20 LGBTQ-Friendly Destinations for 2024

With post-COVID travel starting to exceed 2019 numbers in many areas, next year looks to be another banner year for vacations. Queer travelers are always searching for the next exciting place, along with reasons to return to favorite spots.

Here’s a look at some of the places that should be on LGBTQ travelers’ radar in the New Year.

This surprisingly dynamic Canadian prairie city is an undiscovered gem, with a lovely riverfront and a mind toward sustainability. There are many queer-owned businesses here, such as Turning the Tide, an alternative bookstore; Diva’s Nightclub; Positive Passions, a wellness center with a mind toward positive sexuality; Social Made Local for clothing and accessories, Nefelibata, an eco-alternative to buying new craft supplies; and Alt Haus, which is owned by Saskatoon’s queer power couple, Miranda Van Young (a registered interior designer) and Jo Van Young (a mural artist and collaborator)—a must stop in Saskatoon.

Porto, the region’s largest city, has a growing LGBTQ scene. It hosts an annual Pride parade, typically in July, which is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Nearby Matosinhos Beach is known for being queer-friendly. It’s a popular spot for socializing, sunbathing, and enjoying the lively beach bars. The beach also hosts occasional LGBTQ events during the summer. Other hot areas include Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a blend of history and culture; and wine tours in the Douro Valley, a romantic and serene getaway.

On Canada’s scenic eastern coast, Nova Scotia is an inclusive and endlessly beautiful destination that queer travelers have been falling in love with. From Halifax’s picturesque waterfront to picture postcard stops like Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove, the province seems to have an unfair number of Instagrammable spots. But there’s also a lovely wine region to explore along the Bay of Fundy, with plenty of award-winning vintages that we enjoyed each evening while marveling at the dramatic tidal action here. Nova Scotia is a foodie’s paradise, and did we say lobster? There may be no better place on Earth to enjoy this delicacy than along its shores.

Down Under’s South Australia features 12 distinct tourism regions and is bursting with wildlife encounters, culture, food, wine, and fesitvals. Adelaide has a Portland vibe, with an incredible culinary scene and proximity to the local wine country. Another internationally-acclaimed wine region with some of the world’s oldest vines is Barossa, renowned for its Shiraz, Grenache, and other red wine varieties, along with some of the world’s greatest scenery. And Kangaroo Island boasts a raw and rugged coastline, impossibly clear waters, and unique and abundant wildlife. 

Croatia’s legendary coastline has been attracting queer travelers in increasing numbers as an alternative to more heavily traveled European areas. High-end cruising with luxury groups like Brand g are hitting Croatia in 2024, giving LGBTQ folks access to gorgeous stops like Rovinj, Sibenik, and Dubrovnik.

New Mexico’s charming capital is a delightful mix of new and old, with Route 66 history, Native American culture, incredible cuisine, and high-tech jobs in the aerospace and defense industries, buoyed by nearby Sandia National Laboratory. Stay in queer-owned Hotel Parq Central and lunch at queer-owned The Range Café. Nightspots include Effex Nightclub and Sidewinders Bar & Grill.

The Seychelles, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is one of the few African countries to have LGBTQ protections on its books, making it a friendly respite in a place where we aren’t welcomed. The picture postcard beaches, adorned with sculpted pieces of granite are unlike anywhere else on Earth, as these are the only oceanic granitic islands in the world. Queer-friendly small ship cruise line Variety Cruises operates frequent seven-day cruises in the archipelago.

Spain’s capital city is a queer favorite, and for those who haven’t been, there’s no time like the present. The city’s Chueca district is like a bizarro world, where 80 percent of couples on the street seem to be LGBTQ community members. You’ll find endless nightclubs, excellent restaurants, world class museums and art, and plenty more.

Come for Pride—one of Canada’s largest, with 80,000 revelers—from July 27 to August 4, but stay for the incredible diversity of urban pleasures and outdoor adventure, from mountain hiking to sea kayaking. Davie Village is the city’s dynamic gayborhood, but you’ll find queer acceptance everywhere in this progressive city. 

This English-speaking country is a bit Central America, a bit Caribbean in vibe, and is a popular beach, snorkeling, and diving destination. While the nation has room to advance more on LGBTQ rights, in the last decade, same sex has been decriminalized here, and courts have ruled that discrimination is illegal. Queer travelers here will generally find warm hospitality and some of the most incredible waters and coral reefs in this hemisphere.

This oft-overlooked Greek city is second in size after Athens, and has plenty to see and do, not least of which is beautiful architecture and history. And 2024 will see many more queer travelers discovering this gem, with its hosting of EuroPride from June 21-29, 2024. The city was originally scheduled to host the celebration in 2020, but that was pushed back after the pandemic. 

This island nation (and famed home of Rihanna) has stunning beaches, some lovely rums, and a lot of culture. It’s also been off the radar for many queer travelers due to its strident anti-gay attitudes. But that’s now changing, as Barbados has become one of the newest countries to strike down its anti-gay laws, hopefully just one step toward more acceptance. And for those who feel that visibility will change hearts and minds, Barbados is now a safer place to vacation in—and work toward those ends.

Along with Barbados, the Cook Islands have very recently decriminalized same sex relations (as of this June). Queer and trans folks have been a longtime part of the culture here before colonization, so attitudes here are nuanced. The Cook Islands is a self-governing nation and in free association with New Zealand, about 2,000 miles to the southwest. The islands are popular for their unmatched beaches, crystal clear water, lack of crowds, and variety of resorts and price points.

The islands of the South Pacific have a long history of recognizing a third gender, putting them light years ahead of many other cultures. These island groups, in addition to being romantic getaways for any couples, are ideal for queer couples, given the openness and acceptance in this part of the world. Queer travelers will also enjoy the fascinating local cuisines, which incorporate native, Chinese, and French attributes, along with fresh fish galore.

Crater Lake National Park, the sole national park in Oregon, is what brings many travelers to Medford and nearby Ashland, but these artsy communities also have plenty to offer queer visitors. There’s an abundance of stunning landscapes, from the sparkling Rogue River to mountains surrounded by lush forests. Plus, there is an abundance of great local cuisine and more than 100 wineries, where the rolling hills are draped with lush vineyards. Adventurers can enjoy rafting, ziplining, and hiking. And the region’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland brings in countless visitors each summer.

This town on Florida’s northeastern coast bills itself as the first city in the nation, so there’s much history to explore here. Plus, you can enjoy one of Florida’s top gay beaches, at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. Wandering the city’s downtown area, you’ll find more than 50 art galleries, a variety of accommodations, award-winning cuisine, and plenty of sunshine. Gay-friendly At Journey’s End is a darling boutique inn, and House of Prism is a local queer advocacy group that hosts drag brunches and other events.

From architecture to fashion to cuisine, LGBTQ visitors will enjoy this dynamic European city, a short distance from the Alps and famed spots like Lake Como. Quiiky Travel is a tour operator here focused on LGBTQ experiences in Italy, with nearly 50 different options, such as a “Gay Light on Leonardo da Vinci” and “House of Gucci” tours

Osaka is home to Japan’s second-largest queer scene outside of Tokyo. Known for its hospitality and incredible cuisine, Osaka Prefecture was the first regional-level government to create a same-sex partnership. According to the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), more that 500 couples have already registered for this partnership. And IGLTA has scheduled its annual Global Convention for 2024 in Osaka, the first time ever in Asia.

2024 is a great year to come check out Chicago Pride Fest, the two-day street festival scheduled for June 22-23, 2024. The festivities happen the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (June 30). The famously progressive Windy City comes out to celebrate LGBTQ+ life, culture, and community in the well-known Northalsted gayborhood. When you’re done partying and enjoying the live entertainment, the city has an endless array of great restaurants, museums, and beaches along Lake Michigan.

One of the United States’ premier queer destinations, Fort Lauderdale boasts endless white-sand beaches and luxury accommodations. Mix in the countless queer-owned bars and restaurants of Wilton Manors, and the region has plenty to offer, whether you’re venturing there for a few days or an entire week. Stroll along Wilton Drive and you’ll encounter a bevy of queer bars, restaurants, and shops, with something for everyone.