LGBT Friendly Destination Ideas

I am one of several agents in our office that plan travel for LGBT couples. I have my own blog where I have highlighted several places that would be suitable destination ideas but I thought it was time to write something for the agency’s blog. We are getting ready to attend the One Love Seattle Wedding Showcase this Sunday Feb 18th so we hope you will join us. Tickets are free if you pre-register or $15 at the door.

Some of these LGBT friendly destinations might be well-known but some might find them to be a surprise. Let us know what you think!

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MEXICO

It is a fairly well known fact that Puerto Vallarta has become the unofficial “Gay Capitol” of Mexico but there are many other places in Mexico that are becoming safe destinations as well. Over the past few years, Mexico’s Tourism Board has created a certification program for LGBT training and education in the hottest tourism spots in the country. So far, this certification program has resulted in 13 certified destinations in Mexico! Some of the certified destinations are Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Mexico City, Cancun and Riviera Maya. Here are just a few resorts in these areas that we love:

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HAWAII

This may not surprise anyone but it is a destination where I plan many vacations, honeymoons and destination weddings to and it is very LGBT friendly. All of the islands are great choices but I am going to focus on Kauai since it offers so much in regards to romance and nature. It is a lush paradise and much of the island’s beauty is best seen by air or water so make sure to take a helicopter tour and hop aboard a catamaran or kayak to explore the Napali Coast. This is just one of many resorts that we love on Kauai:

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TAHITI

French Polynesia is very LGBT friendly and while one might think of it as a destination predominately for heterosexual couples, the islands are more friendly than one might think. For instance, many resorts staff mahu (men living as women). I love the island of Moorea as you have access to the famous overwater bungalows, mountains, waterfalls, hiking, water sports and the capitol of French Polynesia, Papeete, is only a short ferry ride away. This is just one resort that we love on Moorea:

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NEW ZEALAND

This country has been known for its inclusive and progressive behavior toward the LGBT community for many years. In 1998, it was the first nation to adopt the label of ‘Gay/Lesbian Friendly’ accommodations label and it is now an initiative recognized globally. There is so much diversity in terms of the landscape from volcanoes to lush greenery to glaciers. There are activities that range from hiking, biking, golf, fishing, exploring the Maori culture, tours of Middle Earth, spa, wellness, farming and more. I don’t have a favorite hotel here as there are so many to choose from so, enjoy a few photos around the islands:

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ICELAND

It has been voted as one of the most friendliest places in the world and their tolerance to the LGBT community is extremely high. In the capitol city of Reykjavik, they host one of the largest and oldest Gay Pride parades in Europe. Iceland’s landscape is one of the most unique and interesting in the world as well. You can wander behind waterfalls, descend into dormant volcanoes, hike a glacier, go whale watching, seek out the Northern Lights or relax the day away in a geothermal lagoon. You can read more about Iceland on my website. Again, it is too hard to pick just one favorite hotel in Iceland so, here are some photos around the island: