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of LGBTQ+ travelers have experienced discrimination while traveling.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Safety for LGBTQ+ Travelers / Statistics / Travel Tips / Helpful Resources
Safety for LGBTQ+ Travelers
Safety should be a top priority for every traveler. Overall, traveling as an LGBTQ+ traveler isn't much different than traveling for others, but sometimes special considerations should be made.
Unfortunately, discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ people are still prevalent in many parts of the world, and travelers can face additional risks when they are in unfamiliar place.
As an LGBTQ+ traveler it is important to keep in mind a destination's attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community. Experiences can vary globally, so understanding the destination you are traveling to is key to an enjoyable and safe trip.
Travel Guard recognizes the need for greater understanding and awareness regarding safety for LGBTQ+ travelers and developed the following resources to provide information that will help you feel more comfortable when planning your travel.
Key statistics about LGBTQ+ travel and safety
This research by Booking.com highlights the importance of travel safety for the LGBTQ+ community:'
59%
51%
agree that being LGBTQ+ has made them more insecure and self-conscious as a traveler. This is of even greater concern for those who identify as transgender (64%), intersex (57%) and non-binary (56%).
31%
Almost a third (31%) have had a negative experience with a fellow flight passenger due to their LGBTQ+ identity.
Consider your risks
Remember that not every LGBTQ+ traveler faces the same risk, and there is not a "one-size-fits-all" set of advice. Consider your own profile, as well as the sort of experience you want to have on your travels and determine if a particular destination is right for you. You do not necessarily have to avoid a location, but you will need to be aware of how to conduct yourself based on the laws and cultural climate of your destination.
Research your destination
Do your research. The most important step that LGBTQ+ travelers can take to ensure their safety and comfort while away from home, is to conduct thorough research on their destination while planning their trip. The cultural and legal climate should be carefully considered, including when applying for a visa or booking a hotel or resort.
Leave behind contact information
During your travels, provide a trusted contact back home with your detailed itinerary, including anyone you have planned in advance to meet while on your trip. In the event of an emergency, it is helpful if someone back home has contact information of hotels, flight numbers and a general idea of planned events on your trip.
Bring paper copies
There are apps to hold digital copies, but you never know what might happen to your phone. Take paper copies of your passport, flight information, hotel confirmations and other important documents with you. Keep these documents safe and out of sight as they have confidential information on them.
Find LGBTQ–friendly businesses
Even if you are visiting an LGBTQ+ friendly destination, the level of acceptance you receive may vary from business to business. Carefully research your planned accommodations and the places you intend to visit to ensure that you are choosing establishments that welcome the LGBTQ+ community. Consider using the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA.org) as a resource for finding LGBTQ-owned and affirming businesses.
Take medical precautions
If you are traveling with medications, ensure that they are kept together in a separate bag in your carry-on. Keep all medications in their original containers and carry an official note of medical authorization from your doctor. Check beforehand that they are legal to carry into the country you are visiting. If engaging in sexual activity, it is advised to bring protection, but carefully research the laws regarding what you are allowed to bring into your destination country. If you are purchasing products in other countries, their reliability may not always be guaranteed.
Use discretion when necessary
Connect with locals online before you travel for some tips to find the best bars, parties and community hangouts. Remember that in some destinations where being LGBTQ+ is illegal, websites and mobile apps that are used in country to connect you to LGBTQ+ people and venues may be used against you by officials.
Be mindful of public displays of affection. Holding hands, requesting a double bed at a hotel, casual touching, and kissing may be considered public displays, and such actions are illegal in some countries.
Precautions for transgender travelers
Transgender travelers may face additional scrutiny when departing from and arriving at airports and when navigating the cultural and legal landscape of a different country. Cultural attitudes toward and laws regarding transgender people in conservative societies may present an unwelcoming and unsafe environment. When considering a destination, know that some countries may refuse entry to individuals whose documented gender does not reflect their presentation.
Stay safe
In general, staying aware of your surroundings, being mindful of the culture, trying not to stand out as a tourist and disclosing as little personal information as possible is the best course of action for anyone traveling in a new place. It is usually better to always stay discreet, even in more accepting areas, to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
Homosexuality is perfectly legal and acceptable in some places, but due to cultural stigmas the community may still maintain a low profile, even in LGBTQ+ friendly venues. Those societies may require LGBTQ+ travelers to use discretion and avoid discussing or displaying their orientation.
If you are harassed, remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible and do not escalate by confronting your harasser. If you are being followed, find a busy establishment to enter. If you encounter harassment by officials, remain calm and courteous, request a ticket if you are receiving a citation and contact your diplomatic representation to report the issue. If you are the victim of a crime, contact local authorities and engage with your local diplomatic representation.
Obey local laws
Even if you do not agree with the local laws and culture in the country you are visiting, you should still obey the laws and abide by the cultural norms.
Your personal beliefs will not be sufficient legal defence if you are charged with a crime.
Consider buying a Travel Guard® policy
A Travel Guard® travel insurance plan can cover for medical emergencies and includes 24/7 assistance services to help with flight and hotel rebooking, lost luggage, passport replacement and much more.
To learn more about Travel Guard's product offerings visit our LGBTQ+ Travelers and Travel Insurance Needs page.
Helpful resources for LGBTQ+ travelers
Read more LGBTQ+ Safety tips below and download the PDFs to share.
Travel insurance should always be at the top of your packing list.
Travel Guard travel insurance plans make it easy to get a quote and purchase. You can do either online at TravelGuard.com or through our service center, which is available at 800-826-5248.
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Coverage available to residents of U.S. states and the District of Columbia only. This plan provides insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. Similar travel insurance coverage, offered by Travel Guard or another insurance provider, may be available through a variety of other sources, but may be subject to different terms and conditions (i.e. benefits, limits, exclusions, etc.). You may wish to compare the terms and conditions of this policy with those of your existing life, health, home and automobile insurance policies, as well as any other coverage which you may already have or is available to you, including through other insurers, as a member of an organization, or through your credit card program(s). If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Coverage is offered by Travel Guard Group, Inc. (Travel Guard). California lic. no.0B93606, 3300 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482, www.travelguard.com. CA DOI toll free number: 800-927-HELP. This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 37th FL, New York, NY 10020-1304. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. Coverage may not be available in all states. Travel assistance services provided by Travel Guard.