For LGBTQI travelers, deciding where to vacation to isn’t always as easy as spinning the globe. We searched for the best destinations that are not only LGBTQI-friendly, but also taking exceptional strides to help travelers make the most of every trip.
Best LGBTQI Destinations 2017: The Methodology
To select our Editors’ Choice finalists for best LGBTQI destination, we looked at destinations with a long history of LGBTQI communities, and then checked the current local political climate. We also considered destinations that have made a public effort to reach out to underrepresented factions of the community. We also took into account the difficulties and obstacles faced by LGBTQI travelers and whether the destination offered anything to overcome these particular challenges. Here is the winning destination.
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Berlin's history of gay and lesbian communities date backs to the 1920s. The seeds of its current thriving LGBTQI community were planted in the 1960s, after the end of the Nazi era. Throughout the city, travelers will find gay-friendly accommodations and night clubs. The climate of the city is both accepting and friendly.
Berlin's history of gay and lesbian communities date backs to the 1920s. The seeds of its current thriving LGBTQI community were planted in the 1960s, after the end of the Nazi era. Throughout the city, travelers will find gay-friendly accommodations and night clubs. The climate of the city is both accepting and friendly.
There is perhaps nowhere more famously gay friendly than San Francisco. It’s a city where LGBTQ-travelers cannot only feel safe, but also celebrated. Discover the city's historic importance for gay culture at the GLBT History Museum, then hang out in the Castro, where history proudly lives in the still-thriving neighborhood. Events throughout the year bring residents of all identities out to celebrate LGBTQI culture.
Fort Lauderdale has been marketing to gay and lesbian travelers for years, showcasing the beach city's cosmopolitan, edgy, and most importantly, welcoming vibe. In 2017, it began a new ad campaign featuring transgender models. There are plenty of gay-friendly bars, nightclubs, and resorts in Fort Lauderdale. On the city’s tourism website, there’s also a directory of LGBTQI-specific travel advice, events, and a special contact for information on same-sex wedding planning.
The famously gay-friendly Greek island of Mykonos is a glamorous and warm destination that loves a good party. For decades, it's drawn in the LGBTQI community, which has led to a boom in gay-friendly accommodations…and cemented its reputation of acceptance and celebration.
There are many LGBTQI-friendly resorts and hotels in Palm Springs, but it's the culture of the city that makes this an exceptionally welcoming community, with 55 percent of the population identifying as LGBTQI. It’s a comfortable environment, and the city itself offers many resources for LGBTQI travelers to help plan trips.
Often declared to be "the gayest cities on Earth," this openly liberal and secular city is an oasis for gay travelers in the Middle East. With nightlife and sunny beaches, the city is open for exploration for LGBTQI travelers.
New Zealand has a long history of LGBTQI friendliness, and specific LGBTQI-friendly accommodations have been available for decades. Same-sex marriage passed in 2013, and New Zealanders are generally very welcoming.
More from SmarterTravel:
- Best in Travel: The 2017 SmarterTravel Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Picks Winners
- Best Value Destinations for 2017
- 10 Up-and-Coming Destinations You Need to Visit in 2017
- Best Boutique Hotel Chains 2017
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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