Where and how to travel for LGBT+ people?

Who are we really ?

This phrase "my name is" is meaningless, my name is the translation for "I am" but who knows who we are, we all have our secrets and no one knows us, everyone has asked the question "who am I?" but has anyone ever found the answer to that question ? It's easy to say yes and hide your emotions behind pretense, but pretense has its limits, and one day it blows up in your face, it's a mental overload. The crazy thing is that you realize all these things when you travel when you get out of your comfort zone.

So who are you ? It's a seemingly simple question, but it's a lifelong quest.

There are several ways to travel and each one of us does it according to our desires and feelings, some like to travel alone, others in a group, travel is an emotion that each one of us makes our own.

What does travel mean to some people ?

Travelling allows some people to free themselves and assume their sexuality a little more, however, it can be complicated to travel as an LGBTQI+ person as acceptance is not the same in all countries. As I write this article, I think of Amin, the young Afghan who became a betrayer of his family and his country of birth because he just wanted to be who he is. Unfortunately, he is not an isolated case.

First of all, what is a gay traveler ?

Gay travelers are people who travel according to their sexual orientation, often in search of a safe place, the gay traveler wants a setting where they can freely assume their identity.

So how do you travel as an LGBTQI+ person ?

There are many places exclusively for LGBTQI+ people, for all tastes and prices !

Gay tourism is a niche market that generates no less than 218 billion euros per year.

LGBT cruises : This new trend offers LGBT people from all over the world the opportunity to come together and share goodwill and experiences !

What are the advantages of this type of cruise ?

New encounters without prejudice, combining sunbathing and various activities, during your cruise you will also be able to visit cities and countries with your new traveling companion.

One of the other big advantages is the multitude of activities offered by the company: Single? No worries, you'll find the right shoes for you thanks to the dating activities. As a couple? Let yourself be tempted by the wide choice of restaurants. The company also offers day trips depending on the country of destination.

If you want a safe place, put on your best sailor suit and set sail !

The disadvantage may be its price, around 4000 euros depending on the company! An amount that makes you dizzy, but doesn’t worry we have found the best price for you.

An effective alternative is the association Voile et Croisière en Liberté. They bring together LGBT people who are passionate about the sea, cruising, and water sports, both experienced sailors and beginners.

We think of course of students, which is why there are campsites reserved for LGBT people for a successful holiday!

The advantages? Its price of course! Count on 700 euros per week. Your missions? Live to the rhythm of the sun and the grill with your fellow travelers.

For those who need their comfort zone, there is Misterb&b, as you may have guessed, it is the same principle as Airbnb but for LGBT people, you can choose from over 200 destinations. A private room? A house? A hotel? It's your choice!

What are the safest countries to travel to ?

Traveling is good, but you also need to know in which country!

Indeed, choosing a tourist destination for the LGBT community can also be difficult. And some places are safer than others. So now that you have chosen your way of traveling, let's look at where to go !

Unfortunately, in some countries, homosexuality is still illegal and punishable by death for those who have homosexual relations.

If we look at section 284 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, it says that "anyone who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with a man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to fourteen years and shall also be liable to fine."

So much for the Nigerian cruise !

However, not all countries are like this, and fortunately for us. Without further ado, here are the top 5 safest countries to travel to.

In the first place, we have Canada. Frankly, it is one of the most open-minded places in the world. Also known for the unparalleled comfort it brings to its people.

In second place we have Sweden. Swedish culture is perceived as egalitarian and very open to international influences. Swedes are very open-minded and have a rich cultural heritage. You can go there with your eyes closed!

In third place, very close to Sweden in the ranking, we have Portugal ! And yes, Portugal is considered one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world, with several groups and associations dedicated to helping LGBT people.

In fourth place, Spain is a country where homosexuality is very well accepted. For example, it is the third country to have legalized marriage for all in 2005 and to have allowed adoption by homosexual couples.

Madrid was the venue for World pride 2017, the world's largest gay and wider LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans) pride event.

And finally, in fifth place we find Belgium. It was the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2003. Belgium is ranked 4th in an American study on the most LGBT-friendly places in 2015.

Now that you've got the hang of gay travel, what are you waiting for ?

Tell me how you travel, I'll tell you who you are !