Our Curated 2026 Travel List

Destinations with safety in mind chosen by Megan

Ah, that post holiday slump...for some of us the holidays are a difficult time and for others it's just plain exhausting. It’s important to let yourself feel what you’re feeling right now — it’s all valid! It’s also important (always) during this time in the year to make sure you’re leaning on your family, chosen or otherwise.

A great way to hit the reset button, at least in my opinion, is to go on a trip. By this, I mean any kind of trip. It could be a trip downtown to your favorite hang, a trip to another city near you that you’ve been wanting to visit for a while, or it could even be a bigger trip of the international variety. If you’ve been toying with going somewhere big and new lately but don’t know where to begin, I’ve got you!

A little travel treat is the best medicine to light up life — in my non-medical opinion.

But if you’ve been stuck not knowing where to go as a queer-identifying person that is not only safe but celebratory, then this Queer Travel Bucket List was written specifically for you. Whether you're traveling solo or with others, these queer-friendly destinations will hopefully bring a smile to your face and a light to your life.

Portugal

Did you know that Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world for people in the trans community? Among other protections and laws, in 2011 the new Law of Gender Identity was ratified to allow members of the trans community to self-determine their gender on legal documents. Not only that but both Lisbon and Porto are thriving LGBTQIA+ cities with dynamic queer scenes. I’ve lost count of how many people have told me that Portugal should be top of my own list because of how queer-friendly it is! With this safety and fun in mind, in addition to decadent cuisine and gorgeous architecture, you can't go wrong with Portugal's offerings.

Lisbon // Ponte 25 de Abril

Lisbon's iconic bridge is the Ponte 25 de Abril (25th of April Bridge), a striking red suspension bridge crossing the Tagus River, famous for its resemblance to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and connecting Lisbon to Almada.

Lisbon // Natas

"Natas" is the common short name for Pastéis de Nata (singular: pastel de nata), the renowned Portuguese custard tarts.

Origin: The tarts originated in the Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém district of Lisbon before the 18th century. Monks used the leftover egg yolks from starching clothes (using the whites) to create the pastries.

Lisbon // Fado

Fado is a deeply emotional Portuguese music genre, originating in Lisbon, known for its melancholic themes of fate, loss, and longing (saudade). It features powerful vocals, usually accompanied by Portuguese and Spanish guitars, and is performed in intimate settings like pubs and cafés, often with singers wearing black shawls.

Lisbon // Arroios

“Walk into Arroios and you’ll feel it right away—this area has layers. It's not polished, but it’s personal. You're still in the center of Lisbon, but just far enough from the postcard crowds to hear local conversations and see everyday life unfold. No tuk-tuks. No tourist menus. Just real people, real places, and a rhythm that’s all its own.”

Lisbon // Praça do Comércio

The historic waterfront square.

Porto // Vila Nova de Gaia

Cross the river to find famous Port wine cellars for tastings

Porto // "The Undefeated City" (A Cidade Invicta). 

An ancient settlement (once Portus Cale, origin of "Portugal"), it became a vital trading port, giving its name to Port wine.

Porto // Ribeira District

Wander narrow, cobbled streets, enjoy riverside cafes, and admire colorful houses.

Porto // Foz do Douro

Visit the coastline for beaches and sea views.

You deserve to not have to worry about safe travel.

Malta

Many studies and people around the world agree, Malta is one of the safest places in the world to travel to as a queer person. Malta's prohibition of queer sexual activities went dormant all the way back in the 1800s! Not only that, but recently in September of 2024, legislation in Malta was officially passed recognizing and offering a non-binary option for birth certificates! All of these protections and more PLUS the gorgeous backdrop that you get at every turn in Malta? This safe place is not only that (safe) but beautiful in every way.

Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk, Malta, is part of Malta's highly LGBTIQ+-friendly environment, known for its picturesque fishing village charm, with legal protections for queer individuals and increasing visibility, offering a safe and welcoming atmosphere for queer travelers who enjoy beautiful scenery, local culture, and relaxed settings, supported by island-wide progressive laws like same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination statutes, making it a great destination for inclusive tourism, even if nightlife isn't centered there. 

Valletta

The capital of Malta is inextricably linked to the history of the military and charitable Order of St John of Jerusalem. It was ruled successively by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and the Order of the Knights of St John. Valletta’s 320 monuments, all within an area of 55 ha, make it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.
-UNESCO

Popeye Village, Anchor Bay

Originally the film set for the 1980 musical film Popeye, starring Robin Williams. 

The set is a collection of rustic, colorful wooden buildings nestled into a cliffside overlooking the clear turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea.

Valletta

Triton Fountain, located just outside the capital city’s walls.

The city is renowned for its rich history, architecture, and cultural scene, having been named the European Capital of Culture in 2018. 

Famously LGBTQIA+ Friendly

Visit https://rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org/countries/malta/ to learn more about how that decision was made and what that could mean for you.

Last but not least…

Canada

Canada offers some of the most extensive legal protections and rights in the world to the LGBTQIA+ community. Consistently ranking at the top of the list of safe places to travel for queer people according to many studies, Canada should definitely be on your list. There is an abundance of dedicated queer communities in Canada’s major cities as well. Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa all having thriving scenes with many of their public officials consistently joining in Pride events and celebrations. Not to mention places like Banff and Jasper National Parks being the perfect escape for the adventurous travelers, Canada also has delicious cuisine — did someone say, "poutine?!?!"

Poutine!

Poutine is a dish of French fries and cheese curds topped with a hot brown beef and chicken stock gravy. It emerged in Quebec in the 1950s. Wiki

Toronto

Toronto is a top queer travel destination, centered around the vibrant Church-Wellesley Village, the heart of its large LGBTQ+ community, offering diverse bars, restaurants, shops (like Glad Day Bookshop), and lively nightlife with venues such as Woodies, Crews & Tangos, and the Black Eagle

Montreal

Montreal is a top queer travel destination, boasting North America's largest LGBTQ+ district, The Village, centered around Beaudry metro, offering vibrant bars, clubs (like Complex Sky, Renard, Cabaret Mado), and summer events, with strong queer-friendly vibes year-round, known for its inclusive atmosphere, drag shows, diverse nightlife, and delicious food scene, making it a celebrated hub in Canada for LGBTQ+ travelers

Vancouver

Vancouver offers a vibrant queer travel scene, centered in the West End's Davie Village (bars, cafes, shops) with spillover into East Vancouver's Commercial Drive (queer bookstore, art spaces), featuring rainbow crosswalks, queer-owned businesses, historical tours like "The Really Gay History Tour," and clothing-optional beaches (Wreck, Oasis). The city is known for being inclusive, accessible, and a safe space for LGBTQ+ visitors, with diverse activities from pubs (Fountainhead Pub, Pumpjack Pub) to nature escapes. 

Your turn!

I hope that this little list inspired you to get out there and see more of the world or even just add something new to your own travel bucket list or 2026 travel vision board.

Let us know if you’ve ever been or plan to go to any of these places!

Love you, happy travels <3

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Portugal

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Malta

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_rights_in_Canada