Solo travel is super popular. But most of the advice on how to plan a solo trip doesn’t include recommendations for if you’re queer.
Solo travel can be incredibly liberating for LGBTQ travelers. For me, solo trips have helped me build confidence, inspired me creatively, and challenged me to build skills that don’t come naturally (like navigations โ I swear, I’m biologically hardwired to choose the wrong way to go).
These 10 tips for solo LGBTQ travelers are written by me – a queer travel expert who’s had solo adventures in NYC, San Francisco, Alaska, and Greece.
1. Research LGBT laws and attitudes in your destination
When you’re traveling solo as an LGBT+ person, it’s super important to do some research ahead of time on the local laws and cultural attitudes towards queer people.
Some countries are way more progressive than others, and solo LGBTQ travelers don’t want to end up in an uncomfortable or even dangerous situation. A quick online search can tell you if same-sex relationships are legal, if you might face discrimination, or how different gender identities are protected.
For your first solo trip, consider choosing a progressive, LGBTQ-friendly destination, like these queer-friendly European cities. Knowing the destination is safe and welcoming to people like you can reduce your anxiety as you settle into your first solo adventure!
2. Share your itinerary with a trusted contact
You may be off on a solo adventure, but that doesn’t mean no one needs to know where you are!
Leave a copy of your itinerary with a trusted contact back home: your partner, your roommate, your best friend, your parents.
Make a plan for when and how you will touch base.
This way, someone from home knows where you are supposed to be and when in case you miss a scheduled check-in.
If you are a spontaneous traveler who likes to keep it loose, it’s still a good idea to share the basic details of your plan. Then you can update your contact from the road as plans change.
3. Pack all your essentials โ and don’t forget travel insurance!
Pack essential medications, first aid supplies, and personal care. These can be expensive to buy internationally, and it’s annoying to have to hunt down a pharmacy because you forgot something.
Each time I head out on a solo trip, my wife reminds me to bring my own ibuprofen โ since she isn’t there to hand me some when I have a headache.
If you usually travel with someone who always brings these things for you, double-check your packing list for travel essentials.
Travel insurance is another essential for solo LGBTQ travelers. You never know what could happen.
I’ve only had to use it a couple times, like when a snowstorm closed the Ring Road on a South Iceland winter holiday, and we could not reach the hotel we’d booked for the night. Travel insurance paid for a new hotel and our rescheduled ice caving tour.
4. Book an LGBTQ-friendly hotel for your first couple of nights
This will allow you to settle in the destination without worrying about the microaggressions that sometimes accompany LGBTQ travel.
Large international hotels (like a Marriott, IHG or Hilton property) tend to be LGBTQ friendly, because they have corporate policies. Small boutique hotels are another good pick. These tend to be less expensive, and many have the same inclusive politics.
If you’re traveling on a budget, don’t overlook hostels. Many have private rooms, so you don’t have to share. While some hostels segregate dorms by sex, I’ve noticed more all-gender dorms in hostels recently, which is great for trans and non-binary travelers!
Gay hotels are another option for solo LGBTQ travelers. One big advantage of a gay hotel is that you’re likely to connect with other gay travelers. Some gay-owned hotels cater to men rather than the broader LGBTQ community. Others are more couple-centric, like LGBTQ-owned bed and breakfasts.
Do your research to find the right gay-owned hotel for your needs as a solo traveler.
5. Plan out how to get around solo
LGBT-friendly transportation options include rideshare services (like Uber or Lyft) and public transit.
If Uber or Lyft aren’t an option, ask your hotel to arrange a taxi or car service for you. It’s safer for them to call a trusted service than for you to take your chances hailing a ride on the street.
If you find a driver you like, ask for their card or WhatsApp number and call them next time you need a ride.
6. Connect with LGBTQ locals
I love meeting LGBTQ locals when I travel. Sometimes, I do this on an organized tour. Other times, I visit LGBTQ-owned businesses like queer cafes or gay bars. Thanks to apps like Queering the Map, it’s easier than ever to locate queer-friendly businesses!
From Reykjavik to Tokyo and Osaka, I’ve found the LGBTQ locals to be friendly. People enjoy sharing their hometown with visitors, and there is a special sense of connection that comes from meeting other queer people.
Look up LGBTQ events and venues ahead of time, or connect with queer outdoor groups that do walks, hikes, bike rides, rock climbing and so. much. more.
7. Time your trip with Pride
Pride festivals can be a great way to explore a new place on your own.
There are all kinds of LGBTQ events going on, which cuts down on planning. Pick your favorite events from the festival calendar, and your vacation is half-planned.
You can mingle with friendly locals and – who knows – maybe spark a new connection!
8. Take an LGBTQ Tour
Get to know a new city’s queer scene and make friends on an LGBTQIA tour.
LGBTQ walking tours explore historic gayborhoods. These can be a fun way to get to know a new place. You’ll explore locally-owned queer businesses you can return to on your own. Being in the gayborhood can give you a sense of security that comes from being surrounded by other LGBTQ people.
I love doing walking tours when I first arrive in a new city, so I get oriented by a local expert. As a bonus, I’ll ask them for recommendations for other cool things to do.
I also use these LGBTQ travel apps to look up queer-friendly things to do and make my own list before I travel.
9. Put yourself Out there
For the introverts like me, traveling solo can be challenging.
On the one hand, you’re all alone โ in your happy place! On the other hand, sometimes you do want to connect. Other people often perceive LGBTQIA people as straight when we travel. It can be affirming to venture out, connect with other queer people, and be seen for who we are.
While you should always use discretion when meeting new people (more on that in a second), don’t forget to say yes to new experiences and new people when traveling alone!
10. Take basic safety precautions
If you do your research on local laws ahead of time, stay in a hotel that’s well-located, avoid attracting unnecessary attention, and use common sense, your solo trip should be relatively risk-free.
Here are a few safety precautions I take to keep myself safe as a solo queer traveler:
- Don’t drink too much, and don’t accept a drink from a stranger
- Keep your phone charged up
- Pay attention when you walk/drive around
- Keep Google Maps up in a taxi so you can follow the route
- Don’t go anywhere alone with a stranger
- If you’re meeting someomne from the apps, meet in a public place
- If someone asks if you are alone, tell them you’re meeting a friend, or your partner is ill and in the hotel room, or you’re traveling for work and are meeting colleagues.
- Don’t location tag social media posts in real time – wait until you’ve left one town to post photos from there
I hope these solo LGBTQ travel tips give you the confidence you need to get out there are explore more!
Like any new skill, solo travel becomes easier the more you do it. With each solo trip, you’ll gain confidence, skills, and a better understanding of what works best for you.
Got any questions about the LGBTQ solo travel experience that weren’t answered here? Contact me via email or drop a comment below, and I’ll update the post!