We, as a gay bear couple, have been traveling the world together for over a decade. And as much as we love a beautiful view or a great cocktail, nothing beats the feeling of being fully welcomed just as we are – bearded, body-positive, and proudly queer. This gay bear travel guide 2025 is for every bear and bear-loving traveler out there. From romantic escapes, your first bear cruise, or a trip to a bear week: This guide is designed to help you feel confident, safe, sexy, and connected. We’ve gathered our favorite destinations, events, and tips based on real experiences, all from the perspective of two men who live and travel as visible members of the bear community. So enjoy planning your bear-friendly gay travels with the Couple of Men 2025 guide in the best possible way.
Gay Bear Travel Guide 2025
We are a couple of body-positive gay bears proudly traveling the world. This gay bear travel guide 2025 is your go-to resource for safe, sexy, and affirming bear-friendly adventures, including Bear Week, all-bear cruises, saunas, resorts, and romantic escapes across Europe, North America, and beyond.
What does ‘bear’ mean in the LGBTQ+ community?
The term “bear” refers to a subculture within the LGBTQ+ community, especially among gay men, that embraces larger or hairier bodies, masculinity, and often a more laid-back or rugged style. Bears typically identify with values like body positivity, inclusivity, and community connection. The bear community includes related identities such as:
- Cubs: younger or smaller bears
- Otters: leaner and often hairy men
- Chubs: larger-bodied men
- Chasers: men attracted to bears or chubs
- Leather bears: bears who identify with the leather or kink scene
These identities aren’t strict categories: They are flexible, evolving, and based on self-definition. Bear culture often overlaps with pride, kink, and community building, and continues to play a vital role in creating inclusive queer spaces. You can find more inclusive definitions in our LGBTQ+ glossary.
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What makes a destination gay bear-friendly?
Gay bear friendly doesn’t just mean there are other bears around. It means a place where you can feel comfortable in your skin, express yourself freely, and connect with a like-minded community. Here are some of the things we look for when choosing a destination:
- Body-positive spaces: From clothing-optional pools to spas that celebrate all body types, inclusivity is key.
- Community-driven events, such as Bear Bar nights, themed weekends, or organized sauna socials, help create safe and welcoming spaces.
- LGBTQ+ safety: Legal protections, local acceptance, and visibly queer spaces make all the difference.
- Accessible vibe: Not every bear is into dancing until 5 a.m. We love places where you can chill, eat well, and still feel part of something.
Cities like Berlin, Palm Springs, and Sitges tick all those boxes. But smaller towns and resorts are catching up, too. The key is finding places that celebrate variety within our gay bear culture.
The best gay bear travel events in 2025
Gay bear events can be big parties. But they are also affirming spaces where thousands of men from the bear community and their admirers gather to have fun, connect, and just be themselves. Whether you’re into pool parties, outdoor adventures, fetish nights, or cultural activities, there is an event tailored to most bear styles. These gatherings are great opportunities to meet new people and catch up with old friends. They also create a sense of belonging that can be challenging to find in mainstream gay spaces. As a couple, we love how these events strike a balance between social fun and deeper connection. For solo travelers, they’re also one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to feel instantly welcomed into a community. For this gay bear travel guide, we gathered some of our favorite bear weeks and gatherings coming up in 2025.
Bear weeks to add to your calendar
- Sitges Bear Week (Spain): September brings one of the largest bear events in Europe with beach parties, fetish nights, and a vibrant, mature crowd.
- Bear Week in Provincetown (USA): Held every July, this iconic LGBTQ+ event in Massachusetts mixes beach days, social mixers, and nightlife for bears of all shapes and sizes.
- Palm Springs IBC (USA): February’s International Bear Convergence combines desert sun, pool parties, and a club vibe with room for relaxed connection in California
- Cologne Bear Pride (Germany): Coinciding with Cologne Pride in July, this event blends pride festivities with a warm bear community event in Germany
- Bears on Ice (Iceland): Reykjavík in September offers a magical combo of nightlife, spa culture, and Northern Lights: a more intimate but unforgettable gay bear event in Iceland.
- Mad.Bear (Madrid, Spain): December’s warm and wild bear indoor party weekend attracts southern European bears with club nights, cruising, and culture.
- Lazy Bear Weekend (California, USA): Held in August in Guerneville, California, this riverside bear event supports charity with floats, BBQs, and West Coast chill vibes.
- Summer Bear Week Sitges (Spain): Not to be confused with the main event, the June edition is perfect for early beach lovers.
- Big Bear Romp (Lake Tahoe, USA): The Big Bear Romp event takes place during the summer, specifically in August, and is centered around the main host hotel, The Lodge at Big Bear Lake..
- Amsterdam Bear Pride (Amsterdam, Netherlands): The Amsterdam Bear Pride event, formerly known as Amsterdam Bear Weekend, is an annual event held in Amsterdam in June.
Tips for attending as a couple or solo traveler
- Arrive a day early to settle in and meet people before the big crowds
- Book accommodation in the event center or near popular bars for ease
- Bring themed outfits (and backups!) – think harnesses, jocks, poolwear
- Communicate as a couple about boundaries and what you’re comfortable with
- Don’t be afraid to go solo, most events have mixers, hikes, or chill spaces that make meeting new people easy
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Gay bear parties around the world
In addition to week-long events and cruises, bear culture thrives through regular dance parties, club nights, and one-night events held in cities worldwide. These parties create local hubs of connection and community – places where bears, cubs, chasers, and friends can dance, socialize, and celebrate in safe and affirming spaces. Some of the most internationally recognized bear party brands include:
- Bear Necessity (Amsterdam) – Seasonal dance events attracting bears from across Europe. Known for great DJs, relaxed vibes, and a mature crowd, we love Bear Necessity as our favorite party.
- Bearracuda (USA & beyond) – North America’s most prolific bear party, with events in over 40 cities including San Francisco, Atlanta, Portland, and even international stops like London and Sydney.
- Brut Party (London/Europe) – A darker, more underground vibe with leather, gear, and edgy soundtracks. Brut Party is a favorite for bears who like it bold.
- Beardrop (Paris & Berlin) – Techno-forward bear events with high production values. Beardrop is popular with the fashion-forward and fetish-friendly crowd.
- Big Muscle Bear (San Francisco) – A high-energy, muscle-heavy gay bear party during Folsom and other SF bear weekends.
- Bear Bash (Amsterdam & London) – A growing monthly event hosted at The Eagle Amsterdam and pop-up locations in London, Bear Bash blends dance floor energy with bar intimacy—ideal for meeting locals and international visitors alike.
Many of these events also appear at larger bear weeks or Pride events, so it’s worth checking their event calendar and planning your travel around them. Whether you’re into pop anthems, underground beats, or body-positive cruising, there’s a bear party for every taste.
Gay bear cruises you should know about
Cruises offer something truly special for gay bears: a mix of comfort, fun, exploration, and community, all in one floating village. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, relax by the pool, or meet other like-minded bears, gay bear cruises provide a welcoming, body-positive atmosphere. What makes them even more appealing is the chance to travel with a crowd that understands your vibe, without the pressure to fit any specific mold.
For bear couples, it’s a romantic, low-stress way to vacation together. And for solo bears, these trips offer a built-in community that’s supportive, flirty, and fun. Below are a few of our favorite cruise providers and what to expect on board. Bear cruises have grown in popularity, offering a fun, body-positive alternative to mainstream gay cruises.
Full-ship charters to themed groups on larger ships:
- BearCruise.com organizes regular trips with a friendly, relaxed vibe and destinations across the Caribbean and Europe
- Atlantis Events and RSVP Vacations sometimes include bear-themed voyages or themed groups
- Detours Travel and boutique providers like Brand g Vacations also offer small-group options ideal for bear couples
- Gay Naked Villa in Gran Canaria organized by Every to Sea where like minded men of all shapes enjoy a sunny gaycation on the Canary Island
What to expect from a bear cruise:
- Warm, welcoming crowd with all body types
- Dance nights, chill hangouts, and themed dinners
- An excellent option for bears who want both relaxation and connection
If you’re new to cruising, we recommend starting with a medium-sized group. Look for inclusive packages, and join the pre-trip Facebook or WhatsApp groups to meet fellow bears before you board.
Gay Cruising Guides
Together with our dear friend and Gay Cruising Culture expert John, we are showing you the best cruising places of gay-friendly travel destinations worldwide. How to find gay cruising hot spots? How to do gay cruising? Is gay cruising legal ion my gaycation?
Top destinations for gay bear travel
Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or a peaceful retreat, choosing the right destination can make or break your bear travel experience. The best places for gay bear travelers share a few key characteristics: inclusive attitudes, a vibrant and visible LGBTQ+ scene, spaces where all body types feel seen and welcomed, and a strong sense of local culture. As a couple, we’ve come to appreciate places that strike the perfect balance between relaxation and excitement—destinations where we can feel free to hold hands in public, meet other queer folks, and enjoy food, wellness, and nature at our own pace. This section covers cities, beach towns, and tropical escapes that have earned their place on our map because of their bear-friendliness, comfort, and charm. Some are major hubs, others hidden gems—but all are places we’d return to in a heartbeat.
Gay bear travel in Europe
- Berlin, Germany: one of the most bear-inclusive cities on earth. Saunas like Boiler and Lab.Oratory are iconic, but it’s also a great place for relaxed park meetups and queer history
- Sitges, Spain: aside from bear week, Sitges is a year-round gay beach town with a strong bear presence and walkable charm
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: from cruising bars to wellness saunas, Amsterdam blends kink, culture, and romance like few other cities
Gay bear travel in North America
- Palm Springs, USA: a top pick for gay bear couples, thanks to clothing-optional resorts, spas, and a desert-cool scene that welcomes men 40+
- Provincetown, USA: especially in summer, Ptown becomes a hub for creative, sexy, and relaxed bear-friendly vacationing
- Montreal, Canada: bilingual and body-positive, with saunas, art, and welcoming gay bars
Gay bear travel in Tropical Escapes
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Zona Romantica is full of LGBTQ+ venues, many of which welcome bears and older gay men warmly
- Gran Canaria, Spain: particularly Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles, with resorts that often cater to bears year-round
- Thailand: Bangkok’s gay scene has space for bears, while Koh Samet and Chiang Mai are ideal for chill, queer-friendly getaways
Gay Travel Index 2025
The Berlin-based Spartacus informs LGBTQ+ and queer travelers about how gay-friendly a holiday destination is according to several ranking factors and criteria.
Which country ranks first? Where is it safe to travel to as a gay and LGBTQ+ traveler?
You can use the GTI to prepare for your gaycation and as a guide when choosing a holiday destination.
Bear-friendly accommodations we love
Finding the right place to stay can completely transform a trip, especially when you’re traveling as a gay bear couple or with friends from the LGBTQ+ community. The most memorable stays we’ve had weren’t always the most luxurious, but the ones where we felt completely at ease: welcomed with a smile, free to be ourselves, and surrounded by other LGBTQ+ travelers who just got us. Bear-friendly accommodations often feature clothing-optional areas, a relaxed check-in atmosphere, and spaces designed to promote comfort, flirtation, and connection. Whether you prefer boutique hotels, resorts with steam rooms and spas, or cozy gay-run guesthouses, the key is choosing places that prioritize authenticity over polish. In this section, we highlight the ones that made us feel most at home—from Gran Canaria to Palm Springs. These aren’t just hotels; they’re part of the journey.
A few tips and picks:
We’ve stayed in dozens of LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and guesthouses that cater to the bear community. But while we appreciate luxury, for us, comfort and welcome matter most.
- Look for clothing-optional or men-only resorts in Palm Springs, Gran Canaria, and Sitges, among others
- Check if the hotel is bear-owned or hosts bear events (you’ll feel the difference)
- Prioritize walkability to gay bars or gay (nude) beaches
Some of our favorite gay bear-friendly accommodations:
- Descanso Resort in Palm Springs: stylish, intimate, bear-welcoming
- Island House in Key West: clothing-optional, close to the dunes
- Coqui del Mar Gay Hotel in Puerto Rico: playful, relaxed, clothing optional
- Hôtel Gaythering in Miami: cruisy, playful with a sauna
Our top 10 travel tips for gay bear couples in 2025:
This section is the heart of what we’ve learned through years of traveling together as a gay bear couple. Whether it’s managing expectations at a bear week, navigating a new city hand in hand, or finding balance between party energy and cozy downtime, these are the things that keep our travels meaningful. The tips in our gay bear travel guide 2025 are about strengthening your connection, building shared memories, and loving each other with confidence, wherever you go.
- Pack intentionally: Bring clothes that make you feel sexy and confident. Include some gear for bear events and comfortable outfits for downtime.
- Balance your energy: Alternate between high-energy parties and slower, restorative days like beach lounging, museum visits, or spa mornings.
- Set shared goals: Discuss what you both want from the trip—romance, adventure, connection—and make sure each person gets their ideal moments.
- Be visible when safe: Holding hands, using pet names – these things matter. Be proud of yourselves, but stay aware of local laws and customs.
- Celebrate body confidence: Whether you’re by the pool or at a bear week, take pride in showing up as you are. Your energy is attractive.
- Talk about boundaries: Before events or cruises, discuss expectations around flirting, partying, and downtime so you’re both on the same page.
- Document your joy: Take photos, write travel notes, or post stories—not just for social media, but to relive your memories later together.
- Make time for intimacy: Traveling isn’t always romantic by default. Book a spa day, sleep in, or share a sunset—you deserve those slow moments.
- Stay connected with the community: Join bear travel groups online or on apps before your trip. It makes arriving feel like meeting friends, not strangers.
- Reflect after each trip: Share what you loved, what you’d change, and where you want to go next. Travel strengthens your bond when it evolves with you.
Frequently Asked Questions about gay bear travel
Gay bear travel experiences that cater to the bear community: body-positive, often 35+, and centered around connection, comfort, and shared identity.
Yes! BearCruise and some Atlantis/RSVP cruises cater specifically to the bear community. Look for event listings tagged “bear” or “inclusive”.
No—bear culture is about body positivity, community, and vibe. Many chasers, cubs, and allies travel within the scene, too.
Sitges Bear Week and Cologne Bear Pride top the list.
Western Europe, North America, and select parts of Asia and Latin America offer a high degree of safety and acceptance. Always check local laws and traveler updates.
Not at all. Many solo travelers feel instantly welcome at bear events, cruises, and resorts. The community is generally warm, inclusive, and welcoming to newcomers.
Yes. Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and apps like Scruff or GROWLr often have dedicated bear travel groups and event threads.
Bring casual daywear, swimwear, themed party outfits (like harnesses or jocks), and comfortable clothes for recovery days. Don’t forget sunscreen and water bottles!
Absolutely. Places like Palm Springs, Gran Canaria, and Thailand offer retreats that welcome gay men of all shapes and sizes in relaxed, affirming environments.
Look for accommodations, bars, cafes, and tour companies run by members of the bear community. Booking direct and sharing reviews online helps boost visibility and trust.
Plan your gay bear travel 2025 with our Couple of Men guide
Gay bear travel isn’t a trend. It’s a movement toward celebrating who we are, as we are. As a couple, we’ve learned that the best trips are the ones where we feel both free and connected, and to our wider community. We hope this guide helps you find that too.
Do you want to know more about our gay travels as an openly gay couple around the world? Stay tuned on Facebook, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram.
See you again at one of the world’s gay beaches, gay pride parades, and gay-friendly hotels. Karl & Daan.
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