Planning your next trip and wondering where LGBTQ+ travelers are truly welcome? You’re not alone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your boyfriend or husband, or an adventure with your rainbow family, our updated guides offer honest, tested recommendations for safe and inclusive gay-friendly and LGBTQ+ welcoming destinations around the world. From vibrant city breaks to serene outdoor escapes, our LGBTQ+ and gay travel guides help you to travel with confidence in 2025 and beyond.
What makes a destination gay-friendly or LGBTQ+ welcoming in 2025?
Before we dive into the destinations, let’s clarify what “gay-friendly” and “LGBTQ+ welcoming” mean to us. It’s about more than just waving a rainbow flag during Pride Month. To us, a truly inclusive travel destination must meet several key criteria:
- Legal protection for LGBTQ+ people: This includes anti-discrimination laws, marriage equality, adoption rights, and protection against hate crimes.
- Cultural acceptance and public visibility of queer people. Are same-sex couples visible in public? Are queer people part of the community and media?
- Inclusive accommodations that welcome and celebrate LGBTQ+ travelers.
- Personal experiences from us, Karl & Daan, and other LGBTQ+ travelers who’ve been there, loved it, or had reason to be cautious – self-organized, sponsored, or as part of a paid campaign.
We also refer to reliable sources like the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Index, the Spartacus Gay Travel Index, and national tourism boards for up-to-date insights.
Gay-Friendly Hotels | Gay Cruises | Gay Pride Trips | Gay Couple Travels
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.
Top LGBTQ+ welcoming & gay-friendly travel destinations 2025
Over the years, we’ve personally explored and documented our experiences in these LGBTQ+ welcoming destinations. Each of the countries below offers a unique blend of safety, celebration, and connection. Here’s where we recommend going – and why.
Germany
Germany remains one of the most progressive and safe destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers in Europe. Whether it’s partying during Berlin’s legendary Christopher Street Day or relaxing in a wellness spa in the Bavarian Alps, Germany offers something for everyone with queer-friendly values. Our experience: We’ve attended Pride parades in Berlin and Cologne, and never once felt out of place holding hands or booking double beds. Germany’s cities are filled with LGBTQ+ owned bars, shops, and cultural spaces. Public transport is excellent, and security is strong.
Iceland
Small in population, massive in acceptance. Iceland legalized same-sex marriage in 2010 and was the first country to elect an openly gay head of state. During our travels, we experienced nothing but warmth from locals, hot springs, and the geothermal spas.
Sweden
With strong legal protections and an active queer community, Sweden is one of the safest countries for LGBTQ+ travelers. We’ve traveled to Sweden several times, whether to Stockholm, Malmö, or the southern part of the country. Stockholm Pride is Scandinavia’s largest LGBTQ+ event, all while the country ranks high on nearly every gay travel index from the past years.
The Netherlands
As our home base is located in the Dutch capital, we can confirm that the Netherlands is not only legally progressive but also socially very relaxed. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2001, and Dutch society generally takes a live-and-let-live approach. Pride in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and 23 more Dutch Pride events are making it one of the most LGBTQ+ welcoming destinations in Europe.
Read our guide about the Netherlands >
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Canada
Consistently ranked as one of the safest destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers, Canada’s inclusive laws are matched by its welcoming culture. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, as well as the region around Jasper and Whistler, all have thriving queer scenes and annual Pride festivals. We like travelling around Canada as a gay couple. Especially the friendly attitude of the Canadians is a fantastic add-on to a Canadian trip.
USA
The United States is vast and varied – both in geography and in queer acceptance. While some areas remain conservative, cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, as well as regions such as Key West, Palm Springs, and Fort Lauderdale, continue to be global hubs for the LGBTQ+ community. The current situation remains challenging, primarily due to the conservative administration.
Austria
Austria has become an underrated gem for LGBTQ+ travel, especially in the major Austrian cities such as Salzburg or Vienna. Vienna, for example, offers a rich blend of culture and queer community, with cozy cafes, drag shows, and inclusive classical music venues. The Pride in Vienna is the biggest LGBTQ+ event in the Alpine country. But there is more, like the annual Pink Lake Festival in the south at Lake Wörthersee.
Japan
Japan is a more nuanced destination. While same-sex marriage isn’t yet legal nationally, social acceptance – especially in major cities – is growing fast. Tokyo and Osaka’s queer neighborhoods are vibrant, safe, and welcoming. We love traveling to Japan. The politeness, calmness, and wonderful Japanese culture are perfectly suited for gay couples and LGBTQ+ travelers in general.
Colombia
Colombia has transformed into one of Latin America’s most queer-friendly destinations. Bogotá and Medellín now boast annual Pride celebrations, gay nightlife, and inclusive boutique hotels. We loved meeting the friendly Colombian LGBTQ+ community. The country is simply beautiful and is worth a trip.
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?
South Africa & Namibia
South Africa offers the most advanced LGBTQ+ legal protections in Africa. Cape Town is the epicenter of queer life, with a stunning mix of beaches, nightlife, and culture. Namibia, on the other hand, has still laws in place that criminalize gay and LGBTQ+ folks, although they are not enforced anymore. We traveled to this part of the world via train, safe in a protected bubble.
Read more about our Southern Africa adventures here >
Costa Rica
With legal same-sex marriage and a reputation for sustainability, Costa Rica is ideal for nature-loving queer travelers. Tropical beach in the east of the country, jungle, and volcanoes in the center, and a stunning rocky coast in the west – we loved travelling around the Central American country. And the people were just wonderful.
Read more about our Southern Africa adventures here >
Spain
Spain blends history, nightlife, and activism into a perfect LGBTQ+ destination. Barcelona and Madrid host world-famous Pride events, while Sitges and Gran Canaria are year-round gay beach escapes.
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LGBTQ+ travel tips for 2025
- Know your rights and risks
- Choose inclusive stays
- Be culturally sensitive
- Connect with locals
Why trust Couple of Men?
We don’t just write about places – we live them. Our LGBTQ+ travel guides for 2025 are based on personal experience. We stay at the hotels, walk the streets, go to the parades, and ask the questions that matter the most for gay and queer travelers. Each gay travel guide for 2025 includes:
- Real photos and videos
- Honest LGBTQ+ safety and vibe breakdowns
- Insider tips from locals and queer hosts
Plan your Gay-friendly Trip
Let us give you some advice. Even though a holiday destination is considered to be gay-friendly and open-minded, it is never 100% safe. Having said that, everyone traveling to a foreign country should be aware of cultural, especially religious, differences. Therefore, our tip: treat locals and the people you are traveling with with respect, accept their way of life, and treat them as you would like to be treated. Traveling with an open mind and open heart is the best way to experience new and exciting things around the world. Enjoy the planning, preparation, and travel with our 2025 gay travel guides through the eyes of a couple of men.
If you require any further assistance with your travel plans and/or our Gay Travel Guides, follow us and email us or contact us on Facebook, YouTube, Threads, TikTok, and Instagram. See you around the world!
Karl & Daan.
LGBTQ+ travel information in our gay travel guides 2025:
LGBTQ+ Glossary: Understanding Queer Terminology with Respect and Pride
WORLDWIDE: From gender-neutral pronouns to outdated terms to avoid, our LGBTQ+ glossary guide helps travelers, allies, and community members speak with clarity and care.
Explore Santa Clarita: A Californian Gay Couple Adventure
USA: Intrigued by the possibility of a queer and gay-friendly escape in the USA just an hour’s drive north of Los Angeles, we packed our bags and headed up Interstate 5 to Santa Clarita.
Osaka for gay couples: Our adventure to Japan’s most dynamic city
JAPAN: Come along as we explore gay-friendly Osaka with open hearts and a thirst for adventure. Ready to fall in love with Osaka?
Our Gay Couple City Weekend in Eindhoven | The Netherlands
NETHERLANDS: Eindhoven, the 5th largest Dutch City in the province of North Brabant is a hidden historic treasure sadly often underestimated, even by its citizens.
A Gay Couple’s Camper Road Trip to the Scottish Highlands | Part 1
SCOTLAND: We’re taking you on our 12-day camper van road trip around the Scottish Highlands in the far north of the UK. From Edinburgh to Glencoe, the Isle of Skye and back to Glasgow.
Road trip across the Florida Keys to Key West | A Gay Couple on the road
USA: On our road trip from Miami via the Florida Keys to Key West, we as a gay couple of men took a closer look at the LGBTQ+ friendly destination of the USA.
LGBTQ+ & Gay Christmas Markets in 2023 in Germany and worldwide
EUROPE: LGBTQ+ Christmas Love around the world, with the Top Gay and queer-welcoming Christmas Markets in 2023 in Germany and the world.
Malta – Our trip to Europe’s LGBTQ+ Paradise in the Mediterranean Sea
MALTA: On our road trip from Miami via the Florida Keys to Key West, we as a gay couple of men took a closer look at the LGBTQ+ friendly destination of the USA.
Fort Lauderdale – The Gay-friendly Venice of America in Florida
USA: We visited Fort Lauderdale this February, attending the first Pride of the Americas edition. But what is so special about the so-called “Venice of America” with its famous beaches?
Wilton Manors – Fort Lauderdale’s LGBTQ+ Neighborhood
USA: Our Gay Couple Travel Journal with Tips for Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale’s Gay-friendly LGBTQ+ Neighbor(hood) in Florida, USA.
Tulip Blossom in the Netherlands 2024: Keukenhof – the “Garden of Europe”
NETHERLANDS: Spring has finally arrived in The Netherlands, also known as the world’s largest exporter of flowers. It is time to visit the Garden of Europe “Keukenhof”.
Adventure Switzerland: From Bern to the Matterhorn & on to Interlaken
SWITZERLAND: LGBTQ+ and Gay-friendly Switzerland Summer Trip: Our vacation in Bern, and Zermatt ( the Matterhorn) in Interlaken with Pink Alpine.
Interrail around Europe: France, Netherlands, Switzerland & Germany
EUROPE: Our sustainable train trip with Eurail / Interrail through Europe from France to the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany.
Rhinebeck Travel Journal: The North of Dutchess County, NY
USA: Arriving in Rhinebeck, it was all about indulgence, from the traditional and luxury accommodations we were staying in, the spa day we enjoyed in between, and quite a few delicious culinary moments in the region around Rhinebeck.
Poughkeepsie Travel Journal: The Heart of Dutchess County, NY
USA: From Beacon to the Heart of Dutchess County, NY: Gay Poughkeepsie Travel Journal about our second stop in the Hudson River Valley.
Beacon Travel Journal: Our First Stop in Dutchess County
USA: New York doesn’t end with New York City’s borders. We traveled north to the heart of New York State, the Mid-Hudson Valley region, to Dutchess County.
Miami & Miami Beach: Our summer adventure on Florida’s east coast
USA: Watching tanned men strength train on South Beach: Check. Licking a popsicle in the hot sun: Check. Diving into the Atlantic Ocean to cool off: Check. Story of our summer trip to gay-friendly Miami!
13 Road Trip Highlights of the US-American South West
USA: Our road trip around California, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Gran Canyon, Zion National Park, Yosemite, San Francisco and LA – join us on our trip to the land of opportunity.
Dutchess County New York: Trip to Mid-Hudson Valley
USA: New York doesn’t end with New York City’s borders. We traveled north to the heart of New York State, the Mid-Hudson Valley region, to Dutchess County.
Malmö in Summer – A south Swedish sustainable City Trip
SWEDEN: During our second trip to Malmö, we explored the sustainable and environmental friendly side of the south Swedish city on the Baltic Seashore for World Pride 2021.
Queer locals about their Malmö – World Pride City 2021
SWEDEN: Get ready for World Pride 2021! Malmö will be co-hosting the biggest LGBTQ+ celebration the city has ever seen.
Our best of LGBTQ+ Germany
EUROPE: Staycation trip 2020: After visiting Malmö in Sweden again, we will make our way to Germany and further South to Austria.
Summer in the City: A Gay Munich Weekend Trip
GERMANY: Adventurous and curious as we are, we explored the heart of Munich while learning about the queer stories starting with Freddie Mercury, the Deutsche Eiche, and the gayborhood Glockenbackviertel.
Florence of the North: A Dresden Weekend Trip
GERMANY: Back to the roots! It always feels like a journey back in time when we are visiting Karl’s family in Eastern Germany. Not only because of the baroque beauty of Dresden’s architectural monuments.
Gran Canaria Gay Cruising Guide
SPAIN: Rather than being confined to a small area, cruising in Gran Canaria can take many forms from sandy beaches with towering dunes and its gay focussed businesses including bars, clubs, and hotels.
Our Trip to the Dutch Island Vlieland
NETHERLANDS: What to do on a rainy autumn weekend in the Netherlands in Northern Europe? This question is good to answer with a weekend escape to the Watten Sea…
Gay Reykjavík City Trip: Iceland Road Trip Part 1
ICELAND: We spent some relaxed days in the Nordic capital of Iceland, Reykjavik enjoying the thrill of anticipation before the back-to-basic camping road trip actually starts.
A Gay Day at the Gay Beach & Ibiza Town
SPAIN: Our Gay Couple Travel Gay Beach Ibiza Town Spain – Ibiza was on our gay travel bucket list for Spain as largest Balearic Islands already for a while.
Costa Rica: 18 Tropical Days in Central America
COSTA RICA: The most important fact you should know about: Costa Rica is one of the safest, LGBT welcoming, and very gay-friendly countries in Central America with an incredible unique biodiversity.
Explore New York City with The Bernic Hotel
NEW YORK: We must admit that New York his has been on our gay travel to-do list for a long time following in the footsteps of LGBTQ+ activists around the city of New York.