Lonely Planet reveals the world’s most queer-friendly…

Lonely Planet reveals the world’s most queer-friendly destinations: can you guess where they are?

The travel series Lonely Planet has launched a new LGBTQ+ dedicated travel guide, aimed at making it easier than ever for people to travel the world.

The guidebook, which is published on March 17, explores over 50 destinations around the world – from the thriving gayborhoods of Sao Paulo in Brazil, and the artsy streets of Melbourne Australia, to the seaside sanctuary of Brighton.

Written by the queer, neurodivergent travel writer Alicia Valenski, the book will also showcase interviews and insights from LGBGTQ+ locals who call these places home – as well as offering tips on where to go and what to see.

Queer travel is on the rise. Before the pandemic, queer people spent $218bn on travelling, worldwide – but by 2030, that number could increase to as much as $568.5bn.

That’s partially due to an increase in the number of people who identify as LGBTQ+. In 2021, that was 6.9 per cent of Gen Z – but travel, as a queer person, also comes with risks.

A survey by Gay Times found that 65 per cent of people said they couldn’t find LGBTQ+ travel information easily when searching for a destination, while one from Booking.com found that 59 per cent of LGBTQ+ travellers experienced discrimination while on holiday.

As a result, many travel to Western countries such as the Europe, the US, Australia and Spain – with countries like Thailand also proving a popular destination.

The new guidebook aims to fill the gap left for LGBTQ+ travellers – offering up destinations where queer visitors can explore the world, with spots in Europe, South America, South Africa, Asia, Canada and the Pacific. It also offers a travel hit list for those on the hunt for specific experiences that include art, adventure, family friendly activities and off the beaten track experiences, and introductions to thriving queer communities that appear on every continent.

Lonely Planet’s top LGBTQ+ destinations

Cape Town & Johannesburg, South Africa
Bangkok, Thailand
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Edinburgh, Scotland
Lisbon, Cascais & Porto, Portugal
London, England
Madrid, Spain
Milan, Italy
Stockholm, Sweden
Valletta, Malta
Anchorage, USA
Austin, USA
Brooklyn, USA
Portland, USA
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Richmond, USA
Saugatuck & Douglas, USA
Vancouver, Canada
Melbourne, Australia
São Paulo, Brazil

It also, naturally, covers London – with local writers and influencers Aisha and Lexie Shaibu-Lenoir (aka the Queer Nomads) breaking the city down in detail.

“We recognised the Queer community was looking for a guide that understands them, especially given the challenges they continue to face when travelling,” Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet’s Senior Director, said.

"Creating a guide that is community-led, inclusive and a little bit surprising in terms of destinations featured felt absolutely essential."