Obviously not everyone who's gay loves to travel, and not every traveler is gay. But if you're trotting the globe in search of glitter, Pride events and Cher’s next tour—and you never forget to pack your good ol' Homosexual Agenda—your travel experience has the potential for a whole different kind of rock-and-roll. In the interest of minimizing the risk for unplanned complications and maximizing your chances of a super fun (and super safe) gaycation, you might want to plan your trip around the best destinations for LGBT travelers. At least until live and let live becomes the worldwide standard for human behavior. (Hey, we can dream, right?)
1. Puerto Vallarta
The San Francisco of Mexico, gay tourists from all over the world travel each year to beautiful Puerto Vallarta, an easily accessible, accepting, and a very affordable gay beach destination. Explore Puerto Vallarta >>
2. New York City
New York City is one of the best places to find a hip, active gay scene. Gay marriage has been legally recognized since 2011 and gay couples can be spotted holding hands openly. Explore New York City >>
3.Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is home to the most vibrant LGBT community in the Middle East. Growing rapidly, and developing a New York-style, 24/7 intensity, it is attracting much of the youth countrywide. Explore Tel Aviv >>
4. San Francisco
San Francisco has long been known as being a hotbed of homosexual haunts. Recent population demographics indicate that more than 15% of the population is gay. Explore San Francisco >>
5. London
In the last 20 years, London has become one of the world's leading cities to visit for gay and lesbian travelers. The city’s gay scene is as ever-changing as gays themselves. Explore London >>
6. Bangkok
Bangkok is an extremely tolerant destination for gays and lesbians. Gay harassment is virtually unheard of, and Bangkok is often referred to as the gay capital of Asia. Explore Bangkok >>
7. Miami
Miami is the “Gay Riviera” of the United States East Coast. South Beach, or SoBe, is the heart of Gay Miami. Swanky meets sexy on the sunsplashed playground. Explore Miami >>
8. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is Europe’s sixth-largest metropolitan area is a hot spot for the ultimate “gaycation.” From gay friendly clubs to cafes and saunas, Amsterdam’s gay scene has it all. Explore Amsterdam >>
9. Madrid
Madrid is one of Europe's most ebullient gay neighborhoods. Chueca, contains over a hundred gay-oriented businesses making it one happening gay scene. Explore Madrid >>
10. Berlin
Berlin has a very diverse population of 3.5 million. 1 in 10 of its inhabitants are gay or bisexual and, as such, justifies Berlin’s status as one of the top three gay cities in Europe. Explore Berlin >>
11. Paris
Paris offers the gay traveler excellent nightlife and a comfortable atmosphere. The gay scene keeps its home in Le Marais, where you will find gay bars, restaurants, and more. Explore Paris >>
12. Toronto
A vibrant and openly gay city, Toronto boasts one of the largest pride festivals in the world. The East Village & West Village are the gayborhoods you must visit. Explore Toronto >>
13. Copenhagen
One of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, Copenhagen has a special kind of charm. Indre By is where you can expect to find most of the city’s gay bars and establishments. Explore Copenhagen >>
14. Buenos Aires
One of the world’s sexiest and most sophisticated gay destinations, Buenos Aires is a smart and sexy city that is full of passion, dance and history. Explore Buenos Aires >>
15. Brighton
Brighton boasts a vibrant gay scene in the seafront Kemp Town neighborhood. Year-round LGBT events, an official nudist beach and a prevailing laid-back attitude Explore Brighton >>
16. Palm Springs
Palm Springs has been referred to by many as a new Gay Mecca. Its desert hiking, golfing, and laid back atmosphere attracts visitors from all over the world. Explore Palm Springs >>
17. Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo is one of the most gayfriendly cities in Brazil. You can find parties and events year-round, so gay tourists come from all over country, especially on weekends. Explore Sao Paulo >>
18. Hong Kong
The gay scene in Hong Kong revolves around the western restaurant and bar districts of Soho and Lan Kwai Fong on Hong Kong Island. Explore Hong Kong >>
19. Tokyo
Tokyo is part of one of the most densely-populated metropolitan areas in the world and is a top LGBT tourist destination. Most of the gay community and nightlife is in Shinjuku Ni-chōme. Explore Tokyo >>
20. Barcelona
Barcelona is known for having a colorful and proud LGBTQ community. Part of what makes this city so great is that it blends the other cultures throughout Spain. Explore Barcelona >>