Get your passport ready and pack your bags!
BY KHRYSTYNA BURLAK, IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGES/CANVA
As wanderlust kicks in and 2026 travel plans start to take shape, there has never been a better time to explore the world. For LGBTQIA+ travellers, choosing the right destination is about more than pretty scenery, good food and aesthetic hotel rooms – it is about safety, visibility and the freedom to exist unapologetically. If you’re LGBTQIA+ and thinking about travel, check out these five countries with active queer communities.
Canada
Canada’s still leading the way worldwide when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights. They have laws against discrimination, marriage is equal for everyone, adoption is allowed, and trans and gender-diverse people are protected. Cities like Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver are home to iconic queer neighbourhoods – from Church-Wellesley Village to Le Village and Davie Street – each buzzing with nightlife, arts, and community spaces.
From Toronto’s Crews & Tangos and Glad Day Bookshop to Montréal’s Cabaret Mado and Vancouver’s The Fountainhead Pub, Canada’s queer venues blend nightlife, culture and community. Beyond the cities, Canada delivers breathtaking natural beauty, from the Rocky Mountains to Niagara Falls, making it the perfect blend of culture and escape.
Malta
Do not be fooled by its size – Malta is a powerhouse when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights. Malta often ranks high in Europe for equality. They’ve got good laws about gender, have banned conversion “therapy”, and generally offer strong legal protection for queer people. Because Malta is small, you could swim in its pretty waters in the morning and then enjoy the nightlife or some cultural events later that day. The vibrant queer community of Malta can be experienced at places such as Cafe Society Valletta, where nightlife and social spaces are very openly and proudly visible.
Spain
The queer culture of Spain is colourful, very expressive and extremely proud of being loud. Marriage equality was cemented in 2005, and Madrid’s Pride events bring thousands every year. Cities like Barcelona radiate flowing, creative and inclusive energy through its beaches, bars, bookstores, and queer-owned cafés. Queer culture thrives at Madrid’s Chueca bars and in neighbourhoods like Lavapies. Whether you are dancing until sunrise or wandering historic streets hand-in-hand, Spain invites you to live loudly and freely.
Iceland
For travellers craving both peace and progress, Iceland delivers on all fronts. Known as one of the safest countries in the world, it also offers strong LGBTQIA+ protections and a deeply inclusive culture. Reykjavík Pride may be smaller than those in major capitals, but it is famously joyful and widely embraced by locals – including political leaders. Community gathers at Kiki Queer Bar, a space that hosts drag nights, DJ sets, and relaxed socialising. Iceland’s waterfalls, volcanoes, and Northern Lights prove that amazing sights and safety can go hand in hand.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a beautiful country with a friendly atmosphere. Cities like Auckland and Wellington have huge queer scenes and, at the same time, are very close to beaches, woods, and hiking areas. It is a perfect spot for tourists who like adventure but also want to be surrounded by supportive people, whether it is surfing during the day or having a good time with the community at night.
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