suppliers, such as a hotel or a tour guide, in specific regions and countries that could create a safe space for LGBTQI+ travelers.
“Whether you’re straight, LGBTQI+, female, male, able bodied or have a disability, as travelers we all want the same thing. First and foremost, that’s to have a great time,” says Auston. “But the thing that underrepresented groups or discriminated groups struggle with is that they also want to feel welcome and safe. And some of these communities don’t always feel like that.”
“One of the most inclusive travel options is guided travel,” says Auston. “Specifically, for the LGBTQI+ community, if you have tour operators that are creating experiences that they really ensure are more welcoming to the LGBTQI+ community.”
“For the most part for most touristic destinations, if you respect the local customs and laws and have the right travel partners, you can create a great experience for anyone who wants it. This is how guided tours, and the tour operators can really help support providing safe and welcoming travel experiences for the LGBTQI+ community anywhere around the world, where it’s justifiably safe to do so.”
Hear it best from our guests
We asked past Trafalgar guests how they felt when they went guided with us, as part of the LGBTQIA+ community – and we’re proud to share their words.
Craig & Graham
Past guests Craig and Graham from Adelaide, South Australia, have joined us on two tours – and they’ve been some of the most memorable trips we’ve had.
On their first Trafalgar tour, the Grand European, they got engaged on a magical sunset cruise beneath the Eiffel Tower. A year later, they decided to tie the knot in Dubrovnik while on Balkan Delight with their newfound tour friends (who then became an even bigger part of their story).
“Graham and I have been so grateful for our experiences on tour with Trafalgar – the tour directors and guests have all shown such positive, progressive and inclusive attitudes, which has made each trip feel like family,” says Craig. “We couldn’t have asked for better allies, from the guests who embraced us with such warmth and happiness during our Paris proposal, and those who ultimately became our wedding guests in Croatia.”
“I mean, the tour director Tod, thoughtfully helped to arrange our surprise wedding, and fellow guests Cassie and Kristen became our groomsmaids with, Ashlinn performing the ceremony… now that is being an ally to the absolute max!“
Keith R
Keith entered this year’s Trafalgar Unlocked Awards, telling the story of a spectacular European trip with his partner where they traveled across Amsterdam, Lucerne and Paris.
“This trip was our first trip to Europe and it was an absolute dream,” he wrote. “As a same sex couple travelling, we felt so safe and welcomed. Our Travel Director and driver were so friendly, welcoming, accommodating and knowledgeable.”
Our Travel Directors’ favorite destinations for LGBTQIA+ travelers
Who better to give the scoop on the best places to travel for members of the LGBTQIA+ community than our Travel Directors?
Kyle Olsen
Though he calls Sydney, Australia home, Travel Director Kyle Olsen (@travelling_kyle) is always on new adventures as he travels the world.
Favorite LGBTQ+ destination: Amsterdam
“Netherlands was the first country to legalise to same sex marriage. I just love the freedom that there is. You can walk down the street holding your partner’s hand without fear of someone saying anything or turning a head. It’s just natural. We try to go to Amsterdam Pride every year (in the first weekend of August).
Gianluca Carlo
You’ll find Travel Director Giancarlo (@gianlucatraf) across Europe on trips like our Great Italian Cities tour. His husband, Gordon Spicer, is also a Travel Director with Trafalgar. “I have been on the road for more than 25 years! We have LGBTQ+ travellers on many tours and we never make anybody feel different,” Gianluca tells us.
Favorite LGBTQ+ destination: New York
“New York is great because nobody ‘cares’ what you are, who you are, what you do. And the same for London and Scandinavian countries (these are definitely some of the best LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations). You just feel free! And even in Thailand, where even the ‘third sex’ is accepted.”
Support local LGBTQI+ people
“LGBTQI+ people are obviously not a monolith. We come in all ages, shapes, sizes and backgrounds,” says Auston from the IGLTA. “For many LGBTQI+ people, when they can and when it’s safe and makes sense, they do like to understand what the local connection is, or the connection to the local community.”
“For example, this cafe is LGBTQI+ owned, this LGBTQI+ figure had a historical impact, or if you want to go out to nightlife in gay bars, this is where they are. Maybe it’s a smaller place, but someone knows that a particular restaurant is LGBTQI+ friendly. If you can pull from the local community that you’re visiting and find like a connection to whatever audience you have, that elevates the travel experience. Even if it’s only one or two touch points in a trip it’s really helpful to know and makes us feel connected.”
How to be a supportive ally for LGBTQIA+ travelers
It’s not just up to members of the LGBTQIA+ community to make each other feel safe – all travelers have a responsibility to respect and protect each other. We asked Craig and Graham to talk about their experiences and give us some insights on how to be the best LGBTQ+ ally when traveling.
“When you first meet your tour companions, don’t make assumptions about their identities or relationships, based on their appearance. Be respectful of gender identity and use inclusive language, when talking to or about LGBTIQA+ people. This will have an immediate impact in helping your new friends to feel comfortable and confident to be themselves on tour.”
“Understand that traveling to some countries can present cultural and legal challenges for those in the LGBTIQA+ community to navigate. Create supportive, safe spaces when exploring on tour and be sure to exercise discretion,” they continued.
“Call out any discriminatory language or behaviours. Casual homophobia is still a big issue for the LGBTIQA+ community. Used directly or indirectly, it negatively impacts the travelling experience for anybody who identifies as LGBTIQA+, and those with family, friends or colleagues who identify. If you don’t feel comfortable confronting the behaviour, raise the matter with your tour director.”