Tips For Celebrating Pride Across the Globe

Pride is a worldwide event that is celebrated around the world and throughout the year. More and more people are planning to combine Pride events with far-flung travels to destinations as far away as New Zealand, Latvia or Sri Lanka.

In order to make sure trips are seamless, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) have compiled resources to make planning a breeze.

"Travel unites us in so many ways," said Erika Richter, ASTA communications director. "This year, we encourage travelers to extend their stay during Pride and consider an international host city in a place they've never been. It's a one-of-a-kind chance to truly immerse in the destination while connecting with LGBTQ communities around the globe."

"When booking pride events with a travel agent who is a member of ASTA and IGLTA, travelers can be assured their travel agent books the best accommodations for their group and they can also arrange for VIP access to events," said Vicky Garcia, Cruise Planners COO, co-owner.

"IGLTA travel agents are knowledgeable about LGBTQ-friendly destinations and can also provide a list of activities and must-see hot spots and bars and restaurants or arrange for private tours to give the travelers a total immersion in the destination in addition to the Pride events," Garcia added.

IGLTA has a listing of events around the world, and travelers can search for LGBTQ knowledgeable travel agents on TravelSense.org.

"Throngs of LGBTQ people will travel thousands of miles to attend a Pride festival. When you've traveled all that way, I suggest extending your trip and exploring more of the host country, said Jacob Marek, owner of IntroverTravels.

Marek offered up some suggestions such as celebrating in Cape Town, South Africa, where pride takes place in late February. Travelers can get a respite from miserable winter weather in the U.S. with a summer vacation there.

Another alternative: Celebrate in November in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and extend your trip to include Iguazu Falls and Patagonia.

"Don't limit yourself to June," said Rob Clabbers, president of Q Cruise + Travel. "Internationally, some of the best LGBTQ pride festivals take place in other months. Major events like those in Paris; Cologne, Munich or Frankfurt, Germany; and London are in July, for example."

"Events can also be known by different names: in Berlin, for example, the term Christopher Street Day is better known; while Sydney's Mardi Gras takes place in March," noted Clabbers.

"Pride month provides an inspiration to visit iconic destinations in celebration of their diverse, vibrant LGBTQ communities," said Kareem George, principal of Culture Traveler, based in Franklin, Michigan.

"European capital cities such as Zurich, Vienna and Milan become seemingly more approachable with festive occasions to connect with locals," added George.