LGBTQ+ Destinations

Most couples resorts are designed specifically for a man and a woman.

Palm Springs is one of those destinations that you never get tired of. I’m not sure if it’s the landscape, or the abundance of over-the-top gayness that makes the city truly magical. On my most recent visit to the desert gay mecca, I attended Palm Springs Pride, an event headlined this year by TLC and Kristine W. This year was the largest pride celebration in the city’s history. I even had the opportunity to meet Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon.

When I found out I had the opportunity to visit Wichita, I was really excited. I had never been to Kansas before (aside from Kansas City) and was eager to see what “Cowtown” had to offer. First, a little history lesson.

This was my fourth visit to Columbus, Ohio and every time I visit, I discover something new. What a lot of people don’t realize about this thriving mid-west city is that its LGBTQ community is one of the largest in the United States and growing every day. Here are a few LGBTQ attractions and events to explore while visiting The Arch City.

Renee King opens her cozy apartment next to her Tampa Heights home to guests from all over the world.

As Celebrity Summit majestically set sail past Lady Liberty and out of New York Harbor on Sunday, history was made. Onboard was VACAYA – the first and only large-scale, full-ship/full-resort LGBT+ vacation company on the planet designed for the entire LGBT+ community. At a lavish onboard launch event, Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth was named Godmother of VACAYA and also coronated “Queen of the High Cs.”

We asked 13 travel experts what their favorite destinations had to offer LGBTQ visitors, and – ooh, honey – they rolled out the pink carpet! Where Did We Find These Experts? Well, when we heard that Pink Banana Media was hosting a pre-conference reception at Aspire at One World Trade Center, we headed up. Thirteen pros jumped at the opportunity to tell us what their destination had to offer LGBTQ visitors. Here’s what they had to say...

I didn’t expect that spending a week with a couple thousand lesbians on a cruise ship would push me to radically reconsider the future I’d planned for myself.

The travel industry has capitalized on the interests of the LGBT community with expanded vacation options like cruises, all-inclusive resorts and campsites.

...today’s Sarasota is expanding, evolving and enticing LGBTQ travelers of all ages to visit its powdery-sand beaches, world-class art institutions and growing gay (and gay-friendly) social scene.

This summer marks 50 years since the Stonewall Uprising, and a half century of LGBTQ+ progress. In honor of this milestone, we’ve partnered with the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) to present 50 guides for LGBTQ+ welcoming destinations around the world – all created by LGBTQ+ influencers and travel experts with picks for amazing hotels, restaurants and things to do. Ready to start exploring?

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association’s signature event attracted its largest and most globally diverse delegation in its 36-year history - Nearly 700 delegates representing 49 countries and territories gathered at the New York Hilton Midtown 24-27 April for IGLTA’s most successful convention to date. The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association’s premier event united global thought leaders to discuss tourism trends, technology developments, workplace inclusion and human rights—wide-ranging topics connected through the lens of LGBTQ+ travel.

Why more than half of LGBTQ people say they have to choose between being visible and being safe when traveling.

Moldova is all about wines. Lots of delicious, fine wines that you've probably never heard of. What used to be a small slice of the Soviet Union is now one of the most underrated parts of Europe begging to be discovered.

Launched by the Humen Travel Tourism Association, the Pink Budapest Project has released its second LGBTQ image video with the purpose of increasing Budapest’s popularity among gay tourists all around the world. While in 2018 they were primarily addressing singles, this year their goal is to reach more couples. It is important for the more than twenty members of the association to provide visitors with amazing experiences to maintain a stellar reputation and attract even more travelers. That is why an annual image film is needed, which seeks to increase interest in the city by appearing on various platforms intended for the target group. Based on last year’s campaign, audience reach could be measured in hundreds of thousands.

This summer, we've had the opportunity to work on some incredible LGBTQ tourism-focused campaigns, utilizing the full range of our capabilities, from hyper-targeting LGBTQ travelers living in specific parts of the world and wishing to travel to our client's destinations, to influencer and #ILoveGay marketing programs, leveraging strong content and the power of social media to spread our client's messages far and wide while still targeting LGBTQ travelers.

It only takes one extra step in your trip planning research to make an impact, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community or as an ally.

We’ve heard some great testimonials over the years from folks we know taking various historical walking tour of Buenos Aires, so we decided it was time to meet up with Marcelo Mansilla of Cicerone BA and find out for ourselves!

Kristin Chenoweth will perform during the new travel company's inaugural cruise

Five LGBTQ-friendly summer vacation options that don't require a passport

The Pacific Northwest is and has always been one of my favorite places in the country to visit. Natural beauty is around every corner and Spokane is no different. The city, historically overshadowed by Seattle, is going through a bit of a renaissance as of late and creating a vibe and culture that sets itself apart from its larger neighbor to the west.

This only gay group trip in Gran Canaria offers some of the best scenery you’ll ever see. You’ll get to explore the great gay bars in Maspalomas and visits to some of the most beautiful beaches.

In August, we’ll get the first glimpse into this new social experiment when VACAYA’s inaugural cruise sails from New York, with stops up the northeast coast and an overnight in Provincetown, Mass., coinciding with the Carnival kick-off party.