Undeniable Shift: European Vacations on the Rise for LGBTQ+ Americans Seeking Safety and Acceptance
Diversified group of American tourists identifying as LGBTQ+ are seeking out travel opportunities in Europe, aiming for vacation spots that offer greater acceptance and inclusivity compared to some destinations in their home country.
In a striking shift, LGBTQ+ travelers from America are increasingly favoring European destinations over domestic trips. This trend is being noticed by industry experts like Darren Burn, founder of luxury vacation specialists Out of Office.
"We've noticed a substantial surge in inquiries from LGBTQ+ American travelers yearning to explore more of Europe," Burn explains. "They're not just after new experiences; they seek safety and inclusivity that many European countries offer."
This shift comes amid growing concerns within the LGBTQ+ community about traveling safely in the United States, as state laws and public opinions can create distressing situations.
Not only are these travelers looking to immerse themselves in European culture, but some are considering potential relocation destinations. Burn highlights that some of these travelers are planning visits with the intention of relocating in the future.
European Escapes for LGBTQ+ Travelers
According to Burn, Spain and Portugal are particularly popular among LGBTQ+ travelers seeking European escapes. Spain recently passed the Zerolo Law, which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment and services, while Portugal has criminalized forced practices of sexual conversion of LGBTQ+ people.
Expats insurance experts William Russell have ranked Spain in fourth place and Portugal in ninth place among the best countries worldwide for LGBTQ+ expats in 2022. The Netherlands, with an estimated 14% of its population identifying as LGBTQ+, has topped the list for two consecutive years, owing to its safety index score and anti-discrimination scores.
A Wide Range of LGBTQ+-Friendly European Countries
While Spain and Portugal are popular choices, several other European countries stand out as welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers and expats. Malta, consistently ranked as the most LGBTQ+-friendly country in Europe, offers strong legal protections and a supportive environment to its LGBTQ+ residents. Belgium, with a score of 85% on the ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map, is known for its strong anti-discrimination laws and supportive policies.
Iceland, Denmark, and Finland are also recognized for their safe environments and strong support for LGBTQ+ rights. Ireland and Sweden have a mix of welcoming communities and legal protections, making them attractive options for LGBTQ+ expats.
However, it's essential to avoid countries like Hungary and Georgia, which have seen significant declines in LGBTQ+ rights due to recent legislation, making them less favorable for LGBTQ+ travelers and expats.
In a nutshell, Europe offers a wide range of destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking safety, acceptance, and new experiences. Keeping these factors in mind, America's LGBTQ+ community is finding respite and potential new homes abroad.
"LGBTQ+ travelers from America are opting for Europe as their preferred destination due to the safety and inclusivity offered, as exemplified by the rise in queries to luxury vacation specialists like Out of Office. In Europe, countries like Spain and Portugal, known for their welcoming environment and strong LGBTQ+ rights, are particularly popular choices among LGBTQ+ travelers."
"Some LGBTQ+ travelers are not just visiting European countries for cultural experiences, but also considering potential relocation destinations. For instance, Spain and Portugal, with their strong legal protections and supportive environment, have been ranked as some of the best countries worldwide for LGBTQ+ expats in 2022."
