The Cayman Islands are undeniably cosmopolitan but with a rich local culture at the same time. This three-island archipelago has pristine beaches, mysterious caves, diverse bird and animal life, and lush forests. It might sound surprising to many, but the Cayman Islands aren’t exactly what you’d call gay-friendly. While gay marriage was legalized in 2019,…
Despite being particularly famed for its gorgeous beaches, Barbados is one destination that has it all. Think lush gardens, a UNESCO-listed heritage capital, excellent nightlife, and white beaches with turquoise bays. Many might be surprised to learn that Barbados isn’t amongst the gay-friendly Caribbean nations. This is largely due to antiquated anti-gay laws left over…
West Hollywood, known affectionately as “WeHo,” is the out-and-out proud hip-and-happening gay neighborhood of Los Angeles. WeHo packs a whole lot of queerness into its small size and has been around as long as 1984. In fact, it’s largely recognized as a leading community for LGBTQ rights. Gay travelers are assured of many a welcoming…
A thick mangrove forest on one end and the blue waters of the Atlantic on the other, Key Largo is the first of the Florida Keys. The northernmost spot of the ‘Keys’ is the self-proclaimed ‘Dive Capital of the World.’ It also has the country’s first underwater park and is a mecca for kayakers, snorkelers,…
The charming city of Wilton Manors is the most famous gayborhood in all of South Florida! The two forks of the Middle River basically form the borders of this wonderful city. Now, Wilton Manors might be a separate city, but it’s also a suburb and the gay neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale! Besides having a thriving…
Bahrain is perhaps one of the most scintillating countries in the Middle East. Home to a burgeoning food and art scene, the country even has its own Formula 1 Grand Prix! What’s more, Bahrain is often considered one of the more tolerant of the Gulf States, especially when compared to its neighbor Saudi Arabia. So…
When you hear of Siem Reap, the first thing that comes to mind is Angkor Wat. The former dingy town is the epicenter of chic Cambodia today and is an emerging gay hotspot. Surprised? The tolerant Buddhist culture helped the foreigner-led gay scene thrive. Did you know also know that traditional Khmer culture recognizes non-binary…
The capital of Arizona Phoenix was not more than a desert frontier settlement less than 100 years ago. Today, it’s rapidly grown to transform into one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the American West. It might be surprising to many, but this desert valley with more than 300 days of sunshine is…
Tucked on the Jersey Shore overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Asbury Park has long been a gay mecca. Initially hailed as the “Duchess of the Jersey Shore,” the town is now pretty much the queen of the Jersey Shore! A small and nondescript place until the 2000s, the years later on, saw the entry and growth…
Hawaii is synonymous with paradise, and it’s easy to see why. With craggy volcanoes, lush jungles, coral reefs, and turquoise waves hitting the white-sand beaches, it’s no wonder this place is a haven for beach-loving travelers. What’s more, Hawaii even has a history of being super gay-friendly, having legalized homosexuality way back in 1973. In…
The Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, or T&T, are everything you’d expect from a Caribbean destination; and everything you wouldn’t. Rainforested hills and lush mangrove swamps sit beside industrial estates, and yet you also have pristine white-sand beaches fringed by palm trees and turquoise waters. Nevertheless, the islands remain a magnet even today, especially…
Tucked at the northern tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown in Massachusetts is famous for where the Mayflower landed in 1620. The former Portuguese fishing village once had a sign on one of its entryways, “Provincetown Either Way.” The sign might have been directional, but it was also a metaphor for the open-mindedness of this tiny…
Maui in Hawaii has always been one of the most popular island getaways. The gorgeous island stands out for its stunning reefs, lovely sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush green mountains. What’s more, with the “Aloha!” state having made same-sex marriage legal years earlier, Maui has become the go-to place for destination weddings and honeymoons.…
Tranquil, yet trendy, the capital of Taiwan, Taipei is an alluring blend of Chinese, Southeast Asian, Japanese, and American cultures. This 300-year-old city is akin to a living museum; think Japanese-era mansions, Taoist temples, and delectable fusion cuisine. However, you’ll be most surprised to know that Taipei, staid as it might seem, is one of…
The city of Eternal Spring Medellin might be slightly rough around the edges, but it’s transformed into one of Latin America’s most progressive cities. Whether it’s gastronomy, social awareness, or innovation, the city is now an exciting and buzzing metropolis. Despite being largely conservative due to a Catholic population, Medellin is extremely gay-friendly as well.…
White Cycladic houses sitting on sheer and craggy cliffs that rise above a turquoise sea – it’s hard not to fall in love with sun-kissed Santorini. Sitting at the cusp of the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Crete, this Greek hideaway is a playground for everything hedonistic. After all, Santorini is the land of…
Costa Rica is a place where the only limit is your return date! Whether you want to zipline, climb volcanic peaks, descend into caves or enjoy the turquoise sea waters, Costa Rica has it all. What’s more, it was one of Central America’s first countries to recognize LGBTQ relationships. Even today, it’s considered one of the…
Calgary lies just east of the Canadian Rockies and is the ultimate basecamp for outdoor adventures in the country. At the same time, the city is full of excellent restaurants and boutiques that radiate small-town urban charm. No matter what you’re here for, Calgary cherishes its diversity in the usual warm-hearted Canadian fashion. What’s more,…
Affectionately called a “mini-Berlin by the seaside,” coastal Valparaiso overlooking the waters of the South Pacific Ocean is one of the most vibrant of Chile’s cities. What’s more, Valparaiso and its neighboring Viña del Mar are amongst the gayest places on the continent! Santiago might be home to a larger gay scene, but it’s Valpo,…
When Christopher Columbus first made landfall on the American continent, it was the Bahamas where he landed. The tropical islands, which lie at the northeastern edge of the Caribbean islands, are home to some of its most picture-perfect beaches. It might come as a surprise to many that the laws of the country are actually…
The towns of Clearwater and Clearwater Beach on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast are some of the most charming beach destinations in the state. They’re part of the Tampa Bay area, which includes the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater itself. In fact, this area is one of the gay-friendliest regions in the United…
Captivating Cartagena is one glorious mess of historic grandeur on cobbled alleys, vibrant structures and plazas, and bougainvillea-covered balconies. What’s more, the old town, Cartagena de Indias, boasts 13 km of centuries-old colonial stone walls! It’s no wonder that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What’s more, Cartagena is the undisputed gay-friendly queen of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.…
Nicknamed the ‘Helen’ of the West Indies, Saint Lucia might as well as have been named the ‘Pearl of the Caribbean.’ Lush forests and plantations, pristine white-sand beaches, and tons of luxurious resorts and villas dot this island. Whether you’re a nature lover or a water bum, there’s something for everyone on this island. And,…
The Central American country of Belize could very well be the melting pot of the Caribbean. In fact, its residents belong to widely disparate groups such as Creoles, Garifuna, Mennonites, East Indian, Mestizos, and Mayan! Brilliant white-sand beaches, some of the world’s best beaches, lush national parks, and some of the world’s most spectacular reefs.…