Everyone likes to travel! Data from LGBT2030 report, helmed by marketing agency Out Now Consulting, states that the annual expenditure of LGBTQIA+ tourism currently exceeds $200 billion! (Note: LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and acesexual, and includes other sexual identities). However, it can be difficult to decipher what destinations are suitable and safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers. Some countries have punishments for LGBTQIA+ people varying from death to prison sentences to fines. There are also cultural and religious perceptions that could affect the traveler based on identity alone.

When planning travel for your LGBTQIA+ clients, it's important to take into consideration local laws affecting LGBTQIA+ people, social attitudes towards their community, as well as the sizes of the communities in these destinations and how they are catered to. One resource that may be helpful is the LGBT Equality Index provided by Equaldex. The Equality Index measures the current status of LGBT rights, laws, and freedoms as well as public attitudes towards LGBT people.

Your goal is for your clients to not only enjoy their vacation, but feel safe and comfortable during their trip. While you can never guarantee safety, you can take precautions and do research on the destinations and suppliers you choose to work with when finding the best vacation options for your LGBTQIA+ clients.
Below are some additional resources for you and your LGBTQIA+ clients: 

  • Please see the checklist for LGBTQIA+ travelers provided by the state.travel.gov website. This gives helpful information about what your LGBTQIA+ clients will need before, during, and after travel.
  • Check also the International LGBTQIA+ Travel Association IGLTA site for additional safety information and helpful LGBTQIA+ travel guides. 
  • Provide contact information to your client for the US Consulate in their destination, who can help in an emergency situation.
  • The following information is for transgender travelers that need to make a correction on their passport, or change their gender marker on their passport. Please also provide TSA's policy for transgender travelers to your transgender clients. They'll also find additional information on knowing their rights and airport security through the National Center for Transgender Equality here. 

Xstream works directly with over a hundred suppliers. Two that offer vacation packages specifically for LGBTQIA+ travelers are Gogo Vacations and Delta Vacations. Other suppliers that have made commitments for the safety and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ travelers are, Disney, Classic Vacations, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Carnival, RCCL, and Virgin Voyages. You may ask any vendor you work with for their thoughts or suggestions about a specific destination or product to ensure your LGBTQIA+ clients are traveling to a property and/or destination that is safe for them.