There’s something liberating about packing a bag, setting your own itinerary, and heading out into the world—on your terms. Solo travel offers freedom, self-discovery, and the chance to connect with people and places in deeply personal ways. For LGBTQ travelers, though, exploring solo can also mean navigating safety, identity, and local culture more thoughtfully.
The good news? With the right mindset and preparation, you can travel confidently while fully embracing the joy of being yourself. Here’s how to make your next solo trip empowering, safe, and unforgettable.
Step 1: Choose Your Destination Intentionally
The first rule of solo travel: know where you’re going and what to expect. Research destinations that are welcoming to LGBTQ travelers—places where you can feel comfortable being yourself without worrying about how you’re perceived.
Cities like Palm Springs, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Montreal are famously inclusive, but there are plenty of smaller towns and beach escapes where queer travelers thrive too. Websites like Equaldex or ILGA World provide up-to-date LGBTQ safety maps and travel laws by country, helping you make informed choices before you book.
Tip: Don’t just think about safety—think about community. Look for places with queer-owned businesses, cultural events, or local pride centers that make your trip more enriching and connected.
Step 2: Do a Safety Check Before You Go
While adventure is part of the fun, preparation builds confidence. Before leaving, share your itinerary with a friend or family member, and schedule check-ins throughout your trip.
Keep digital copies of important documents (passport, IDs, insurance) stored securely in your phone or cloud drive. When exploring new neighborhoods, trust your instincts—if something feels off, pivot.
For extra peace of mind, research local emergency numbers and LGBTQ support organizations in your destination. Apps like GeoSure rate neighborhoods on safety and inclusivity, helping you plan your routes with ease.
Step 3: Pack for Comfort and Confidence
When you’re traveling solo, your suitcase is your toolbox. Pack clothes that make you feel good in your body and align with your personal style, but also match your environment and local customs.
For instance, some destinations may lean more conservative—so it helps to have versatile pieces you can layer or style differently as needed. Think lightweight neutrals, comfortable shoes, and one outfit that makes you feel fabulous for a night out.
Don’t forget your small essentials: reusable water bottle, travel locks, portable charger, and copies of important contacts written down in case your phone dies.
Step 4: Build Connection While Staying Smart
One of the joys of solo travel is meeting new people—but do it safely and on your own terms. LGBTQ-friendly apps like HER, Grindr, or Lex can help you find local community events, hangouts, or meetups (not just dates).
If you’re meeting someone new, choose a public place and let a friend know where you’re going. For deeper connections, join group tours, art classes, or food experiences that attract locals and travelers alike. It’s an easy way to meet people without pressure while learning about the culture firsthand.
Step 5: Support Local Queer Spaces
Queer bars, bookstores, and art spaces often double as cultural landmarks. Visiting and supporting them keeps local LGBTQ communities thriving. Many destinations have queer-owned restaurants, cafes, and shops—seek them out and share their stories.
These spaces are often where you’ll hear insider tips about where to go, what to avoid, and which experiences you can’t find in travel guides. Supporting them also ensures your travel dollars circulate within inclusive, affirming communities.
Step 6: Balance Exploration and Rest
It’s easy to pack every minute with sightseeing—but remember, this is your trip. Build downtime into your schedule so you can truly recharge.
Spend a morning journaling in a café, read in a park, or take yourself out to a nice dinner. When you travel solo, you set the tone. You can linger in an art gallery, sleep in late, or watch the sunset in silence—without compromise.
Solo trips often become turning points not because of what you see, but because of what you feel: self-assurance, independence, and peace.
Step 7: Celebrate the Journey
Whether you’re crossing countries or just exploring a nearby city, traveling solo is an act of courage and self-love—especially as an LGBTQ person in a world that sometimes makes visibility feel risky. Every step, photo, and new friend is part of your growth story.
Take pride in how far you’ve come, and know that your presence in every space you visit matters. You’re expanding what freedom looks like—one trip at a time.
The art of the LGBTQ solo trip isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about seeing yourself in new ways. With awareness, intention, and confidence, you can explore the world safely while making memories that belong entirely to you.
Travel solo, but never alone—because wherever you go, your light travels with you.
