Are you looking to travel in the company of LGBTQIA women? Olivia Travel is here to provide a magical experience
BY DIVA STAFF, IMAGE BY OLIVIA TRAVEL
Being full of wanderlust is not always easy when you are LGBTQIA. That’s why Olivia Travel is such a vital resource for the community. They offer life-changing travel experiences for LGBTQIA women. Whether you’re looking for a big cruise, resort, intimate riverboat or luxury trips, Olivia is sure to have just the magical adventure in store for you where you can feel free to be completely you.
“Olivia’s vacations replenish my heart and soul because I am with my people in beautiful surroundings” – Pamela
With names like Billie Jean King, Wanda Sykes, Antigone Rising, Fortune Feimster, Gina Yashere, Lily Tomlin and The L Word’s Katherine Moennig and Leisha Hailey among their star-studded list of past entertainers, speakers and special guests, it’s safe to say that the entertainment Olivia provides is just as unforgettable as their travel experiences.
“Best description is summer camp for lesbians. Bonded in a world of love, joy and acceptance” – Siri
And speaking of The L Word… did you know that Olivia and The L Word franchise have a very special connection? Their collaborations began when the first episode of the gamechanging lesbian show premiered in 2004. Cast members and series creator Ilene Chaiken joined travelers on an Olivia cruise to the Caribbean to celebrate the monumental moment of the series launch. And die hard The L Word fans might know that episode 10 of the second season was actually filmed aboard an Olivia cruise.
“For one week, my wife didn’t fear being yelled at that she was in the wrong bathroom when she entered the women’s room. For one week, we could hold hands in public without fear” – Jennifer
So what sets Olivia apart from other travel companies?
- Acceptance – Discrimination, prejudice and bigotry can make even the simplest daily tasks feel like a battle. So, imagine what it would be like to go on vacation and suddenly find yourself in the majority. For LGBTQIA women, a vacation where they are surrounded by people who share their identity can be a transformative and empowering experience.
- Relaxation – The feelings of joy, relief, and freedom that come from being on a vacation in a place where one’s identity is celebrated and accepted cannot be overstated.
- Traveling safely – The constant hypervigilance that many LGBTQ women feel in their daily lives can fade away, replaced by a sense of ease and safety. For once, they can let their guard down and simply be themselves. Traveling in numbers provides a feeling of safety.
- Community and representation – For many LGBTQIA women, finding a community where they feel accepted and understood can be a lifelong struggle. Even in places where acceptance is growing, there can still be a sense of isolation and loneliness. Going on vacation to a place where they are surrounded by people who have shared experiences can provide a much-needed sense of connection and belonging, and often leads to life-long friendships. In addition, Olivia has comedians and musicians from our community (not to mention yoga teachers) so even the recreation is catered to Olivian interests.
- Sisters Program – Not all LGBTQIA women have the same experiences, even within the same community. Intersectionality plays a huge role in shaping the experiences and challenges that LGBTQIA women face and Olivia’s Sisters program creates events of connection for women of colour and their friends.
- Romance – Solos aren’t always single or looking for love, but many are! Olivia’s solo program empowers lesbians and LGBTQIA women to travel alone – but the many solos activities on most Olivia vacations means you may be solo, but you’re never alone (if you don’t want to be).
- Choices – Resorts and large cruises allow for value priced vacations and lots of options (Alaska, Caribbean, Mexico, etc.). For travelers who prefer luxury vacations Olivia offers riverboats and luxury cruises, and for those who want to explore the some of the most exotic locations on the globe (think Antarctica, Galapagos, African Safaris, etc.) Olivia has their very own Adventure trips. There’s really something for everyone.
Find out more: olivia.com
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