LGBTQ+ holidays
Be yourself, be an original
We believe that everyone should be free to travel without fear of any discrimination regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
We’re proud to offer a selection of handpicked destinations that we think appeal to LGBTQ+ travellers. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or want to live it up, you can relax in these destinations – and celebrate being loud, proud and exactly who you are during Pride month and beyond.
Your trusted ally
We’re committed to fostering an environment where everyone can truly be themselves whatever their gender identity or sexual orientation may be.
Our employee network, Flying Proud, champions a fully inclusive experience for all who identify as LGBTQ+.
We’re also a member of Stonewall Diversity Champions, the leading employers’ programme, to ensure that all our colleagues and customers feel fully accepted and supported.
Germany
Germany is one of Europe’s best destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers. Nine different cities celebrate Pride throughout the late spring and summer, and the capital Berlin is famous for its line-up of gay bars and clubs.
It’s also home to the Schwules Museum, which focuses on collections celebrating LGBTQ+ history and culture.
Spain
You can take your pick of cities that welcome LGBTQ+ travellers with open arms in Spain. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Malaga are packed with nightlife spots, so you can soak up the sun during the day and party every evening at famous gay bars or watch drag queens entertain the crowds.
Each of these cities also hosts their own Pride parade.
Denmark
Denmark has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights. It was the first country in the world to introduce legal same-sex partnerships in 1989 and has continued to lead the way on equality for the community, whether by supporting ‘rainbow families’ or passing laws against discrimination.
Visit Copenhagen for Pride events in the summer, and to catch the LGBTQ+ Film Festival in the autumn.
Portugal
Ready for sun, sea and sand? Portugal has all of these in droves, plus a very welcoming attitude to the LGBTQ+ community.
If you’re in Lisbon, head to the Bairro Alto and Principe Real neighborhoods to tick off the gay bars, catch a drag show and attend the city’s Pride celebrations.
France
France was the first European country to decriminalise homosexuality in Europe, all the way back in the French Revolution. It’s a great destination for couples seeking a romantic break enjoying French cuisine and picnicking by the Eiffel Tower.
Outside of Paris, Montpellier is home to the second-largest Pride event in the country, while Lyon hosts an international sports tournament every other year called TIGALY.
Malta
LGBTQ+ travellers receive an especially warm welcome in sunny Malta. As well as dedicated club nights, bars and brunch spots in Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s Bay during the summer, the annual Malta Pride Week is not to be missed.
Every September, Valletta comes alive with a whole host of carnival-inspired parades and concerts.
Norway
Like the rest of Scandinavia, Norway is an inclusive, LBGTQ+-friendly destination – and was one of the first countries to enact anti-discrimination laws.
Oslo leads the way with its lively clubs, bars and Pride events. For something a little different, head to Tromso in November for Arctic Pride, where you can celebrate under the northern lights.
Sweden
One of the world’s most progressive and inclusive countries, Sweden is an excellent destination for LBGTQ+ travellers.
You’re spoilt for choice with bars, clubs and events that serve the community everywhere you go. Every city has its own Pride celebrations, but the main event is Stockholm Pride – a huge, rainbow-hued party that transforms the city.
Iceland
The first country to elect an openly gay head of government, Iceland makes for a welcoming destination for LBGTQ+ travellers.
Reykjavik has a lively annual Pride festival and several LGBTQ+-friendly bars and cafes. Head to the city’s Rainbow Street, which was painted in honour of Pride and is a visual representation of the country’s progressive nature.
Staying safe
It’s prudent to take care when travelling, here are some helpful tips before you go:
- Plan your itinerary and research local laws and social attitudes on every place you intend to visit.
- Check that your accommodation accepts same-sex couples before you book.
- Ensure you have the right documentation to be allowed entry, given there are some common heteronormative expectations.
- Stay street smart and stick to busy, well-lit streets when walking after dark.
To better prepare for your LGBTQ+ holiday, read the government’s foreign travel advice. It's written and regularly updated by the consulates in the specific destination.
As well as informing you of important cultural differences, including attitudes to LGBTQ+, it will also serve to protect you from terrorism, theft and violence. The IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) can provide supplementary guidance too.