While much of the world is becoming a safer, more welcoming place for LGBTQ+ travelers, discrimination and danger are still very real concerns. More than half of LGBTQ+ travelers say their identity affects their trip planning, and 63% say they have to consider whether or not they can be “their most authentic self” while traveling.¹

Safer LGBTQ+ travel starts with choosing a destination where you feel comfortable. Use these tips to guide your trip planning!

1. Assess your personal level of risk tolerance.

Are you going on vacation purely to have fun and relax? Then you probably want to choose a destination that welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers with open arms and hearts, so you can travel stress-free.

Or are you more of an adventurer—someone who’s willing to take some risks in order to experience other cultures? Then you might venture to a country that’s not as welcoming, or even one where it’s illegal to be gay or transgender.

There’s no right or wrong answer here. But it’s essential to ask yourself the hard questions before you plan your trip, such as:

• Can you pass as straight or cisgender? Do you want to?
• Are you traveling with your significant other? If so, are you both willing to conceal your relationship for the sake of safety?
• Are you willing to tolerate negative attitudes or comments while traveling, as long as you’re not in danger?

2. Check the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index.

This highly regarded list of the best and worst countries for LGBTQ+ travelers was created by travel writers Asher and Lyric Fergusson. The rankings take 10 different factors into account, including legal protections, trans murder rates, and a Gallup poll that asked people to say whether their country is a good place to live for gay and lesbian people.

More than 70 countries get an F rating in the index. In several, homosexual acts are punishable by prison sentences, fines, or even the death penalty. Seven countries received an A rating. These top LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations are Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands, Malta, Norway, Portugal, and Spain. The United States received a B+.

“Unfortunately, some countries where it’s illegal to be gay or trans also happen to be popular vacation spots,” the index authors noted. These include many nations in the Caribbean, such as Jamaica and St. Lucia; in Africa, such as Egypt and Morocco; and in Asia and the Pacific, such as Maldives and Sri Lanka.

3. Dive a little deeper into the nuances of LGBTQ+ acceptance at your chosen destination.

As the authors of the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index point out, many countries have confusing or inconsistent laws protecting LGBTQ+ people: “This creates a grey area where it’s not quite safe to be out but not immediately threatening.” Also, there’s a big difference between experiencing discrimination and experiencing danger. For example, same-sex marriage is illegal in Japan, but Japan is generally considered a safe place for gay people to visit.²

Some things to think about:

• What LGBTQ+ attitudes should you expect in rural areas vs. big cities?
• If the country you’re visiting has anti-gay laws, how seriously are they enforced?
• In a destination that’s not LGBTQ+-friendly overall, are there specific neighborhoods or towns where you can feel safe and be yourself?
• How does LGBTQ+ acceptance vary? For instance, does your destination welcome gay people but not trans people?

4. Contact your Allianz Travel Insurance concierge for trip-planning assistance.

Did you know concierge services are included in several Allianz Travel Insurance plans? Your concierge can do much more than make dinner reservations or find golf tee times. They can answer your questions about LGBTQ+ travel safety, suggest LGBTQ+-friendly businesses, and even create a customized destination guide just for you. (Your concierge can’t plan your entire trip for you, however.)

Don’t have travel insurance yet? Don’t wait until it’s too late—get a quote.

5. Use an LGBTQ+ tour or travel company.

If you’re feeling anxious about travel, or you’re not sure how to navigate a destination that’s not always welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers, there’s one easy solution: Let the experts figure it out for you. There are many well-regarded travel agencies and tour operators that specialize in LGBTQ+ travel. One place to start: the  International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, which represents hotels, transport companies, destinations, travel agents, tour operators and more in over 80 countries.

You could even try a full LGBTQ+ takeover vacation. Olivia Travel, a travel company for lesbians and LGBTQ+ women founded in 1990, organizes full takeovers of cruise ships, resorts, and riverboats—“so you can let down your guard and feel completely free to be yourself on vacation.” Olivia not only books the entire ship or resort but also provides entertainment and a team of staff who ensure the experience is welcoming, fun, and safe for every guest.

6. Plan ahead for safe passage through immigration and security.

Many countries only recognize male and female sex markers in passports, and so you may encounter problems if you carry a valid U.S. passport with an X sex marker.³ Check the immigration regulations for your destination beforehand (your Allianz Travel concierge can help, if you’re not sure how to do this.)

Make sure you carry other important documents as well, such as:

• Legal and health documents such as a living will or health care directive. 
• Parentage or custody documents if you’re traveling with your minor children. “This is especially important if your children do not share your last name,” the U.S. Department of State cautions. “It is also especially important if only one parent is traveling with the children.”
• Emergency contact information
• Contact information for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. (This info is also on the free Allyz® app from Allianz Global Assistance.)

7. Always, always protect yourself with travel insurance.

Travel insurance is an absolute must. A solid plan includes the safeguards you need for your trip, protecting you in case of a medical emergency, trip cancellation or interruption, travel delays, lost/delayed/damaged baggage, and more.

One feature that’s incredibly valuable for LGBTQ+ travelers is 24-hour assistance. If an emergency happens while you’re traveling, don’t panic. Contact Assistance for help. The Assistance team can contact the local embassy on your behalf, connect you with local legal resources, help you replace lost or stolen travel documents, provide language translation/interpretation and more. When you have Allianz Travel Insurance, you never travel alone.

Get a quote for travel protection

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