For LGBTQ travelers, a great vacation starts with a feeling of safety.
For an LGBTQ traveler, planning a trip is about more than just finding a beautiful destination; it is about finding a place where you can feel safe, welcome, and free to be your authentic self without fear of discrimination or harassment. A truly safe destination is one that has a trifecta of positive attributes: progressive, pro-LGBTQ laws, a genuinely tolerant and accepting local culture, and a visible and vibrant LGBTQ community.
These are the countries that consistently rank as the safest and most welcoming in the world, places where you can let your guard down and truly enjoy your vacation.
1. Canada is a famously progressive and welcoming neighbor.
Canada is consistently ranked as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for LGBTQ travelers. The country has a full suite of robust legal protections against discrimination, and same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide for two decades. The culture is famously tolerant and inclusive, especially in major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, which all have large and vibrant gay villages, according to Asher & Lyric.
Its proximity to the U.S. and its stunning natural beauty make it an easy and incredibly safe choice for a relaxing and welcoming getaway.
2. Spain is a world leader in LGBTQ rights and culture.
Spain has been at the forefront of the global LGBTQ rights movement for decades, having legalized same-sex marriage all the way back in 2005. The country has an incredibly open and celebratory culture, and its major cities are some of the most gay-friendly in the world. The Chueca neighborhood in Madrid is the epicenter of a massive annual Pride celebration that is one of the largest in Europe.
The beach town of Sitges, near Barcelona, and the island of Gran Canaria are also world-famous gay resort destinations, Forbes reported. It is a country where the LGBTQ community is a visible and celebrated part of the national fabric.
3. The Netherlands has a long and proud history of tolerance.
The Netherlands was the very first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, a testament to its long and proud tradition of tolerance and progressive social values. The capital city of Amsterdam has been a haven for the gay community for decades, and its annual Canal Pride parade is a unique and joyous celebration that takes place on the city’s famous waterways, as mentioned by Rainbow Mind.
The country has strong anti-discrimination laws and a culture that is famously open-minded. It remains one of the safest and most welcoming places on the planet for an LGBTQ traveler.
4. Malta consistently ranks as the most legally protected country in Europe.
The small Mediterranean island nation of Malta might be a surprising entry on this list, but it consistently ranks as the number one country in all of Europe for its legal protections for LGBTQ people. The country has a very progressive and comprehensive set of laws that protect against discrimination and recognize the rights of transgender and intersex people.
While it is a traditionally Catholic country, the social atmosphere has become incredibly welcoming. It offers a beautiful, historic, and very safe destination for a Mediterranean vacation.
5. Portugal is a sunny, safe, and affordable haven.
Like its neighbor Spain, Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. It has a full suite of legal protections against discrimination, and the culture is overwhelmingly accepting and tolerant. The capital city of Lisbon has a vibrant and growing gay scene, and the southern Algarve region is a popular and welcoming beach destination.
The country’s affordability, its beautiful scenery, and its relaxed, friendly atmosphere make it an increasingly popular choice for LGBTQ travelers and retirees who are looking for a safe and high-quality life in the sun.
6. Uruguay is the most progressive nation in Latin America.
Uruguay has a well-deserved reputation as the most socially progressive and stable country in all of Latin America. It was one of the first countries in the region to legalize same-sex marriage and has a full slate of anti-discrimination laws. The culture is largely secular and famously tolerant, and the capital city of Montevideo has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
For an LGBTQ person who is looking for a safe, progressive, and intellectually stimulating travel experience in South America, Uruguay is an outstanding and often overlooked choice.
7. Sweden is a beacon of Scandinavian inclusivity.
All of the Nordic countries are very safe and welcoming, but Sweden is often singled out for its particularly progressive social values and its strong legal protections for the LGBTQ community. The country has been at the forefront of LGBTQ rights for decades, and the culture is one of the most open-minded and tolerant in the world.
The capital city of Stockholm has a vibrant and well-integrated gay scene, and its annual Pride festival is a massive, city-wide celebration. It is an incredibly safe and civilized country to visit.
8. New Zealand is a safe but distant paradise.
New Zealand is a stunningly beautiful country with a progressive, open, and incredibly welcoming culture. The country has a full suite of legal protections for the LGBTQ community and is consistently ranked as one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world. The quality of life is exceptional, and the access to incredible nature is unparalleled.
The capital city of Wellington is known for its particularly vibrant and creative queer arts scene. The only real downside for American travelers is the long and expensive flight to get there.
9. Iceland has a powerful and visible LGBTQ community.
Iceland is another Nordic country that is a world leader in LGBTQ rights and social acceptance. The country has a very progressive set of laws, and the culture is famously inclusive. What is particularly remarkable about Iceland is the incredible visibility and the widespread public support for the LGBTQ community, even in such a small country.
The annual Reykjavik Pride festival is a massive national event that is attended by a huge percentage of the country’s entire population, including the nation’s political leaders. It is a powerful and moving display of solidarity and a testament to the country’s incredibly welcoming spirit.
10. Ireland’s transformation has been remarkable.
The social transformation of Ireland over the last few decades has been nothing short of astounding. A once deeply conservative and Catholic country has become a beacon of social progress. In 2015, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage by a popular vote, a powerful and emotional moment that was celebrated around the globe.
The country now has strong legal protections and a famously warm and welcoming culture that is very inclusive of the LGBTQ community. The capital city of Dublin has a large and vibrant gay scene.
11. Taiwan is a leader in LGBTQ rights in Asia.
In a continent where progress on LGBTQ rights has been slow, Taiwan stands out as a shining and progressive exception. In 2019, it became the first, and still the only, country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The capital city of Taipei hosts the largest Pride parade in all of Asia, a massive and joyous event that draws attendees from all over the world.
The country has a vibrant and open democracy and a culture that is very welcoming to the LGBTQ community. It is a beacon of hope and a very safe and fun destination.
12. South Africa is the most progressive country on the African continent.
South Africa was the first country in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation in its constitution, and it was the fifth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. It has the most robust legal protections for LGBTQ people on the entire African continent by a very wide margin. The country has a large and vibrant gay scene, particularly in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.
While the country does have a high crime rate, which affects everyone, it is a place where the LGBTQ community is legally protected and a visible and accepted part of the society.
13. Belgium is a small country with a big heart.
Belgium was the second country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, and it has a long history of progressive social policies. The country has strong anti-discrimination laws and a culture that is very open and accepting. The capital city of Brussels, which is also the capital of the European Union, has a large and international gay scene.
The country’s other beautiful, historic cities, like Bruges and Ghent, are also very welcoming. It is a safe, easy, and charming country to visit for any LGBTQ traveler.
14. Argentina has a long history of LGBTQ activism.
Argentina has been a leader in LGBTQ rights in South America for many years, becoming the first country on the continent to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010. The country has a passionate and very visible LGBTQ activist community that has fought for and won a host of progressive legal protections. The capital city of Buenos Aires has a massive and vibrant gay scene.
The city is famous for its “queer tango” milongas, which are challenging the traditional gender roles of the dance. It is a passionate, progressive, and very welcoming city.
15. Germany is a modern and accepting powerhouse.
Germany has a strong and comprehensive set of anti-discrimination laws and a culture that is very open and tolerant. The capital city of Berlin is one of the legendary queer capitals of the world, with a massive, diverse, and historically significant LGBTQ scene that dates back to the 1920s. Other cities, like Cologne and Hamburg, are also famously gay-friendly.
The country as a whole is a very safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ travelers, with a progressive and modern society that values individual freedom and expression.