While itโs always been a good idea to share your travel plans with a trusted person, recent policy changes in the U.S. mean that taking steps to protect your safety isn’t just the smart thing to do for LGBTQ travelers. It’s necessary.
Iโve been traveling as a gender-nonconforming person for years. I’ve learned what amount of preparation and planning makes me anxious, and what sets me at ease.
Whether youโre traveling within the U.S. or heading abroad, this transgender travel guide will help you understand why a travel safety plan is necessary, know the steps to build one, and do so from a place of confidence rather than fear.
What is a Travel Safety Plan?
First things first โ what does a travel safety plan mean and who needs one?
I’m using the term to refer to plans and strategies to protect you and put you at ease, whether you’re driving across the US and need to know which states are safe if you’re trans or flying overseas and navigating the TSA with documents that don’t match your gender presentation.
I believe it’s always smart to think about safety. That’s why I created queer solo traveler safety guides and solo female hotel safety tips.
To me, safety means knowing what could go wrong and understanding my options โ not freaking out about every what-if scenario. Because trust me, I don’t need any encouragement on that. I have an overactive imagination as it is!
A good travel safety plan will minimize risks, give you options in case of emergencies, and leave you feeling prepared and empowered, not scared and fearful.
Trans Travel Concerns in 2025
America is increasingly hostile to trans rights, spurred on by a government that is actively dismantling trans rights in every way they can.
As of early March, 2025:
- Transgender Americans can be openly surveilled by the Department of Homeland Security
- Transgender Americans applying for or renewing passports will receive documentation that references their sex assigned at birth – this post answers all your trans passport questions
- States are proposing and passing increasingly harsh bathroom bills in record numbers โ and these could affect air travelers with layovers in red states
- Trans people in Iowa no longer have civil rights
Legal challenges to these policies are working their way through the court system. In the meantime, trans folks need to understand the shift in policy โ and public opinion โ and take care of themselves.
That’s where a travel safety plan comes in.
Where to Find Updated US Transgender Safety Information
My favorite resources to follow laws and policies impacting transgender people include trans blogger Erin in the Morning, HRC and Movement Advancement Project.
For international travel, I use Equaldex.
All of these resources are LGBTQ inclusive, written by us, for us.
Sticking to resources I know and trust helps me avoid going down a rabbit hole.
It gives me assurance and peace of mind that the information I’m reading is not just vetted, but written for me โ for my knowledge and empowerment, with respect for my personhood.
I write a twice monthly newsletter on issues impacting LGBTQ travelers. You can join 500 plus subscribers to get the news, my reactions, and a personal update at this link.
A 3-Step Travel Safety Plan For Your Next Vacation
I’ll say it again: A travel safety plan is a proactive approach to minimizing risks and ensuring that someone knows your whereabouts while traveling. Itโs not about fear, itโs about being prepared and empowered despite current events.
This 3-step plan will set your expectations and help you prepare.
Step 1: Research
I research local laws and policies every time I travel.
This helps me know what to expect.
It also sets expectations for cultural norms that may be different than what I’m used to living in the Northeast US.
Some U.S. states and international destinations have criminalized aspects of trans existence, from identity documents to public accommodations.
I strongly recommend understanding the laws before you pick a vacation destination, so you know what to expect.
If you’re worried about sudden policy changes, book refundable flights and hotels.
Anti-trans discrimination isn’t exactly something covered by travel insurance.
Start your research using the links above. Or hop over to my LGBTQ US travel page for a quick refresher on the legal and social landscape in the US.
You can also learn which states are getting more LGBTQ-inclusive or browse a list of the best and worst states to visit if you’re LGBTQ.
Don’t forget to research laws related to documentation and identity documents like passports. For example, if you have a passport with an X gender marker, some countries won’t let you in.
As you learn about local laws and policies, consider how โ if at all โ that changes your travel plans.
Perhaps you were planning to rent an Airbnb, but now you decided that you’d feel safer in a gay friendly hotel where you can blend in with a bigger group.
Or you were planning to travel solo but now want to invite a friend or join a group tour instead.
Step 2: Find Affirming Spaces in Your Destination
Wherever you’re going, seek out safe spaces where you can be yourself.
Gay bars are a classic example of this.
Not everyone drinks โ and while it’s always five o’clock somewhere, you may want community without the booze, too.
I always look for queer-owned businesses (including gay bars). I used to search on social media, but I try to avoid Meta these days.
Everywhere is Queer, one of my favorite travel apps, makes it easy to find LGBTQ-owned business of all kinds, from bars to gyms to hair salons.
Another place I like to check is the tourism website of the state or city I’m visiting.
If you’re trans, these stores aren’t just places you can find a friendly face. They’re places you can use the restroom without worry of being gender policed.
If youโre visiting a red state, that local LGBTQ-owned business probably needs your support now more than ever.
Queer and trans men can use Grindr to connect with queer locals who’d be only too happy to show them around.
I’m not aware of a similar app for lesbians and queer women. If there is one, please contact me! I’ll shout about it forever.
Identify any other support needs you have. Then find ways to meet those needs while traveling.
If youโre a sober queer, find local meetings or carve out time to attend a meeting virtually.
Traveling while trans is more stressful now, which makes self care even more essential.
Step 3: Share Your Itinerary With a Friend โ and Check In
You know what to expect, you’ve done the research to resource yourself, now it’s time to share your itinerary with someone you trust.
You don’t need to share every single thing. Share only the levels of detail that you feel comfortable with.
I always share where I plan to be and any flights or transit. If you’re concerned for personal safety, you may want to share hotels.
Text your checkin person during your trip.
Checking in lets them know you are safe. It also helps you manage travel anxiety related to your identity.
For me, the worst part of travel is dealing with the TSA, who misgender me at least half the time. Sending a text once you’ve gone through security โ or while you’re in line, feeling stressed and anxious โ can be a good way to relieve anxiety.
You can also enroll in TSA PreCheck to reduce body scans and pat-downs.
Since getting PreCheck, I’ve never had to go through an invasive body scanner and I’ve never been misgendered. The mental peace is so worth the price tag for me.
Laws in the US are changing rapidly right now. To stay up to date with the newest developments, and get transgender travel resources to make your next trip less stressful, sign up for my LGBTQ traveler newsletter. I track developing news stories and trends around the world that impact LGBTQ travelers, including transgender travelers. Subscribers also get freebies like LGBTQ travel advice, resource lists, and an LGBTQ travel map.
