Travelling With Pride: How I Support My LGBT+ Clients

Inside Travel Counsellors, I am part of the LGBTQ+ affinity group. It is a space where we share knowledge and make sure queer travellers’ needs are at the forefront of our conversations.

My wife and I have been together for 20 years and I plan trips with a certain reality in mind: that we are not welcome everywhere. I know how it feels to second‑guess whether it is safe to be in certain destinations and I avoid destinations that I would deem unsafe for us.

Why LGBT+‑aware travel planning matters

For many LGBT+ travellers, planning a holiday includes questions that straight couples rarely have to think about:

• Will we be welcomed as a couple at check‑in?
• We will be allocated a twin bed as default?
• How open can we be in public?
• What are the local laws and attitudes towards LGBT+ people?

These are not “extras”. They affect whether you spend your holiday on edge, or come home feeling rested.

How I look after my LGBT+ clients

Because I am part of the community myself, these are things that I do behind the scenes to ensure your trip is right for you.

1. What is right for you

Everyone has different comfort levels. Some of my clients want big Pride energy, nightlife and visible queer spaces. Others want a beautiful, low‑key escape where they do not have to think about it at all.

2. Matching destinations to your comfort level

The world is not simply “safe” or “unsafe” for LGBT+ people. It sits on a spectrum.

I think about destinations in three ways:

• Open and inclusive
  Visible LGBT+ communities, Pride events, strong legal protections and an everyday atmosphere where same‑sex couples are unremarkable.
• Legally OK but socially mixed
  Same‑sex relationships are legal, but public affection (for any couple) is more reserved and attitudes can be mixed. You may choose to be a little more low‑key.
• Restrictive
  Laws or social norms that make it risky or stressful to be openly LGBT+. These require an honest conversation about whether they are right for you at all.

I will always be upfront about where a country sits, then work with you to decide whether it feels right, or if we should look at alternatives with a similar style of holiday but a more welcoming environment.

3. Choosing genuinely welcoming places to stay

Where you sleep at night is where you should feel most relaxed.

When I suggest accommodation, I pay attention to:

• Properties known to be welcoming to same‑sex couples.
• The general atmosphere: big resort, chic city hotel, adults‑only sanctuary, etc.
• How likely it is that you will feel comfortable sharing a bed and being yourselves.

If it matters to you, I can focus on places with a clear reputation for inclusivity, not just words in a brochure.

4. Travelling Considerations

For each destination, I take into consideration the following:

• How local laws and everyday attitudes affect visitors.
• What is considered normal around public affection and dress.
• Any extra care needed for trans and non‑binary travellers with documents and airports.

Simple ways to travel more comfortably as an LGBT+ couple

A few small steps can make a big difference:

• Talk before you travel
  Agree with your partner how “visible” you want to be on this particular trip and how you will handle situations that feel uncomfortable.
• Read the room
  Let local norms guide how affectionate you are in public, especially in more traditional or rural areas.
• Trust your instincts
  If somewhere does not feel right, you never have to justify leaving. Your safety and peace of mind come first.
• Know you are not on your own
  If anything does go wrong or just feels off, you have me in your corner to help with support, changes and next steps.

Travelling with pride, not fear

For me, Pride Month is about visibility, but it is also about care. All relationships deserve to be respected, including when you travel.

Whether you are dreaming of:

• A Pride city break with parades and parties
• A same‑sex honeymoon
• Or a quiet, indulgent beach escape where no one bats an eyelid

I will help you choose the right destination, the right accommodation and the right balance between freedom and safety.

If you would like some ideas tailored to you, just tell me the type of trip you have in mind and I can suggest some especially welcoming options for LGBT+ travellers.

Message me to start planning your trip.

claire.summers@mytc.com

01622  807 980

07961 843 580