Navigating the World with Pride: A Guide to LGBTQIA+ Friendly Destinations
As a gay parent and travel advisor, I understand the importance of feeling safe and welcome wherever your family adventures take you. For LGBTQIA+ travelers, safety and inclusivity are paramount. Fortunately, the Spartacus Gay Travel Index (GTI) offers invaluable insights to help you travel with confidence. In this post, I focus on Europe and the Caribbean — two popular regions for LGBTQIA+ families.
How the Gay Travel Index Works
Updated annually since 2012, the Spartacus Gay Travel Index evaluates 216 countries and regions using 18 criteria. These range from progressive policies like marriage equality and transgender rights to harmful practices such as anti-gay laws and the death penalty. Countries earn or lose points based on these measures. The results are color-coded: dark green indicates top-tier safety and inclusion, while red marks higher-risk destinations. Yellow and orange reflect the spectrum in between. This balanced system helps LGBTQIA+ travelers and families assess both legal protections and lived experiences on the ground.
European Highlights
Europe continues to shine as a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ families. Malta, Spain, Portugal, and Iceland top the rankings, with Iceland newly joining the GTI’s global top five in 2025. Other high-ranking destinations — including Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands — offer comprehensive legal protections, hate-crime laws, and vibrant queer cultures that welcome families. These destinations provide enriching, worry-free travel experiences where your family can feel both celebrated and secure.
Caribbean Snapshot
While the Caribbean is known for its breathtaking beauty, the GTI reveals a more complex picture when it comes to LGBTQIA+ safety. Among the more progressive destinations are Cuba, Puerto Rico, Aruba, the Virgin Islands, and some parts of Mexico (notably its Caribbean coastline). Curaçao is also making notable progress — jumping from 70th to 58th globally due to legal recognition of same-sex partnerships and a growing presence of local LGBTQIA+ initiatives.
Unfortunately, many other islands still enforce colonial-era laws that criminalize LGBTQIA+ people or lack strong anti-discrimination protections.
Cultural conservatism can also present challenges. Families exploring this region should do thorough research, using the GTI as a resource to understand specific country contexts and risks.
Travel Tips for LGBTQIA+ Families
- Use the map and scores to identify countries rated dark green — such as much of Europe, Canada, and Uruguay — which typically offer legal equality, visible LGBTQIA+ life, and family-friendly resources.
- Stay updated by downloading the 2025 GTI; recent policy shifts, like Greece’s legalization of same-sex marriage, can significantly affect a country’s ranking.
- Travel with purpose — some families seek safe and celebratory destinations, while others may choose to support queer communities in countries where visibility is still growing.
- Plan intentionally by researching LGBTQIA+-friendly accommodations, pride events, family guides, and safe-space networks to ensure a positive experience for everyone in your group.
In Summary
The Gay Travel Index provides a valuable, point-based lens to help LGBTQIA+ families navigate the world with greater confidence. While Europe continues to lead with near-universal protections, change is emerging in parts of the Caribbean. Whether you’re seeking celebration in queer-friendly capitals or meaningful engagement in developing destinations, your family’s journey can be both joyful and intentional.
Happy, safe travels — and may your next European family adventure be full of love, acceptance, and joy! 🌍🏳️🌈