5 LGBT-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations
The global travel industry is worth an estimated $US 7 trillion, and its growth has made the world smaller than ever.
Airlines fly passengers further and faster. Ships are carrying more people to more destinations than could ever have been predicted years before.
With enough time, money and inclination, you can go almost anywhere on earth.
But that isn’t always true for same-sex couples.
In Iran, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, for example, homosexuality is still punishable by death.
In Iran, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, for example, homosexuality is still punishable by death.
It’s still criminalised in 72 other countries, too.
In comparison, there’s nowhere on Earth where heterosexuality is illegal. There’s not a single place where people are persecuted, imprisoned, disinherited or killed solely for being straight.
Things are improving, but it’s a slow process, and it can make booking an overseas trip more complicated for the LGBTQ traveler.
Single gay travelers have it easier than couples.
If nothing else, it’s easier to blend in. For honeymooners, however, it can be a hard choice on where to go. Imagine being away with your new husband or wife and being too nervous to reach out and hold your partner’s hand or kiss their cheek.
If nothing else, it’s easier to blend in. For honeymooners, however, it can be a hard choice on where to go. Imagine being away with your new husband or wife and being too nervous to reach out and hold your partner’s hand or kiss their cheek.
But there are places where it’s possible for same-sex couples to have a good time. Gay marriage is now legal in 24 countries, and many more places have laws that protect LGBT Rights.
Here are 5 of our favourites.
Phuket, Thailand.
Thailand has a reputation for being the friendliest destination in Southeast Asia for LGBT travellers.
Phuket, in particular, is very popular with same-sex couples and gay travellers often base themselves in and around the Paradise Complex where there’s a number of gay clubs and bars.
Phuket has some 35 beaches, too, so it’s a great place to top up the tan.
Thailand has excellent cuisine, and Phuket has a wide range of restaurants and cafes, not to mention great street food with authentic flavour. You’ll find Thailand much cheaper than the UK, so it really is carte blanche to have a good time.
One thing worth bearing in mind is that Thai culture isn’t big on public displays of affection and that goes for straight couples, too.
Thailand’s location makes it perfect for further travelling both within the country itself and beyond. Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos are all a short flight away, but be aware that discretion in other Southeast Asian countries is advised.
Barcelona.
Gay marriage has been legal in Spain since 2005, and Barcelona is the home of a well established gay scene.
Located in Eixample, the gay district has plenty of bars and clubs to keep you dancing and drinking. Nightlife kicks off much later than in the UK, so be prepared for some very late nights (or early mornings).
But it isn’t just about the scene. Barcelona has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an art fan or a sun worshipper, it’s the ideal destination as much for its rich culture as its watering holes.
With its 4.5KM coastline, it’s a chance to add some relaxation to your city break, too.
Worth noting is that Sitges, a half-hour drive from Barcelona’s airport, holds a very popular (and very hedonistic) Pride each year. In 2018, you’ll catch it between June 14th and 18th.
Brighton
Brighton is an LGBTQ hotspot. Few places in the UK have opened themselves up to the gay community as beautiful Brighton.
This Victorian seaside town might not be the first place you think of to take a honeymoon to but it has a lot to offer.
No promises on the weather, though. This is the UK.
Brighton has the largest gay community outside London, and it’s easy to see why, but if you do fancy popping to the capital then London’s Victoria station is just under an hour away by train.
Fancy something a little more hardcore? Men-only cruise clubs are often open until the very small hours. There’s plenty of saunas, too.
If you’d prefer something tamer, then there are plenty of bars, cafes, and clubs in the centre and along the seafront. There’s a number of cute parks ripe for picnicking, too.
If you are planning on enjoying the beach, then remember to bring some flip flops as Brighton’s beaches are pebble.
The Bear Community has an annual gathering in June with Brighton Pride taking place in the first week of August.
Cape Town
South Africa was the first country to protect gay rights in its constitution, and Cape Town is heralded as the most gay-friendly city in Africa.
Its gay district De Waterkant hosts a number of LGBT events during the year.
Its gay district De Waterkant hosts a number of LGBT events during the year.
That’s not to say, however, that some South Africans don’t struggle with the concept of homosexuality, but the LGBT community in the city is strong and proud and has turned Cape Town into an attractive destination.
There are few cities on earth with scenery as stunning as here, so it’s the perfect place to pack up a picnic and enjoy a scenic trip to where mountains meet the ocean.
And what could be better for couples who enjoy a glug of red? South Africa’s wineries are world famous, and it would be rude not to partake in a bottle or six, surely?
What makes Cape Town stand out is the range of activities available for couples: beach days, hikes, abseiling and shark diving. We’d definitely recommend a trip out to Robben Island and District Six to understand the difficult history that many in South Africa are still coming to terms with.
Sydney.
OK, so Australia doesn’t have equal marriage and it’s in a bit of a mess at the moment vis-a-vis the whole postal ballot thing, BUT Sydney is a fantastic, very LGBT-inclusive city and if you’re looking to head down under then it should definitely be on your list.
If you’re looking to get in on the Aussie gay scene, then you should coincide your trip with Mardi Gras which usually takes place in February/March. Mardi Gras is the biggest LGBT celebration in Australia, and they throw one hell of a party.
Over at North Bondi you’ll find one of the city’s most popular gay beaches, but New South Wales has a gorgeous coastline, and there’s no shortage of places to jump into the sea.
There’s an intense party atmosphere to the city, and you’ll always find somewhere to grab a drink or throw some shapes, but Sydney is also so much more than just the sum of its bars and clubs.
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