Most families have the same goal for a successful vacation: have fun, relax, enjoy new experiences and cultures, and make wonderful memories in the process. Yet LGBTQ parents have the added pressure of ensuring that the places they go and the people they meet will welcome them with open arms, and that their children need not feel fearful or uncomfortable.
Planning a great trip starts with selecting the right destination. We love these locations for their LGBTQ-welcoming culture and plethora of family-friendly accommodations and activities.
This tourist-centric state has a long history as an LGBTQ-friendly destination and is known for its openness to same-sex marriage. Our clients love that Hawaii offers so much variety in lodging options, including beachfront condos, private villas and full-service, kid-friendly resorts — not to mention unique experiences like surf lessons, helicopter tours and volcano hikes.
For almost 20 years now, same-sex marriage has been legal in the Netherlands, the first country in the world to make it so. Beyond this progressive attitude, there is lots of fun for families to be found here, from bike rides along canals to art museum tours. The easy transport connections make it a breeze to tack on a stay in a place like neighboring Belgium (which just happens to be the second country to legalize same-sex marriage!), full of its own unique charm.
There are many reasons families flock to southern Florida, whether it is the laid-back vibe of Key West, the thriving arts and ethnic communities in Miami or the beaches and cruise ports of Fort Lauderdale. Fortunately for LGBTQ families, it’s also extremely welcoming, not only to visitors but to the thousands of LGBTQ people who call this region home.
An incredibly hip art scene, diverse cuisine inspired by its international citizens and tons of family-friendly activities make Berlin an attractive destination for families of all kinds. Berlin has also been home to LGBTQ neighborhoods since the 1920s, so everyone can be assured of a welcoming experience.
From stunning Patagonia to colorful Buenos Aires, the first South American country to legalize gay marriage welcomes families with a variety of interests and pursuits. Argentina’s very progressive attitudes mean that experiences can be inclusive; our advisors can easily arrange same-sex tango lessons or bike tours between wine tastings at LGBTQ-friendly bodegas.
It’s hard to walk a block or two in the charming towns that dot Cape Cod without seeing a rainbow flag flying from front porches or windows, just one way this region rolls out the welcome wagon to LGBTQ families. Provincetown in particular has long been a favorite gathering spot; in the peak summer months, nearly half of all visitors are LGBTQ. Beyond the comfort of being surrounded by like-minded families, our clients love the rustic beauty of the beaches and cute towns to wander, ice cream cones in hand.
Despite its traditionally conservative roots, Spain legalized same-sex marriage years ago, supported by more than 65 percent of the population. Hot spots like Ibiza and Sitges attract LGBTQ crowds from around the world. Our clients also love Spain’s two largest cities, Madrid and Barcelona, for their amazing attractions, history and culture. Transportation is easy with a high-speed train connecting the two.
Is there a more famous shrine to LGBTQ culture than San Francisco? Families love to pose for photos in front of the huge rainbow flag in the Castro district, one of the nation’s first LGBTQ neighborhoods, in the midst of touring major sights, like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Chinatown. Indeed, the melting-pot vibe here feels like a trip around the world in one welcoming city.
A few decades ago, Scotland lagged behind its European counterparts in terms of open-mindedness and progressive stances on social issues. Has that ever changed! It’s now one of the most LGBTQ-friendly destinations in all of Europe. And while some same-sex families feel hesitant to explore rural regions and tend to stick to cities, Scotland’s natural beauty in remote regions like the Highlands and Isle of Skye goes hand in hand with its inclusiveness.
The Big Apple offers a big umbrella; all types of visitors are welcome to come and experience this most famous of metropolises. New York City is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement, and the city’s live-and-let-live attitude is comforting to families. Plus, there’s just so much to do and see here, from Broadway shows to the Statue of Liberty to Central Park. Our advisors are well-versed on the many kid-friendly hotels in neighborhoods throughout the city.
For many LGBTQ families, safety is a top priority. Consider Iceland as a great choice; not only is it incredibly safe, but hate crimes are virtually nonexistent. Its progressive political views are reflected in the election of an openly gay prime minister. Iceland is also full of family-friendly fun, like dune buggy rides through incredible natural scenery and plunges into thermal pools. Iceland works as a vacation destination across seasons, as the odds of seeing the Northern Lights in the winter months are good and outdoor adventure beckons in the summer.
Let us plan the vacation of your dreams to these or any other destinations. Our LGBTQ clients rest assured that our preferred suppliers will welcome their family with a feeling of inclusiveness and approval throughout their travels.
Our expert Family Travel Advisors are passionate about exploring the world with children — and empowering you to do the same. From handpicked accommodations to insider experiences, we can craft a custom vacation that’s uniquely suited to your family’s needs. Click to get started!
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