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Gay Travel Index of 2024: The Good and the Bad for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Gay Travel Index of 2024: The Good and the Bad for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Hey guys! The Spartacus Gay Travel Index for 2024 is out, and boy, is it a rollercoaster! Every year, the German publisher Spartacus ranks countries for their LGBTQ+ and gay-friendliness based on how they treat their LGBTQ+ citizens and queer travelers. And let’s just say… there’s a lot to unpack, from some exciting victories to some truly depressing setbacks. But hey, at least knowing where to avoid ahem certain countries ahem makes your fabulous vacation planning that much easier, right? Find out why we recommend using the Gay Travel Index by Spartacus for our travel planning as an openly gay traveling couple.

Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2023 Karl wants to know: Where to go on holiday in 2023?
Karl wants to know: Where to go on a gay-friendly vacation in 2024?

How Does The Gay Travel Index All Work, Though?

Spartacus has been publishing their Gay Travel Index since 2012. It goes beyond basic “Can gays get married here?” stuff. They look at 18 different factors, from anti-discrimination laws to the actual death penalty for being LGBTQ+. The result is a color-coded system: dark green means those countries are fabulous, and red means … well, let’s just say you won’t catch me booking a flight there anytime soon.

A Gay Couple of Men visiting Disneyland Paris © Coupleofmen.com
A Gay Couple of Men visiting Disneyland Paris © Coupleofmen.com

It’s also not just about how safe these countries are for tourists. Spartacus cares about the local LGBTQ+ people too. They want to make sure you’re informed about whether your vacation dollars go to a place that supports human rights or contributes to oppression. It’s your choice as to whether you pick a progressive paradise or go somewhere and make a statement. And this index gives you the tools to make that decision.

Flying with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines © Coupleofmen.com

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The Full Spartacus Gay Travel Index for 2024

You can see this year’s ranking below by clicking through the four pages:

  • Gay Travel Index 2024 by Spartacus - ranks 1 to 54
  • Gay Travel Index 2024 by Spartacus - ranks 54 to 93
  • Gay Travel Index 2024 by Spartacus - ranks 109 to 162
  • Gay Travel Index 2024 by Spartacus - ranks 162 to 210

The Complete Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2024 as PDF*

*Please be advised: Loading time of the PDF file may take longer!

Travel Index with New Category & Expanded Horizons

The 2024 Spartacus Gay Travel Index unveils a new category: Censorship. This category sheds light on laws impacting LGBTQ+ expression, like restrictions on rainbow flags or LGBTQ+ books. This addition reflects the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights globally. The index also welcomes 11 new countries: Guinea, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Sudan, Tuvalu, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These additions offer LGBTQ+ travelers a more comprehensive range of safe and welcoming destinations, showcasing progress in these nations towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

Puerto Rico Adventure Road Trip and San Juan of a Gay Couple © Coupleofmen.com
Finding an LGBTQ+ friendly paradise in Puerto Rico © Coupleofmen.com

The Highs and Lows of the 2024 Gay Travel Index

he big news: a record-breaking five countries tied for the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations – Canada, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, and Malta! You can’t go wrong with any of these options. Some other movers and shakers:

  • Estonia: Marriage equality? Check! It’s the first Eastern European nation to get on board, shooting up the rankings! Karl visited the country for Baltic Pride in Tallinn in 2017. 🇪🇪
  • Norway: Conversion therapy is SO last century (literally). Their ban on this harmful practice helped them climb those ranks! 🇳🇴
  • Russia: Yikes. They keep making life harder for LGBTQ+ folks, earning them a swift demotion. It’s pretty close to the absolute bottom of the list.
Rainbow colored gathering at Viru Gate Tallinn | Baltic Pride 2017 Tallinn Best Powerful LGBTQ Photos © CoupleofMen.com
Karl visiting Baltic Pride 2017 in Tallinn © CoupleofMen.com

Keep an Eye on These Spots

A few countries are in a “wait and see” zone:

  • Thailand: One marriage equality bill away from skyrocketing up the list!
  • Latin America: Many countries here are feeling pressure to legalize same-sex marriage finally. Countries such as Costa Rica, Colombia, and Argentina are definitely among our favorite destinations in South America.
  • The USA: Oh boy, the upcoming election has everyone on edge. New York State still tops the Fay Travel Index’s domestic list, while some states remain… stuck in the past. Though, we cannot wait to be back in the US-American West this spring, visiting some popular LGBTQ+ places in California.
A Gay Kiss on New York City's Brooklyn Bridge © Coupleofmen.com
A Gay Kiss on New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge © Coupleofmen.com

Which destinations to check out in 2024

Greece is making strides with its recent legalization of same-sex marriage. Thessaloniki, a Greek vacation hotspot, will host Euro Pride 2024 after Malta hosted the event the previous year, which we are planning to visit and show you on our blog and social media. Japan remains one of the places we urgently want to visit again. The island nation is still on a slow but steady climb up the annual gay travel index. And, of course, we have to mention Germany and the Netherlands, our home countries. Both remain havens of LGBTQ+ acceptance, but are not among the front-runners they used to be anymore.

Some top Gay-Friendly Countries Traveled by us

Rank 1: Malta

Malta shines brightly in the 2024 Spartacus Gay Travel Index, sharing the top spot with four other countries as an ultimate LGBTQ+ friendly destination. This small Mediterranean island nation boasts a perfect score across all categories, thanks to its robust anti-discrimination legislation, full marriage equality, and a vibrant and welcoming LGBTQ+ scene. Malta is the epitome of a safe and inclusive destination where travelers can relax, embrace their authentic selves, and experience the island’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. We visited Malta twice, last year for Euro Pride 2023!

Gay Malta Travel Guide © Coupleofmen.com
A Couple of Men visiting Malta for EuroPride 2023 © Coupleofmen.com

Rank 2: Canada & Spain

Canada and Spain continue to be beacons of acceptance in the 2024 Gay Travel Index, sharing the top spot as prime destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. Both nations offer solid legal protections, inclusive societies, and thriving gay scenes. Canada‘s vastness provides a range of experiences, from cosmopolitan cities like Toronto and Montreal to stunning natural wonders. Spain bursts with energy, offering vibrant cities, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural tapestry that embraces the LGBTQ+ community wholeheartedly.

Couple of Men Gay Travel Blog in Canada © CoupleofMen.com
Traveling through the winter wonderland of Alberta in Canada © CoupleofMen.com
Buch Couple of Men - Ein Männerpaar auf Reisen © Coupleofmen.com

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Rank 8: Germany & Iceland

While not topping the charts in 2024, Germany, Iceland, and Spain all maintain solid positions within the Spartacus Gay Travel Index. Germany continues to be a bastion of LGBTQ+ acceptance and inclusivity, reflecting its strong anti-discrimination laws and social acceptance. Iceland, known for its progressive attitudes, remains a welcoming and safe destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Spain, ever vibrant and passionate, is a perennial favorite, offering a dynamic mix of gay-friendly beaches, cities bursting with culture, and a warm embrace for the LGBTQ+ community. After visiting Berlin all ready for the world’s biggest travel show ITB, where we received the ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award for our work and book, we cannot wait to explore more of Germany.

Gay Couple traveling Road Trip North Iceland © CoupleofMen.com
Our Gay Couple Road Trip with stop in North Iceland © CoupleofMen.com

Tips & Reviews: Gay Travel Planning

Check their website for the updated world maps by ILGA © ILGA.ORG

Gay Travel Index by Spartacus for 2024

Official Websites:

About the International Spartacus Gay Guide for 2024

Before you book those flights… Choosing a vacation spot is about more than lovely beaches and cute cafés (though those are important, too!). The Spartacus Gay Travel Index empowers you to travel as your authentic self, and support countries that support you. So, tell me, where’s your next LGBTQ+ friendly adventure? You can find the complete Spartacus Gay Travel Index for 2024 on their website – it’s a fascinating, if sometimes sobering, read.

By including the new Censorship category and expanding its reach to new countries, the 2024 Spartacus Gay Travel Index empowers LGBTQ+ travelers to make informed choices. The index, covering 213 countries and regions, remains a valuable resource for understanding legal situations and living conditions for LGBTQ+ individuals globally.

Karl & Daan.

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Even if a country’s ranking is high or low, please check the current official status with the country’s tourist board, read some of the best travel blogs, or contact the nearest representative of the country you are planning to visit for advice.

Do you want to know more about travel news from the LGBTQ + community? Follow us on InstagramThreads, XYouTube, and Facebook! See you at Pride or somewhere in this beautiful, diverse, and eclectic world!