
For the LGBTQ+ traveler – this means that the combination of these 2 positive trends has unearthed some new travel destinations (that formerly weren’t considered particularly friendly to the community) lining up nicely right alongside the old standards – and the variety of stunning destinations that pass muster when evaluated in this light seems to grow now with each passing day.
We’ve scoured the breaking news from prominent mainstream media to LGBTQ+ specific legislative and travel resources to round up who some of the front-runners of change are this year.
Ireland

The expected huge yes vote from the republic’s electorate will mark another major milestone in Ireland’s journey from a Catholic church-dominated state to a more liberal, secular society.
Amen to that!
Eligible voters traveled from as far as Abu Dhabi and Bangkok to cast their ballot in the historic Marriage Equality Referendum. If this clear demonstration of equality and acceptance isn’t enough to entice you to visit, let us show you a little more of what the Emerald Isle has to offer with Explore Ireland.
Vietnam

“No other country in Southeast Asia has taken as big a step toward accepting same-sex marriage as Vietnam,” said Phil Robertson, Human Rights Watch deputy director in Asia.
And if you haven’t already been enticed by this exotic locale, allow us to introduce you to just a little of its magic with Explore Vietnam.
Scotland

Countless castles, endless rolling green hills, stunning lochs and strapping dudes in kilts – what more could you ask for? Not convinced yet? Take a minute to Explore Scotland.
Malta

And did we mention that Lonely Planet describes Malta lovingly as:
A Mediterranean cocktail of prehistoric temples, fossil-studded cliffs, glittering hidden coves, thrilling diving opportunities and a history of remarkable intensity.
Sounds like it’s steeped in awesome sauce. Now where did I put that passport?
The Netherlands

6. Luxembourg

With its culturally diverse population (40% plus have emigrated from elsewhere), well established reputation as a tax haven, home to the headquarters of Skype, Amazon and PayPal, and positioned as the country with the highest nominal GDP per capita in the world (3 times higher than the EU average), it’s easy to see why its popularity is rising.
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Everywhere, New Zealand
- Toronto, Canada
- Palm Springs, USA
- Sitges, Spain
- Berlin, Germany
- New York City, USA
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Montevideo, Uruguay
Given all this, it is clear that the LGBTQ+’s rumored $150B annual travel spend (GayStarNews puts the figure as high as £200B!) is likely to continue to have a positive influence on the imminent spread of global common sense. I say money well spent and the long overdue changes can’t happen soon enough!
Which countries do you see making notable strides towards equality?
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