Welcome to the ultimate queer summer travel guide
BY DIVA STAFF, IMAGE BY PEXELS
Dreaming of a sapphic summer break? Keen to embark on a new adventure but need a little inspo? You’re in luck because leading travel brand Expedia has just published their LGBTQ+ Summer Travel Outlook. Sharing insights based on a survey of 1000 queer people in the UK, this new report is packed with useful info to help you plan your next trip.
Top destinations for the queer community
Iconic destinations like Mykonos, Phuket and Gran Canaria remain firm favourites with queer people.
Lesser-known gems such as Sardinia, Madeira and Zurich are becoming increasingly popular, especially for those seeking fresh experiences.
When it comes to beach destinations Brighton tops the list, with one in three LGBTQIA+ Brits planning a visit this summer. The queer hotspot outpaces global hotspots like Cape Town, Sitges and Key West.
For city breaks, Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona are the most sought-after destinations. London, Brighton and Manchester are considered the most LGBTQIA+ welcoming in the UK, with Bristol and Liverpool also ranking highly.
Queer travel trends
Chosen family and couples
For LGBTQIA+ people, holidaying with their chosen family is as popular as with their immediate family. Over half will take couples holidays (54%) and a quarter regularly travel with parents.
Foodies first
LGBTQIA+ travellers are real foodies, with nice restaurants and bars (46%) topping the list of top activities, followed by cultural attractions (36%) and shopping (31%), with sports ranking lowest (10%).
Safety is key
When choosing a destination, safety remains a priority among the queer people (43%). Community endorsement is key, with half using word-of-mouth from friends in the community when deciding where to go.
Pride on the move
54% of people surveyed plan to attend a Pride event this year. Most (76%) plan to travel outside of their hometown for the occasion, with 43% attending with friends and 10% going solo or bringing a parent.
Tips for queer holidaymakers
Use Expedia’s LGBTQ+ Welcoming filter
Over 40,000 hotels have opted into an Inclusivity Pledge, to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for hateful, disrespectful or discriminatory behaviour. Many train staff on sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and on using gender-neutral language, and are ready to offer recommendations for gay-friendly neighbourhoods, restaurants, and activities.
“Sandwich” your summer travels
Flight prices and stay dates are lower in June, with the cheapest day to fly being 12 June. The least busy time to travel is late August, ideal if you want to avoid the crowds.
Queer lifestyle influencers share their thoughts
Travel enthusiasts and husbands Taylor Phillips and Jeff O’Donnell had this to say.
“Destinations like Thailand, Sardinia, and the Greek Islands are beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming, so it’s no surprise they’re top picks for new international destinations,” comments Taylor. “We love the Greek Islands for their breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and the easy-going, inclusive vibe. Places like Singapore are also making progress, showing how visibility and inclusive travel can shift cultures.”
Jeff adds, “Iceland and Madrid stood out for us— we felt safe, seen and celebrated. In Reykjavik, we checked out some great gay bars and drag shows, and in Madrid, we spent time in Chueca, an iconic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, and we found joy and acceptance throughout the city. Our advice? Book the trip. Know what you want, plan well, and go. Life’s too short not to explore.”
Visit expedia.co.uk to get planning your summer holiday
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