Top Travel Tips from LGBTQIA+ Travel Experts

couple walking holding hands with Brooklyn Bridge in background

2min read

Published 6 June 2023


Share


When LGBTQIA+ travellers need an Expert’s insider knowledge, they call Flight Centre! Our global travel brain of savvy and experienced travellers is here to help. We make it easy to find LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations, get answers to your questions, and create a remarkable travel experience. 

Take a look at some of our top tips for a relaxing and safe getaway: 

couple hiking with hiking gear holding each other and laughing
couple hiking with hiking gear holding each other and laughing
couple hiking with hiking gear holding each other and laughing

Choosing a welcoming destination

Travel is never one-size-fits-all. We can help you find the best destinations for you and everyone you’re travelling with, so that you all feel safe and welcome. Our Experts can help you navigate the local culture and laws that affect the LGBTQIA+ community and point you in the right direction. 

Some of our favourite LGBTQIA+ inclusive destinations include: 

  1. New York City 

  1. Sitges 

  1. Berlin 

  1. Auckland 

  1. Puerto Vallarta 

  1. Barcelona 

  1. San Francisco 

  1. Taipei 

  1. Mykonos 

  1. Sydney 

  1. Thailand 

  1. Sao Paulo 

  1. Amsterdam 


Puerto Vallarta is a hugely popular LGBTQIA+ sun destination, and it's probably safe to say every property there will provide a safe and inclusive experience for every guest.
Marc Mulrooney, Travel Expert
Mexico
quote position image

Expert tip

Looking to surf? Stay in Puerto Vallarta and do a day trip to Sayulita, or head to Yelapa by boat for a beach day.

Stefanie

Product Designer

,,

Travelling with your partner

Should you reserve a room with a king bed or two queens? Is it safe to hold hands while you’re exploring the city? Will you get “the look” if you request a romantic dinner for two? Don’t fret—we’ve been there, and we’re here to help! 

Our Travel Experts can help you travel safely and comfortably with tips for your specific itinerary wish list. 

Booking hotel rooms with your polyamorous partners? Ask us to help you find hotels with: 

  • Super king beds 

  • Rooms with a maximum capacity of more than 2 adults 

  • Known poly-friendly environment or events  

  • Enough amenities for 3 or more people 

couple walking to pool holding hands in a tropical resort
couple walking to pool holding hands in a tropical resort
couple walking to pool holding hands in a tropical resort

Flying with gender-affirming undergarments like a binder or prosthetic

Plan for a Smooth Security Screening 

All airports in Australia use body-scanning technology to screen passengers. Most scanners use gender-neutral technology but there may be cases where body scanning equipment requires the screening officer to select the gender of the person being scanned, which is often based on the traveller’s external appearance. 

If a physical search (ie. pat-down) is required, you can ask to be taken to a private room and you can always ask for a physical search to be conducted by someone of the gender of your choice. If you feel uncomfortable or have any questions at any stage in the screening process, you can ask for a different screening officer or ask to speak to the on-duty screening supervisor.  

Stay Safe & Comfortable 

Remember to follow your physician’s guidelines about safe time limits for wearing a binder, even on long-haul flights. You might want to consider planning small breaks for yourself or giving yourself extra downtime once you check into your hotel. 

Flying with hormones

ou’re entitled to travel with your medication, including gender-affirming hormone prescriptions. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • Keep all medications in one place along with a photocopy of your prescriptions 

  • Consider packing your medications in your checked luggage to avoid delays in security. If you are worried about lost baggage, you can take medications in your carry on – as long as you are sticking to the liquid limits if leaving from an international airport.  

  • You can also consider bringing a sterile syringe in your carry-on and keeping the rest of your medication in your checked luggage 

couple in park hugging
couple in park hugging
couple in park hugging

What to do if your passport name differs from your real name

In order to board a plane or check into a resort, you will need to make your booking using your legal name and gender marker, as shown on your passport. (We know… we're sorry.) 

That being said, our Experts are happy to request that your hotel, resort, or tour hosts use your chosen name throughout your stay. 

If your gender marker has changed, even if your legal name has not before your passport is out of date- you may be eligible for a free replacement passport. Find out more here.  


If the gender on your passport is noted as X, there could be issues entering certain countries. Make sure to let your travel agent know so that we can check specifically for if your desired destination recognises this.
Kate Neufeld, Travel Expert

How to find community while travelling

Travel is a beautiful way to make new meaningful connections with other members of the global LGBTQ+ community. Ask our Experts for their recommendations for: 

  • Gay, lesbian, or trans cruises 

  • LGBTQIA+ neighbourhoods and hotels 

  • International pride events 

Planning a destination wedding

It’s no surprise that not every country is accepting of LGBTQIA+ unions culturally or legally. So, unfortunately, same-sex couples have more to think about when planning a destination wedding.  

Typically, your two options are a symbolic ceremony or a legal ceremony. With the right Expert to help, a symbolic ceremony can be pulled off almost anywhere (with the papers being officially signed back here in Australia, while legal ceremonies are limited to a smaller list of destinations


For my LGBTQIA+ couples, I always recommend Mexico, and for weddings, I especially recommend properties that have LGBTQIA+ couples included in their promotional materials for weddings. Karisma, Hard Rock and Sandos all do this, to name a few.
Carolyn Menard, Travel Expert

Ready to book your next romantic getaway? Click here to check out our deals! 


...loading
Flight Centre

Flight Centre acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia.

© Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. ATAS Accreditation No. A10412.

*Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Review any specific conditions stated and our general terms at Terms and Conditions. Prices & taxes are correct as at the date of publication & are subject to availability and change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until the dates specified unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person.