At Visiting Wrld, travel should be an experience of joy, discovery and connection for everyone. For LGBTQ+ individuals, finding destinations that are not only beautiful but also legally protective and genuinely welcoming is paramount. We’ve identified some of the world’s leading countries in LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, offering practical safety insights and inspiring you to explore with confidence.
Our Top Picks for LGBTQ+ Safe Travel
These countries stand out for their robust legal protections, thriving LGBTQ+ communities, and a general atmosphere of acceptance.
1. Costa Rica
As a leader in human rights and eco-tourism in Central America, Costa Rica extends its “Pura Vida” (pure life) philosophy to everyone, creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ visitors.
Why:
- Legal Protections: Costa Rica became the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage in May 2020. The country has strong anti-discrimination laws and a government that actively promotes human rights.
- Progressive Atmosphere: While still predominantly Catholic, with some conservative areas, the overall attitude toward tourists is extremely welcoming. Major tourist hubs are used to diverse visitors and are generally very open.
- Thriving Scene: The capital, San José, has a bustling LGBTQ+ nightlife. Coastal towns like Manuel Antonio are famously gay-friendly, hosting a significant number of LGBTQ+-owned businesses and hotels.
Costa Rica is generally very safe for tourists. In popular destinations like Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, and San José, LGBTQ+ couples can feel comfortable being themselves. As with travel anywhere, it’s best to use discretion in more remote or traditional rural communities out of respect for local customs, but direct hostility toward tourists is rare. The primary safety focus here should be on standard travel precautions and outdoor safety.
At Visiting Wrld, we love going to Playas Del Coco – Liberia, where we have our private villa, hiking through the beautiful mountains and even going swimming in a Waterfall!
2. Spain
Spain has undergone a remarkable transformation in LGBTQ+ rights, becoming a trailblazer in Europe.
Why:
- Legal Protections: Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2005, and comprehensive anti-discrimination laws are in place. Spain also has progressive gender recognition laws.
- Progressive Society: Spanish society is generally very open and accepting, especially in major cities and coastal areas.
- Iconic Gay Scene: Madrid and Barcelona are renowned for their lively gay districts (Chueca in Madrid, Gaixample in Barcelona) and world-class pride celebrations.
Spain is very safe. While public displays of affection are standard for all couples, exercise the same common sense as you would anywhere. Some smaller towns or very rural areas might be slightly less accustomed to visible LGBTQ+ couples, but this is increasingly rare.
Immerse yourself in Madrid’s art, dance the night away in Ibiza, relax on Sitges’ beaches (a famous gay-friendly resort town), or explore Barcelona’s architectural wonders.
3. Iceland
This stunning Nordic island nation is a beacon of equality and breathtaking natural beauty.
Why:
- Legal Protections: Iceland boasts comprehensive LGBTQ+ rights, including same-sex marriage (2010), adoption rights, and strong anti-discrimination laws. The former Prime Minister, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, was openly gay.
- High Acceptance: Icelandic society is famously progressive and egalitarian, with very high public acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Small, Inclusive Community: Despite its small size, Reykjavík has a lively gay scene and is known for its welcoming atmosphere.
Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world. LGBTQ+ travelers can feel entirely at ease expressing themselves. The biggest safety concerns are generally related to the unpredictable weather and natural environment (e.g., hiking safety).
Travel Inspiration: Chase the Northern Lights, soak in the Blue Lagoon, explore dramatic glaciers and volcanoes, and enjoy the cozy, inclusive vibe of Reykjavík.
About Visiting Wrld
Visiting Wrld is a global travel collective dedicated to uncovering the world’s most vibrant cultures through the lens of inclusivity, fitness and authentic adventure. The company was founded by Coach Joe Ghafari and Jasper Jorolan and launched in 2024. Our mission is to provide the LGBTQ+ community with the information they need to feel empowered and confident in who they are, while exploring the world around them and building their health in the way they want.
