The world is rapidly changing when it comes to how our colorful community is treated and welcomed across the globe. There are now more safe and secure places for your gaycation than there ever were, and thanks to those changes, we can now enjoy travel more than ever. This liberating, eye-opening experience of immersing yourself in new cultures, exploring what it means to be gay in different regions and their authentic gay scene, it’s all alluring in its own way. However, safety should always come first!
Now, due to the global pandemic that has put most travel to a stop, or at least reduced it to a minimum, we all need to take different precautions, stay safe, and protect other travelers while on the go. Here, we’ll cover a few gaytastic safety and health ideas to keep in mind for your next queer travel adventure, whenever it may be, so that you can put your own mind at ease and keep all those around you safe, as well.
Choose your destinations carefully
Some cultures are more open-minded and gay-friendly than others, and in order to stay on the safe side of gay travel, it’s wise to choose cities and countries where all things gay flourish! From NY Fire Island, to Tel Aviv in Israel (yup, the Middle East can surprise you!), you can take your pick from a wide array of gay-perfect spots around the world.
The occasion for your travel can also define your choice of destination. This year, many gays have decided to spend their Thanksgiving in Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta, since local venues are not just perfect for the occasion, but they also follow COVID-related rules and regulations, making your travels safer and healthier all around.
Pick healthy and safe activities
Now that the pandemic is still in full swing, completely changing how we perceive travel and how we organize our activities, you need to plan your trip according to the latest government recommendations. That said, in addition to having access to a range of venues that are within their right to work and provide their service, you can organize your trip to spend more time outside, in the fresh air.
For example, hiking in a national park of your choice can help you discover beautiful natural spots with your partner, spouse, or your kids. Other outdoor activities can also help you make the most of your trip during these trying times, but also infuse your travels with rewarding activities that will keep you safe.
Keep an eye on your health
Awareness is one of the most important factors in the travel equation for 2020 and the following year, so if you want to keep traveling and stay healthy, there are certain precautions you should take. For starters, check what kind of health screening protocols you should follow for different destinations. Add to that, keep track of potential coronavirus symptoms to spot the earliest signs of infection and seek medical help.
That way, you will be a mindful traveler and you’ll prevent spreading the virus during your travels. Even though your tests might be negative when you board the plane, you should always listen to your body and isolate yourself in case you do start feeling feverish, fatigued, or feel any other symptoms associated with the virus.
Discover gay-friendly accommodation and tours
Has it ever happened to you that you’ve booked a room or an apartment only to discover that you and your partner aren’t welcome on the premises? Well, being gay while away can be risky when you don’t do your homework, so it’s best to look for types of accommodation that openly support the LGBTQ+ community and that make it clear you’re welcome.
Add to that, you should look for specialized gay tours in your destination, so that you truly have a taste of the local gay scene in its full glitz and glory. From South African safaris meant for your gayest self, all the way to island-hopping in Greece, you can turn your adventure into a gaylicious one in a heartbeat.
Mind your behavior abroad
Being openly gay is, in some countries, an actual legal conundrum, meaning that you can get sent to jail if you publicly show affection to your partner. Are you allowed to hold hands and kiss in public? What about staying in the same room?
While it is smart to choose destinations that support public expressions of your sexual preference, if you do pick a country where these things are illegal – arm yourself with knowledge, be mindful of your surroundings, and always stay in line with the law.
Whether we like it or not, we have a long way to go when it comes to fully ensuring our rights to free expression of our love and affection. Different countries treat the LGBTQ+ community differently, so if we want to make the most of every journey, it’s up to us to do some research, prepare properly, and be mindful of the environment that we’re about to visit. With that taken care of, you can safely enjoy your travels and discover the world in all of its beauty.