Travelling as a gay couple can be hard – but follow these tips to make sure your holiday goes smoothly

When it comes to travel, it’s always stressful. Booking the flights, finding accommodation, getting time off work – planning a trip is no easy task.

But if you thought to find love on gay dating sites was hard, travelling as a gay couple can be even more challenging. In general, travelling as a gay couple shouldn’t be a problem, but depending on where you go, it could give you unwanted attention.

Though you’re travelling just like anyone else, there are some extra safety precautions you need to take to make sure your trip is a positive experience. If you and your partner are wanting to travel the world, keep these tips in mind.

Research your destination beforehand

Always research the destination beforehand and their attitude on the LGBTQ community. If you’re traveling to San Francisco or Tel Aviv, then you know these are extremely gay-friendly destinations. In this case, you and your partner have nothing to worry about.

However, if you’re traveling to one of the countries with anti-gay legislation, you’re going to need to decide how “out” you’re both going to act. Naturally, this begs the question: if you’re not going to feel comfortable, why go to this country?

Join a group or private tour

There are gay tour groups which cater specifically to the LGBTQ community. Naturally, these groups will make sure you’re safe and well taken care of.

But, that said, not everyone wants to travel with a tour group. You can also hire a private tour guide who’ll take you around your destination, giving you a more personal and one-on-one experience.

Find the local gay community

In every country, there’s a local gay community. You’ll be able to find these groups on Facebook or Reddit. To find out about local gay clubs, bars, events, and resorts, connect with a local.

They’ll be able to tell you the right places to go. Of course, if you’re going somewhere which isn’t gay-friendly, be careful with who you talk to online.

Keep in contact with family and friends

When we’re travelling, it’s normal to lose contact with your friends and family. You’re busy experiencing a new culture, eating new foods, and taking in new sights. You don’t have time to talk to your mom or gossip with your friends.

But, this doesn’t mean you should go radio silent. Before you start each day, write to someone you trust and let them know about your plans. It’s important to keep an open line of communication with someone back home.

Talk to your partner about different situations

When it comes to travelling, you’re going to meet a wide range of people. Most of your encounters will be positive ones. But, there’s always a chance you’ll experience a negative situation.

Whether it’s about PDA or your hotel room, it’s important to be on the same page with your partner. That way, when this situation does come up, you both know the answer.

If you have the travel bug, don’t let the opinions of others get in your way. Follow these tips to make sure you travel the world safely with your partner.