Lesbian and Gay Travel Tips

In many countries around the world, attitudes towards gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender travellers can be very different from what you are used to in your home country.

Laws relating to the LGBT community can vary significantly by country; some countries recognise same-sex marriages and civil partnership and have anti-discrimination laws, where as many others still have laws in place which punish same-sex sexual activity with the death penalty.

Make sure that you research information about gay and lesbian travel for the destination you intend to visit to before you book your stay.

On the World Rainbow Hotels website we have only listed hotels in countries and cities where attitudes to LGBT travellers are for the most-part friendly, however not all our destinations listed have changed their laws in-line with what is tolerated . We have provided destination information about the top gay and lesbian friendly travel destinations, which can be found by clicking on the destination pages under the Explore hotels menu.

Hotels in the World Rainbow Hotels collection have also put together for you information about the local gay and lesbian scene close to their hotel. For example hotels have provided details on local gay and lesbian bars and clubs as well as places of interest to gay and lesbian travellers. Look out for the link at the top of a hotel s page to Download the Out and About pack. Some sample Out and About gay and lesbian travel guides can be found along with more information about the travel guides on the Out and About page .

A full list detailing country by country with information about laws and attitudes to same-sex sexual activity, recognition of same-sex relationships, same-sex marriage, same-sex adoption, anti-discrimination (Sexual orientation) and laws concerning gender identity/expression can be found on Wikipedia

However please treat this list with caution as even if a country has laws that can be interpreted as legal, certain acts may not be legal and in some cases same-sex relationships may be lawful, but the local society can be intolerant of open same-sex relationships. Also remember that quite often a place where it is legal for lesbian relationships to exist, may at the same time outlaw relationships between men.

Wherever you decide to travel to, have a fun and safe journey and make sure you come back and tell us all about it! World Rainbow Hotels will be launching an interactive platform, where you can share your gay travel tips with other potential travellers. You will be able to provide us with travel information about the local destination or about the actual hotel s gay and lesbian vibe.