How queer travellers find safe and inclusive holidays

Time of India

4 days ago

After travelling to places that value LGBTQIA+ tourism and treat queer travellers with respect and safety, Divesh Tolani and his partner realised just how important inclusivity is when it comes to travel.
'When we visited Thailand for our five-year anniversary, seeing areas and clinics that support LGBTQIA+ health made us feel seen and safe,' says Divesh, adding, 'Why support a country's economy if we're not treated as equals while we're there?'
For queer travellers, going on holiday isn't always just about sightseeing and unwinding; it's also about safety, identity, and finding inclusive spaces. Queer travel influencers share their stories and advice on what it means to travel the world while staying proud of who they are.
SHARING THEIR EXPERIENCE
Plan with safety and inclusivity in mind
When it comes to planning a trip, many queer travellers prioritise safety and inclusivity over the destination itself. 'Our primary focus is on safety. We need to feel secure when travelling as a couple, which is why we avoid countries where homosexuality is banned,' says Delhi-based queer travel influencer Manish Bhowmick. He adds, 'Next, we look for inclusivity. The hotels and staff should be professional and must not make us feel as though we're something different.
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Packing with caution
For queer travellers, packing goes beyond style, it's often about safety. 'Depending on local LGBTQ+ laws, we avoid clothes and accessories that aren't conventionally masculine,' says Nitesh Rawat. Similarly, Mumbai-based Atulan Purohit shares, 'We skip rainbow-themed outfits when visiting places where they can be risky. Instead, we pack clothes that help us blend in and avoid trouble.'
Supporting the community
Supporting queer-owned businesses, guides, and stays is a conscious decision.
Amlanjyoti Bora shares, 'We always check how LGBTQIA+ friendly a place is, whether same-sex couples are accepted, how comfortable we'd feel with public displays of affection, and whether there are queer-friendly cafés or stays. Google Maps helps a lot, many queer-friendly spots mention it in their profile, and we try to choose those whenever possible.
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Manish adds, 'We always try to support the community by booking through queer-owned agencies, hotels, and transport services whenever possible.'
IS THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY QUEER ENOUGH YET?
Visibility doesn't always mean inclusivity, say queer travellers. 'Travel companies still assume heteronormativity – from 'Mr & Mrs' bookings to couple offers,' says Divesh Tolani. He believes the industry must do more to make queer travellers feel seen. Amrit Bajwa adds, 'Hotels and platforms should train staff, show real diversity in their marketing, and ensure safety all year round — not just during Pride Month.
' Queer travellers want genuine change, not token gestures.
SAFETY TIPS FROM QUEER GLOBETROTTERS
Research local laws and culture:
Always look into a country's laws and cultural attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ people before visiting
Choose LGBTQ+ friendly accommodation:
Deep-dive into hotel reviews or do your research to find queer-friendly stays. This ensures a more comfortable environment
Be mindful of PDA:
Avoid overt displays of queerness or affection, especially in unfamiliar or conservative areas, regardless of legality
Have a safety contact:
Always have a backup person, someone local or trusted, whom you can reach out to in case of trouble
Connect with experienced queer travellers:
Reach out to queer friends or community members who've visited the place. Their experiences offer practical, first-hand insights
Be cautious when sharing personal details:
While meeting new people is exciting, avoid revealing too much too soon, especially in unfamiliar or potentially unsafe spaces
Know your rights:
Understanding your legal rights, both locally and internationally, can be crucial in case of discrimination or conflict
Travelling as a queer person often means taking extra precautions to stay safe. Being in a new country is challenging enough, but ensuring acceptance in every situation adds another layer of stress that others might not have to consider
Mumbai-based Divesh Tolani
There have been times when people stared or treated my partner differently because of how he dressed. To avoid unwanted attention, we often keep a low profile and prioritise queer-friendly stays where we feel safe, respected, and truly welcome
Delhi-based Amrit Bajwa
We use Reddit to find out which apps locals use to connect in each country. For safe, comfortable stays, we rely on Misterb&b — it helps us find queer-friendly accommodation and connect with locals to better understand queer life there
Mumbai-based Atulan Purohit