Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in LGBTQ+ Travel

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in LGBTQ+ Travel

We Celebrate Community FIRST!


Travel should be for everyone. At Travel Partners International, inclusivity isn’t a tagline — it’s how we build the world we want to explore. We proudly celebrate and support LGBTQ+ travelers by creating affirming experiences, advocating for equitable treatment across borders, and partnering only with destinations, guides, and properties that share these values. We believe that travel is not just about reaching new places, but about feeling welcomed, respected, and free to be your authentic self wherever you are. Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities, serene coastlines, or remote cultural treasures, your identity should be a source of pride — never a barrier. By fostering a global community of allies and safe spaces, we’re committed to ensuring that every journey reflects the dignity, joy, and freedom that all travelers deserve.

More Inclusive Way to Explore the World 

For LGBTQ+ travelers, booking a trip can mean more than finding the best resort or most beautiful view. It’s about comfort. About safety. About the quiet reassurance that when you land in a new city, someone’s already done the work to ensure you’re welcome there.

It means knowing the hotel won’t flinch when you check in as a same-sex couple. It means dining without stares, feeling seen—not scrutinized—by your guide, and having confidence that joy won’t come at the expense of safety. That’s the travel you deserve. 

 

Travel Should Be Yours

The world is wide, but not all of it feels accessible. LGBTQ+ travelers often carry an invisible checklist: Is this destination safe? Will we be treated fairly? Will we have to hide who we are? These are questions that most travelers never have to ask.

At Travel Partners International, we believe the burden of that mental calculus should never rest on the traveler. Travel should be about discovery and delight—not navigating discomfort or judgment. Our job is to do the groundwork so that your job is simply to enjoy. 

More Than Safe: Celebrated

Too often, the conversation about queer travel gets stuck on the word "safe." And while safety is essential, it’s not the ceiling—it’s the floor. LGBTQ+ travelers deserve more than tolerance. You deserve to be welcomed, respected, and celebrated. 


Imagine sipping wine at a vineyard in Portugal where the host asks about your honeymoon plans with warmth and curiosity, not confusion. Or joining a walking tour in Florence led by a local who shares queer history as part of the city's soul, not as an aside. These are the kinds of moments we strive to create—because travel should never ask you to shrink.

 Queer Joy Has a Place in the World

We work with clients who want more than an escape—they want experiences that affirm who they are. That might mean a boutique hotel that flies the Pride flag year-round, not just in June. Or a wellness retreat in Spain that openly caters to LGBTQ+ guests, where you’re free to relax completely, knowing every touchpoint is intentional and inclusive. 


For couples, it may be a romantic escape without side glances. For families, it's a chance for kids to see their parents loved, out loud and without apology. For solo travelers, it’s the peace of mind that someone has their back. 

Your identity isn’t a risk factor. It’s part of your story. And that story should unfold freely, no matter where you travel.

Where You Go Matters — and So Does Who Plans It 

Not all destinations treat LGBTQ+ travelers equally. From subtle cultural discomfort to outright legal barriers, navigating the landscape can feel daunting. We understand the nuance—where you can go, where you should go, and how to experience each place authentically.

But just as important as the "where" is the "who." Who’s handling your bookings? Who's speaking to your hotel on your behalf? Who’s selecting the tour company or the restaurant or the transportation provider?

When you work with Travel Partners International, you’re working with people who care about more than logistics. We don’t just research queer-friendly destinations—we’ve walked the streets, met the hosts, and asked the hard questions so you don’t have to.

Travel Shouldn’t Come with a Disclaimer

For many LGBTQ+ travelers, planning a trip can feel like a compromise: Can we hold hands here? Should we book a room with two beds just to avoid awkwardness? Will this tour guide “get” us? We believe travel should come with confidence—not disclaimers.


Our process centers you: your identity, your comfort, your values. We seek out hotels that offer more than a rainbow sticker on a website. We look for owners and teams who show up year-round—for their guests and their local queer communities. We recommend destinations where laws support your freedom, and where culture enhances your sense of welcome.

We’ve seen what happens when you don’t have to explain yourself. The difference is visible: your shoulders drop. Your laughter is louder. Your experience is richer.

Planning with Intention and Integrity

Inclusion doesn’t happen by accident. That’s why every detail of your itinerary is intentional—from the driver who picks you up at the airport, to the café where you stop for a midday espresso, to the guides who shape your understanding of the place.

We work with LGBTQ+-owned businesses and affirming partners because representation matters—not just in politics or media, but in travel too. When you support queer-owned businesses abroad, you contribute to a travel ecosystem that uplifts rather than erases. We believe in that kind of impact.

And if you need discretion, we honor that too. Not every traveler wants to make a statement. Sometimes you just want to be… you. And be left to enjoy it.

 

Inclusive Travel for All Identities 

Travelers are not one-size-fits-all—and neither are their needs. We plan trips for:

  • Couples seeking affirming romantic escapes without judgment
  • LGBTQ+ families wanting inclusive family-friendly itineraries
  • Solo travelers exploring with confidence and peace of mind
  • Trans and nonbinary travelers who need intentional safety planning
  • Older LGBTQ+ clients who’ve seen the world change, and now want to see it on their terms

And we know that not all LGBTQ+ travelers experience the world equally. A trans woman of color may face different risks than a white gay man. We don’t generalize. We listen. We plan accordingly—with care, respect, and discretion.

Luxury Meets Liberation

There’s no reason you should have to choose between luxury and liberation. Our clients expect the best—gorgeous views, elegant spaces, fine dining, and service that anticipates their needs. That’s exactly what they receive.

But for our LGBTQ+ travelers, the luxury is also in the freedom to be fully yourself. To dress how you want. To love who you love. To feel at home in the world without fear.

In this way, luxury is not only defined by thread count or panoramic views—but by ease, affirmation, and access to joy. 

Travel That Feels Like It Was Made for You

If you’ve ever wondered whether a travel advisor would "get" you—whether they’d know what questions to ask, or what risks to watch for—this is your answer: Yes. We get it. And we’re here to make it easier, safer, and better.

This is your world too. You deserve to explore it without having to edit who you are.

With the right travel partner, you can move through the world not just safely—but freely, joyfully, and completely.

Ready to See the World?

Let’s create a journey that meets you with openness, celebrates your identity, and delivers unforgettable experiences from the moment you leave home to the moment you return.

Because travel should always feel like this: yours.

For additional information or to speak to a Travel Partners Concierge about LGBTQ+ Destinations call +1 (800) 354.0128.