LGBTQ+ Americans are voting with their passports

I just finished watching the entire six seasons of SATC for the fourth time, and thought to myself Boo hoo, Carrie Bradshaw. Aleksandr Petrovsky is SO busy with his art installation. Get over it and werk, Paris, girl. 

I know, true love beckoned, but I’d be content ensconced in a luxury hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower. And with what’s going on in the not-so-good ole’ U. S. of A., I’m not the only one.

Darren Burn, the founder of luxury vacation specialists and LGBTQ+ travel experts Out of Office, is seeing shifts in where his American clients are booking holidays.  

Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure

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“In recent months, we’ve seen a significant shift in inquiries from LGBTQ+ American travellers looking to spend more time abroad, particularly in European destinations,” Out of Office founder Darren Burn told Euro News. “We believe that now, they’re not only wanting to discover new destinations across the continent and immerse themselves in local culture and experiences, but to seek the sense of safety and inclusivity that many European countries offer.”

That sentiment is tracking, according to International LGBTQ+ Travel Association president and CEO John Tanzella. “We’ve heard from travelers feeling uncertain about visiting the U.S., especially trans and gender-diverse individuals,” Tanzella told NBC News. “These decisions are often driven by concerns about safety, treatment at the border, and access to affirming health care. Some have canceled their trips. Many others are still coming, but they’re being more selective about where they go.”

Statista, in collaboration with Spartacus International Gay Guide, turned their research into a color-coded map. Guess what? Northern Europe, much of South America, and Australia are making the rest of us green with envy.

Ready to use those frequent flier miles? GayCities highlights some of our most memorable accommodations and experiences from top-rated countries. Get inspired and pack that passport.

Vienna, Austria

Hotel Sacher Wien

Elegance in the heart of Vienna Philharmoniker Str. 4 · Vienna, Wien 1010
(431) 514-560
Website

Sometimes you can have your cake and eat it, too. Hotel Sacher Wien offers old-school glamour and has welcomed notable guests, including Queen Elizabeth II. Of course, they also accommodated Naomi Campbell, but no tantrums allowed!

Enjoy a slice of the world’s most famous chocolate cake, the Original Sacher-Torte.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Antropology

Anything goes gentleman’s club 101 Morelos · Puerto Vallarta, JAL 48300
(523) 741-0218
Website

The water works are literal at Anthropology, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular clubs for male dancers and go-go boys. (Is there a difference?) They leave little to the imagination, going full frontal.

The recently opened Tryst Puerto Vallarta is the flagship property of Tryst Hotels, owned by gaytrepreneur Tristan Schukraft, who also owns The Abbey in West Hollywood.

Toronto, Canada

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

5-star Canadian accommodations 60 Yorkville Ave · Toronto, ON M4W 0A4
(416) 964-0411
Website

Imagine a destination where you can luxuriate in high-thread-count sheets and nearly everyone is gracious and polite. Toronto’s got big city vibes with a north-of-the-border flair.

The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto offers all the perks you’d expect from a five-star hotel. And if you’re feeling spontaneous, the property is offering a third night free through the end of June, perfect timing for Toronto Pride.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Illums Bolighus

The high temple of Danish Design Amagertorv 10 · Copenhagen, Capital Region 1160
(331) 414-91
Website

Illums Bolighus celebrates its 100th anniversary this year (originally named BO, but we’re not questioning). If Danish design is your thing, look no further.

Over the years, the brand has expanded from furniture, lighting, and homeware into fashion (think minimalist in a neutral palette) and beauty products, so you can look as fresh and rosy during those 17-hour summer days when the sun hovers on the horizon.

Auckland, New Zealand

Cordis, Auckland

All that glitters is… here! 83 Symonds Street · Auckland, New Zealand 1010
(+64) 937-9513
Website

If you’re looking to get far away from the U.S. (17 hours from NYC, 12 hours from LA), set your eyes on Auckland, New Zealand. Once you’re there, you’ll want the best of the best, such as the five-star Cordis Auckland (part of Langham Hospitality Group).

The hotel’s art collection and whiskey tasting may keep you indoors for a bit, but be sure to take advantage of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. If you’re a tennis fan, plan on a New Year’s trip and snag tickets to the ASB Classic, one of the world’s premier tournaments.

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