Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences we can have. For LGBTQ women, exploring new destinations is a wonderful opportunity to discover diverse cultures, enjoy spectacular landscapes, and connect with like-minded communities. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the social and legal situation for the LGBTQ community in each destination, especially if you choose to travel independently. When you travel with an organized group through an agency, you can avoid potential problems and feel supported by the group. In this article, we will explore some of the most fascinating destinations in the world: Peru, Australia, Comoros, Namibia, Roatán, the Philippines, Thailand, and Chile, with a special focus on the culture, gastronomy, tourist sites, and LGBTQ reality in each country.
Peru
Culture and Gastronomy
Peru is a country of immense cultural richness and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Latin America. Inca heritage and Spanish colonial influence merge in cities like Cusco and Lima, creating a vibrant and diverse culture. Peruvian cuisine is world-renowned, with dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and causa limeña. Don’t miss trying chicha morada and pisco sour, traditional drinks that will surprise you with their unique flavors.
Places to Visit
Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the country’s main tourist attraction. This ancient Incan city, located high in the Andes, offers breathtaking views and an unparalleled spiritual experience. Lima, the capital, is a modern metropolis with a historical touch, perfect for enjoying museums, top-class restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Don’t forget to visit Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and the Nazca Lines, an archaeological enigma in the desert.
LGBTQ Situation
Peru has a mostly conservative society, and the LGBTQ community faces challenges in terms of acceptance and rights. Although Lima and Cusco have an emerging LGBTQ nightlife and some organizations supporting the community’s rights, LGBTQ women should travel with caution, especially in rural areas. Be sure to stay informed about LGBTQ-friendly places if you choose to travel independently.
Australia
Culture and Gastronomy
Places to Visit
The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder not to be missed. This marine ecosystem is one of the richest in the world, perfect for diving and snorkeling. The Outback Desert, with its arid landscapes and the iconic Uluru rock formation, offers a unique and spiritual experience. The Gold Coast is ideal for enjoying beaches and surfing, while Sydney will dazzle you with its iconic Opera House and vibrant nightlife. Melbourne, known for its street art and bohemian atmosphere, is an unmissable destination.
LGBTQ Situation
Australia is one of the most advanced countries in terms of LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017, and cities like Sydney and Melbourne are highly inclusive, with a wide range of LGBTQ bars, clubs, and events. Sydney is famous for its Mardi Gras, one of the largest and most popular LGBTQ festivals in the world, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Comoros
Culture and Gastronomy
Comoros is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, known for its dreamlike beaches and rich Afro-Arab culture. Comorian cuisine is a fusion of African, Arab, and French flavors, with dishes like coconut pilaf and grilled fish.
Places to Visit
Comoros is the perfect destination for women seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Its beaches are some of the most spectacular in the world, with white sands and turquoise waters. Grande Comore Island, with its active volcano, offers a unique mix of adventure and relaxation.
LGBTQ Situation
Comoros is a very conservative country where homosexuality is illegal, and attitudes toward the LGBTQ community can be hostile. Queer women are advised to travel with great discretion and respect local cultural norms to avoid problems.
Namibia
Culture and Gastronomy
Namibia is known for its stunning desert landscapes and rich indigenous culture. Namibian cuisine includes game meat, traditional dishes like potjiekos, and a variety of local fruits and vegetables.
Places to Visit
The Namib Desert, with its red dunes and the famous Deadvlei, is one of the most photographed landscapes in the world. Etosha National Park is ideal for safaris, where you can observe a wide variety of wildlife. Swakopmund, with its German colonial architecture, offers a fascinating contrast and adventure activities like sandboarding.
LGBTQ Situation
Namibia has a conservative society, and although homosexuality is not illegal, it is not widely accepted. LGBTQ women should be discreet when traveling, especially in rural areas. However, larger cities like Windhoek are more open, with some LGBTQ-friendly spaces.
Roatán
Culture and Gastronomy
Roatán is an island in the Honduran Caribbean, known for its relaxed atmosphere and multicultural communities. The local cuisine is a mix of Caribbean and Honduran flavors, with dishes featuring fresh seafood, plantains, and coconut.
Places to Visit
The beaches of Roatán are perfect for diving and snorkeling, especially along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. West Bay is the most famous beach, with crystal-clear waters and white sands. Roatán also offers ecotourism activities, such as visits to nature reserves and marine parks.
LGBTQ Situation
Roatán is relatively open and safe for LGBTQ women, especially in tourist areas. While Honduras is a conservative country, Roatán, due to its international and tourist influence, is more welcoming to the LGBTQ community. However, it is advisable to be discreet and respect local customs.
Thailand
Culture and Gastronomy
Thailand is a vibrant country full of contrasts, where modernity intertwines with ancient traditions. Thai culture is deeply influenced by Buddhism, which is reflected in the serenity of its temples, the kindness of its people, and the importance of meditation and respect in daily life. Temples, or “wats,” are the spiritual heart of the country, with over 40,000 spread throughout the nation.
Thai cuisine is a reflection of its culture, rich in flavors and aromas. Dishes such as pad thai, a delicious mix of noodles, shrimp, tofu, and a variety of seasonings, and tom yum, a spicy and sour soup, are world-renowned. Thai cooking is famous for its balance of the five basic flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. Additionally, street food markets are an integral part of the culinary experience in Thailand, where you can enjoy a wide variety of fresh and authentic dishes.
Places to Visit
Thailand offers a diversity of landscapes and experiences, from bustling cities to serene beaches and tranquil mountains.
In the south, Phuket and Krabi are quintessential beach destinations. Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, is famous for its luxury resorts, white sandy beaches like Patong, and its lively nightlife. Krabi, on the other hand, offers a more peaceful experience with secluded beaches and limestone formations that create a unique landscape, perfect for climbing and kayaking.
LGBTQ Situation
Thailand is recognized as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly destinations in Asia. Social acceptance is high, and LGBTQ individuals can live and travel with relative safety and comfort, especially in urban and tourist areas. Same-sex marriage is already legal. Moreover, Phuket is also known for its inclusive and LGBTQ-friendly nightlife. Queer women will find that Thailand offers an open and welcoming environment where they can enjoy their vacations with confidence.
Chile
Culture and Gastronomy
Chile, with its elongated geography stretching from the driest desert in the world to imposing glaciers, offers a cultural diversity as vast as its landscapes. Chilean culture is a mosaic of indigenous, Spanish, and European influences, reflected in its art, music, and festivals.
Chilean cuisine is a feast for the senses, standing out for its use of fresh seafood and local products. Signature dishes like pastel de choclo, a sweet corn gratin with meat, chicken, egg, and olives, or the asado, which consists of various types of grilled meats, are essential parts of the local cuisine. Chilean wine, globally renowned, pairs perfectly with these meals, especially the red wines from the Colchagua Valley and the whites from the Casablanca Valley.
Places to Visit
Chile is a country of extreme contrasts, with a rich natural and cultural wealth ranging from the arid Atacama Desert in the north to the glaciers of Patagonia in the south.
Santiago, the capital, is a modern metropolis that blends the old with the contemporary. Here you can explore bohemian neighborhoods like Bellavista, enjoy museums and art galleries, or relax in the Metropolitan Park. The city is also an excellent starting point for visiting nearby vineyards or ski resorts in the Andes.
In Chilean Patagonia, national parks such as Torres del Paine offer majestic landscapes of mountains, lakes, and glaciers. This is a destination for adventurers, where hiking, climbing, and wildlife observation are key activities. On the other hand, the vineyards of the Colchagua Valley offer a more relaxed experience, with wine tastings and tours of its picturesque landscapes.
LGBTQ Situation
Chile has made significant progress in LGBTQ rights in recent years. The Civil Union Agreement, passed in 2015, was a major step toward equality, and anti-discrimination legislation provides legal protection. Santiago and Valparaíso are epicenters of LGBTQ life in the country, with a vibrant cultural scene that includes bars, clubs, and events such as “Santiago Pride.” However, as in many places, acceptance may vary in rural areas, so caution is recommended when traveling outside metropolitan areas. For queer women, Chile offers a safe and progressive environment, especially in the big cities, where they can enjoy a rich and diverse cultural experience.
Philippines
Culture and Gastronomy
The Philippines is an archipelago with a fascinating blend of Asian and Western cultures. Its cuisine is equally diverse, with dishes such as adobo, lechon, and sinigang. Filipino hospitality is famous, making visitors feel welcome at all times.
Places to Visit
The country offers breathtaking landscapes, from the rice terraces of Banaue to the paradisiacal beaches of Palawan and Boracay. Manila, the capital, is a melting pot of history and modernity, while Cebu and Davao are ideal for exploring local life and enjoying nature.
LGBTQ Situation
The Philippines is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in Asia. Although same-sex marriage is not yet legal, Filipino society is generally tolerant and welcoming toward the LGBTQ community. Large cities like Manila and Cebu have a vibrant LGBTQ nightlife and numerous inclusive events and festivals.
Traveling as LGBTQ women can be a transformative experience, as long as the right precautions are taken and safe and welcoming destinations are chosen, especially if you decide to travel independently. From the ancient ruins of Peru to the pristine beaches of Roatán, the world is full of fascinating places to discover. However, it is crucial to be well-informed about the local situation regarding LGBTQ rights and to plan your trip accordingly to ensure both a memorable and safe experience. At LESMON, we offer small group trips where all you have to worry about is packing your suitcase, booking your flight ticket, getting your travel insurance, and requesting your vacation days in advance. Pack your bags and get ready for an incredible adventure!