After more than a year of hunkering down, many gay travellers are eager to get out on the road again and explore the world. Thankfully, the world of gay-friendly travel is widening, with more and more countries opening up to the gay community. Whether you’re looking for a romantic rendezvous at the beach, fun trips with friends at some cosmopolitan cities or even a romantic honeymoon with your significant other, the options for luxury gay travel are now better than ever.
To help you decide where to go on your holiday, here’s a list of the trendiest luxury gay travel destinations.
Thailand
Thailand is one of the most gay-friendly countries in Asia. It’s a country that ignites the senses with its natural beauty, rich culture, and incredibly friendly people. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene islands and rolling highlands, there’s so much to discover in your luxury holiday in Thailand.
The Songkran festival, which takes place in April, is one of the biggest and best gay parties to witness in Thailand. So, if you happen to be in the country during this time, don’t miss the opportunity to join in the fun! If you find Bangkok or Phuket a bit crowded and touristy, head to the northern towns of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Soak up the rich cultural heritage of these towns by visiting temples, palaces, and local markets.
If you want to spend most days lounging at the beach, take your pick from the many beautiful Thai islands. These islands are also home to luxurious gay-friendly resorts with world-class amenities for a relaxing and comfortable stay.
Mexico
Mexico is home to a captivating patchwork of regions with dynamic cuisines, varying cultural quirks, and breath-taking natural sights. As a gay-friendly destination, the country hosts same-sex weddings and is an ideal destination for gay honeymoons. To experience a bit of luxury, stay in one of the five-star resorts lying along the Caribbean coastline of the Mayan Riviera.
While you will probably want to spend most of your time lounging at the beach, take time to explore the country’s capital city. Mexico City is teeming with exceptional museums, excavated pyramids, colonial mansions, and art galleries. Although it’s still slowly emerging as one of the more accepting gay vacation destinations in Mexico, the city has a thriving gay community.
Meanwhile, Acapulco has a long-standing gay population. The city is home to several gay-friendly hotels and nightclubs where you can socialise and interact with other LGBTQ members. While most hotels and establishments in Acapulco generally welcome same-sex couples, they do not necessarily brand themselves as gay-friendly. Nevertheless, the city is very welcoming to gays, so you can guarantee a safe and comfortable stay.
Greece
Greece is a land of mythological creatures, gods, and goddesses. But it’s also a country living very much in the present and where gay travellers are welcomed with open arms.
Mykonos is the top destination for gay holidays in Greece and is home to some of the most popular gay resorts in the country. The island has numerous gay-friendly clubs, and gay travellers are free to express themselves as they please. You won’t have any problems with the locals or other visitors to the island. The same is true for the other Greek islands, such as Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, and Athens.
Exploring the country’s ancient roots is the highlight of any trip. Almost every island, town, and village have a link to the past, and the country’s awe-inspiring collection of historic sites date back to four millennia. Greece has been under the rule of several empires, all of them have left their mark. Thus, the country features a rich tapestry of ancient temples, Byzantine monasteries, and Venetian forts.
Japan
Japan is a land where the past meets the future. Here, you will find ancient customs and traditions woven together with modern buildings and cutting-edge technology. Travelling to Japan as a gay is generally safe. Although public displays of affection are still being frowned upon, as long as you remain respectful of Japanese culture, gay visitors should have nothing to worry about.
One of the best things to do in Japan as a gay traveller is to explore the bustling gay neighbourhood of Tokyo. Shinjuku is a busy neighbourhood where all the action happens. In fact, its train station is like a mini city in itself, with hundreds of exits serving millions of commuters each day!
Bathing in an onsen is a great activity for gay tourists wanting to enjoy some tranquillity on their holiday to Japan. An onsen is a hot spring usually located in serene surroundings, making the experience all the more relaxing. Meeting a geisha is a memorable and magical experience during your trip to Japan. You can experience this in the historical neighbourhood of Gion in Kyoto, whilst staying in a Ryokan. It used to be an entertainment district in Kyoto and nowadays is one of the most popular tourist spots to visit in Japan.
The Galapagos
Certainly one of the most incredible places on Earth, the Galapagos Islands are perhaps the only place on Earth where you can discover wildlife up close. The lack of predators on the islands means that its iconic wildlife, consisting of curious sea lions, vibrant bird species, and giant tortoises, is not afraid of humans. As a gay traveller to the Galapagos, you will be welcomed with open arms, allowing you to explore freely with no worries.
Going for a luxury cruise is one of the most popular things you can do in the Galapagos. But if you want your holiday to be filled with exciting activities, consider kayaking along the Itabaca Channel. Flanked by lava rock cliffs and mangrove forests, this tranquil waterway is home to sea lions, brown pelicans, and blue-footed boobies. You can also choose to go stand-up paddle boarding for the ultimate adventure. If you have a fondness for exploring the underwater, go on a snorkelling tour around the Kicker Rock, a volcanic island protruding out of the sea and carved by the crashing waves of the Pacific.
Images courtesy of pixabay.com
