I like to keep a pulse on access and inclusion of LGBTQ travelers. Previously, Iโve dug into the results of a Booking.com survey of global LGBTQ travelers and MMGYโs report on what queer travelers want in 2023. Now, Iโm sharing highlights from an Airbnb survey commissioned by The LGBTQ+ Travel Association, IGLTA.
The data takes a look at what LGBTQ travelers want in 2024, including the top destinations on our travel bucket lists and how we balancing exploring the world with staying safe on vacation.
LGBTQ Travel Trends for 2024
LGBTQ Travelers Take Frequent Trips
When it comes to queer travel, most people think of safety first. That’s not exactly surprising given the rise in anti-trans laws over the last few years.
What may surprise you is how often queer people travel.
- We travel more than the general population – over 60% of LGBTQ travelers are planning 2 or more trips this year. Personally, I have 3 trips in the works for 2024!
- We spend more money – almost 6% of travelers spent over $2,000 on trips.
- We’re more likely to hold a valid passport than the general population – I just got Global Entry to make international trips even easier (and hopefully breeze through TSA with less scrutiny as a gender nonconforming person who is often misgendered)
LGBTQ Travelers Love Vacation Rentals
Given that Airbnb was involved in the survey, our preference for vacation rentals may not be all that surprising.
Vacation rentals offer privacy.
Renting an apartment in the city or a beach house, we can be ourselves without worrying about what others might think. There are no other guests or hotel staff who might ask intrusive questions, or assume that a same-sex couple traveling together are friends when they would never make that assumption for an opposite-sex couple.
A majority of Airbnb listings use LGBTQ+ inclusive language. Inclusive language is important. It lets us know we are welcome, so we can reserve with confidence.
For a decade, Airbnb was my preferred way to travel. I loved the site so much, I became a host.
I no longer host on Airbnb, and I no longer rely on the site to book travel.
Too many mediocre stays and too many last-minute cancellations have broken my trust. I’m also over the sky-high cleaning fees and burdensome host requests.
This post explains the pros and cons of Airbnb from a queer inclusive perspective, so check it out for way more detail ๐
Complaints aside, Airbnb offers LGBTQ+ couples and families the privacy many of us want and need to truly relax and be ourselves on vacation.
LGBTQ+ Safety is Important…But We Want More From a Destination
Safety is a top priority for around one-third of LGTQ travelers.
You read that rightโฆone third.
Two-thirds of LGBTQ travelers have other top priorities when planning trips.
One-third of us consider the cost of a trip first and foremost. Queer travelers need affordable destinations given the income disparities between us and the general population.
Thirty-five percent of us look at LGBTQ-friendliness when planning trips. We want to go to places that accept and welcome LGBTQ people instead of places where we have to hide ourselves.
I’ll admit, I was a little surprised at the data here. I knew that safety, affordability and inclusivity were top priorities. I didn’t expect the distribution to be roughly equal.
Are there times when gay and lesbian travelers are willing to spend more for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Yes.
Are there times when we’ll venture somewhere less welcoming, knowing that we may have to make compromises for our safety and peace of mind? Yes.
Are there times when we need to consider safety first, such as LGBTQ family travel with young kids? Of course.
Ultimately, gay and lesbian travelers weigh each of these elements together when planning a trip. We’re looking for a destination that meets each of these needs, regardless of which one is top of mind for us.
Favorite destinations, according to the IGLTA survey, tick all three of the boxes. They’re affordable, inclusive, and safe for LGBTQ+.
Top Destinations for LGBTQ Travel in 2024
Europe is the top region for LGBTQ travelers. That isn’t surprising – aside from Russia, Europe is very LGBTQ friendly.
Planning a Europe trip? Check out our LGBTQ guide to Iceland!
Latin America is the second most popular region for international travel.
Costa Rica, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Colombia all took top spots for queer travel bucket lists. Travelers are very interested in urban adventures in Bogotรก or Medellin in Colombia and Mexico City, Mexico.
Fun fact – I’m heading to Costa Rica at the end of the month, so keep an eye out for posts about Costa Rica gay and lesbian travel, including whether Costa Rica is safe for LGBTQ travelers.
San Juan, Puerto Rico was another popular destination for LGBTQ travel. Puerto Rico is super LGBTQ friendly. It’s also a US territory, so you can visit without a passport!
I visited Puerto Rico a couple of years ago. A gay friend who is Puerto Rican told me to be careful there, so I was discreet at first. But I found Puerto Ricans to be friendly and welcoming, and this rainbow mural on Luquillo Beach helped me feel comfortable to let my authentic self shine!
I loved Puerto Rico and would definitely recommend it as one of the best places in the Caribbean for LGBTQ travelers.
I’m heading to Costa Rica and France in 2024, so I guess my vacation preferences fall in line with LGBTQ travel trends. But I’m also planning a domestic trip to two states that aren’t LGBTQ-friendly.
I’ve visited 45 states so far. Those two states will bring me up to 47. Getting closer to visiting all 50 states is worth the hassle of traveling to places where I’ll have to have my guard up. And who knows, I may be pleasantly surprised by a warmer than expected welcome.
That’s happened before. And it’s a gentle reminder that a state’s people sometimes hold very different views than their politics – something we could all remember in an election year!
What destinations are top of mind for you in 2024? And what criteria do you use when deciding where to visit, or whether to book a hotel versus a vacation rental?
