Gay Travel Index of 2024: The Good and the Bad for LGBTQ+ Travelers
Karl Krause BERLIN: Gay travelers can use the Gay Travel Index 2024 to prepare for their gaycation. But which country ranks first? Where is it safe to travel to as a gay and LGBTQ+ traveler? The post Gay Travel Index of 2024: The Good and the Bad for LGBTQ+ Travelers appeared first on Gay Travel Blog - Couple of Men.
Hey guys! The Spartacus Gay Travel Index for 2024 is out, and boy, is it a rollercoaster! Every year, the German publisher Spartacus ranks countries for their LGBTQ+ and gay-friendliness based on how they treat their LGBTQ+ citizens and queer travelers. And let’s just say… there’s a lot to unpack, from some exciting victories to some truly depressing setbacks. But hey, at least knowing where to avoid ahem certain countries ahem makes your fabulous vacation planning that much easier, right? Find out why we recommend using the Gay Travel Index by Spartacus for our travel planning as an openly gay traveling couple.
How Does The Gay Travel Index All Work, Though?
Spartacus has been publishing their Gay Travel Index since 2012. It goes beyond basic “can gays get married here?” stuff. They look at 18 different factors, from anti-discrimination laws to the actual death penalty for being LGBTQ+. The result is a color-coded system: dark green means those countries are fabulous, and red means…well, let’s just say you won’t catch me booking a flight there anytime soon.
It’s also not just about how safe these countries are for tourists. Spartacus cares about the local LGBTQ+ people too. They want to make sure you’re informed about whether your vacation dollars go to a place that supports human rights or contributes to oppression. It’s your choice as to whether you pick a progressive paradise or go somewhere and make a statement. And this index gives you the tools to make that decision.
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The Full Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2024
You can see this year’s ranking below by clicking through the four pages:
The Complete Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2024 as PDF*
*Please be advised: Loading time of the PDF file may take longer!
Travel Index 2024: New Category & Expanded Horizons
The 2024 Spartacus Gay Travel Index unveils a new category: Censorship. This category sheds light on laws impacting LGBTQ+ expression, like restrictions on rainbow flags or LGBTQ+ books. This addition reflects the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights globally. The index also welcomes 11 new countries: Guinea, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Sudan, Tuvalu, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These additions offer LGBTQ+ travelers a more comprehensive range of safe and welcoming destinations, showcasing progress in these nations towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
The Highs and Lows of the 2024 Gay Travel Index
he big news: a record-breaking five countries tied for the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations – Canada, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, and Malta! You can’t go wrong with any of these options. Some other movers and shakers:
- Estonia: Marriage equality? Check! It’s the first Eastern European nation to get on board, shooting up the rankings! Karl visited the country for Baltic Pride in Tallinn in 2017. ????????
- Norway: Conversion therapy is SO last century (literally). Their ban on this harmful practice helped them climb those ranks! ????????
- Russia: Yikes. They keep making life harder for LGBTQ+ folks, earning them a swift demotion. It’s pretty close to the absolute bottom of the list.
Keep an Eye on These Spots
A few countries are in a “wait and see” zone:
- Thailand: One marriage equality bill away from skyrocketing up the list!
- Latin America: Many countries here are feeling pressure to legalize same-sex marriage finally. Countries such as Costa Rica, Colombia, and Argentina are definitely among our favorite destinations in South America
- The USA: Oh boy, the upcoming election has everyone on edge. New York State still tops our domestic list, while some states are… stuck in the past. Though, we cannot wait to be back in the US-American West this spring, visiting some popular LGBTQ+ places in California.
Which destinations to check out in 2024
Greece is making strides with its recent legalization of same-sex marriage. Thessaloniki, a Greek vacation hotspot, will host Euro Pride 2024 after Malta the previous year, which we are planning to visit and show you on our blog and social media. Japan remains one of the places we urgently want to visit again. The island nation is still on a slow but steady climb up the annual gay travel index. And, of course, we have to mention Germany and the Netherlands, our home countries. Both remain havens of LGBTQ+ acceptance, but are not among the front-runners they used to be anymore.
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Some top Gay-Friendly Countries Traveled by us
Rank 1: Malta
Malta shines brightly in the 2024 Spartacus Gay Travel Index, sharing the top spot with four other countries as an ultimate LGBTQ+ friendly destination. This small Mediterranean island nation boasts a perfect score across all categories, thanks to its robust anti-discrimination legislation, full marriage equality, and a vibrant and welcoming LGBTQ+ scene. Malta is the epitome of a safe and inclusive destination where travelers can relax, embrace their authentic selves, and experience the island’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. We visited Malta twice, last year for Euro Pride 2023!
Rank 2: Canada & Spain
Canada and Spain continue to be beacons of acceptance in the 2024 Gay Travel Index, sharing the top spot as prime destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. Both nations offer solid legal protections, inclusive societies, and thriving gay scenes. Canada‘s vastness provides a range of experiences, from cosmopolitan cities like Toronto and Montreal to stunning natural wonders. Spain bursts with energy, offering vibrant cities, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural tapestry that embraces the LGBTQ+ community wholeheartedly.
Rank 8: Germany & Iceland
While not topping the charts in 2024, Germany, Iceland, and Spain all maintain solid positions within the Spartacus Gay Travel Index. Germany continues to be a bastion of LGBTQ+ acceptance and inclusivity, reflecting its strong anti-discrimination laws and social acceptance. Iceland, known for its progressive attitudes, remains a welcoming and safe destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Spain, ever vibrant and passionate, is a perennial favorite, offering a dynamic mix of gay-friendly beaches, cities bursting with culture, and a warm embrace for the LGBTQ+ community. After visiting Berlin all ready for the world’s biggest travel show ITB, where we received the ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award for our work and book, we cannot wait to explore more of Germany.
Tips & Reviews: Gay Travel Planning
- Gaycation Planning: Our Gay Travel Guides 2024 >
- Photos & Video & Stories: Gay Pride Parades Worldwide >
- LGBTQ+ Winter Events: Top 13 Gay Ski Weeks Worldwide >
- Traveling as a Couple with our Couple of Men Blog Articles >
- Reviews of Hotels around the world: Gay-friendly tested Hotels >
- News Legislation, Events, and any LGBTQ+ related Travel News >
Gay Travel Index by Spartacus for 2024
Official Websites:
- Website Spartacus Gay Guide
- Facebook of Spartacus Travel
- Website ILGA – LGBTI Association
- More about IGLTA – The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association
About the International Spartacus Gay Guide for 2024
Before you book those flights… Choosing a vacation spot is about more than lovely beaches and cute cafés (though those are important, too!). The Spartacus Gay Travel Index empowers you to travel as your authentic self, and support countries that support you. So, tell me, where’s your next LGBTQ+ friendly adventure? You can find the complete Spartacus Gay Travel Index for 2024 on their website – it’s a fascinating, if sometimes sobering, read.
By including the new Censorship category and expanding its reach to new countries, the 2024 Spartacus Gay Travel Index empowers LGBTQ+ travelers to make informed choices. The index, covering 213 countries and regions, remains a valuable resource for understanding legal situations and living conditions for LGBTQ+ individuals globally.
Karl & Daan.
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Even if a country’s ranking is high or low, please check the current official status with the country’s tourist board, read some of the best travel blogs, or contact the nearest representative of the country you are planning to visit for advice.
Do you want to know more about travel news from the LGBTQ + community? Follow us on Instagram, Threads, X, YouTube, and Facebook! See you at Pride or somewhere in this beautiful, diverse, and eclectic world!
The post Gay Travel Index of 2024: The Good and the Bad for LGBTQ+ Travelers appeared first on Gay Travel Blog - Couple of Men.
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