Recently updated on June 20th, 2022 at 09:16 am
Pride month hits its 50th year this June, which calls for an extra special party. But all great parties must have spectacular settings, right? Let two of Trafalgar’s LGBTQ+ Travel Directors (Kyle Olson and Gianluca Di Carlo) tell you their favourite LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations to help you celebrate in style this summer.
Pride calls us to celebrate acceptance and the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, while also acknowledging LGBTQ+ issues and the continued fight equality around the world.
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Kyle Olsen
Travel Director Kyle Olsen (@travelling_kyle) answered our questions while running The European Whirl (12 Day tour).
What are your favourite LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations?
Sydney
“Sydney is a major destination for the LGBTQ+ community. Especially next year in 2023 when we’re hosting World Pride (17 February to 5 March 2023). We’re expecting to have over 1 million visitors from around the world come, which makes it the biggest tourism event Australia has seen since the Sydney Olympics (with a huge party on Bondi Beach!)
“So for people travelling and wanting an LGBTQ+ experience, Sydney should be top of the list for 2023. It’s the first time [World] Pride is held in the southern hemisphere, and we’re going to be championing freedom for LGBTQ+ people around the world. But we’ll also be focussing on the Asia specific region because a lot of areas don’t have the freedom of liberties that we have, so we’re going to be highlighting that and bringing attention to the rest of the world.”
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).”
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Mykonos
“Mykonos has always been one of my favourite LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations. For the beaches, the food, the sunsets, the beautiful people from around the world. It’s a welcoming and warm space. And you must also check out the XLSIOR festival in August.”
Barcelona
“Barcelona is another gay capital – the waterpark party has over 25,000 people and is a lot of fun. For something different, you’ll want to head to Sitges. It’s a pumping gay town in summer, with beautiful sun-kissed beaches. And it’s only a 1 hour train from the city.”
Miami, South Beach
“South Beach Miami is my favourite [place] in America. I love the Cuban influencers and Spanish speakers. It’s a different vibe. And the beach across from the Versace mansion is definitely the place to party and meet some interesting people!
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Gianluca Carlo
Travel Director Giancarlo (@gianlucatraf) tells us about his favourite LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations while running the Great Italian Cities tour. His husband, Gordon Spicer, is also a Travel Director with Trafalgar.
Tell us about your travel director experience and favourite tours?
“I have been on the road for more than 25 years! My favourite trips are: Gladiators, Gondolas & Gold (a family trip that’s so much fun with kids), Great Italian Cities, Best of Italy and Italy Bellissimo. We have LGBTQ+ travellers on many tours and we never make anybody feel different.”
What are your favourite LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
“Buenos Aires is great because there is nothing ‘strange’ [about being LGBTQ+] and you’ll notice smiles rather than looks you walk hand in hand.”
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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.“
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Did any of these LGBTQ+ friendly travel destinations surprise you or inspire you to explore them? Tell us in the comments below!