Summer is in full swing, and if we’re not still buzzing over our latest vacation, we’re planning our next one here at AE. With the ever-changing political climate all over the world, it’s vital that lesbian and bisexual women pay attention to not only how fabulous a vacation spot is, but also how lesbian- friendly. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of the 10 best vacation spots for lesbian and bisexual women. Not only do we have you covered when it comes to your next destination location, but AE can help you pack, too. Check out are femmetastic guide on traveling light, which can definitely help with those international baggage fees. Now, on with the itinerary! The Top 10 Lesbian-Friendly Vacation Spots Lisbon, Portugal When my wife and I were planning our honeymoon before we got married, it was important for us to travel to a place where we’d have a warm welcome. Who wants to spend their honeymoon worried about their PDA getting any extra stares? After lots of research, we decided on Libson, Portugal. Back in 2010, Portugal became the eighth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Lisbon specifically has one of the most visible LGBT scenes for nightlife, and they have a Pride festival every June. Alfama was one of our favorite areas of the city, and their romantic Palacete Chafariz Del Rei hotel is incredibly lesbian and bi-friendly. More than specific gayborhoods though, is just the open, accepting vibe from the locals. As a newly married couple, what meant the most to us in Lisbon was the fact that when we went out to dinner, everyone assumed we were a couple. None of that awkward “separate checks?” ever happened just because we were two women. Provincetown, Massachusetts I’m sure it’s no surprise to see P-Town on this list. The town that sits at the tip of Cape Cod is still as gay-friendly as ever. P-Town has been promoting LGBT tourism since the 1970s, and in the 2010 census, it boasted the highest population of same-sex couples in the country. If you’re thinking about heading to P-Town this year, I’d highly recommend scheduling your trip around Women’s Week, which is from October 8-14th! Women’s Week celebrates woman and our culture. So far, the performers at this year’s event include Ani DeFranco, Donna Deitch, Zoe Lewis, Karen Williams, and Julie Goldman. If you’re flying solo, start making your plans now for Single Women’s Weekend in P-Town next May 17-19th. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware This is another destination I’m sure none of you are surprised to see. I doubt the acceptance and diversity of Rehoboth Beach will ever change, as it seems to be part of the area’s proud history. Rehoboth Beach is even more appealing if you have kids, because the environment of the area is incredibly family-friendly, and significantly more affordable than places like P-Town and Fire Island. The inception of the area’s LGBT-prominent vibe came from CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, which also now serves as a great online resource for planning your trip. Women’s FEST took place earlier this year in April, so now’s the time to start ironing out the details and getting excited for next year! Sydney, Australia The Aussies just celebrated the passage of marriage equality within the last year, but it’s surprising that it took so long, considering they’ve been near the top of the most friendly cities for LGBT couples to visit for years. If you’ve watched Nanette, you might be surprised, considering Hanna Gadsby’s jokes surrounding the small area she grew up in, but their lesbian and bi population is nothing to scoff at and continues to rise. You can find some incredible Pride events in Sydney every year, and Harbour City is the whole to a prominent lesbian car named Sly Fox. Lots of small business boast “safe place” stickers to indicate their support for the community, and you can also use directories like the Little Pink Book to make sure you’re spending your money in the right places. AfterEllen did a complete travel guide for Sydney, which you can find here! London, England As if you needed another reason to go stalk the royals, it was announced earlier this month that the U.K. is planning to put a ban on conversion therapy. Also, same-sex marriage has been legal in England since 2014. Soho is the most well-known spot to set up shop at lesbian bars, hotels, and restaurants like G-A-Y Late Circa, and Heaven, where Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, and Madonna have all performed in the past. If your summer is booked, make plans to travel to London during Winter Pride in February, which was established in 2014 and places emphasis on more of the cultural happenings in the area. Toronto, Canada Last year the Huffington Post reported on an official ranking that was released where Toronto came in third in a rundown of the world’s most LGBT friendly cities. The rankings were determined by examining a combination of factors like nightlife, public support, options for dating, and safety of the community. The city has no shortage of gayborhoods, lesbian bars, and diverse, casual neighborhoods for strolling and shopping. Plus, who wouldn’t want to head to Pride there and see your country’s Prime Minister actually waving rainbow flags in the parade? Pride Month in Canada is incredible, and Toronto is the mecca.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Another one that’s close to my heart, Iceland is where my wife and I decided to go on vacation to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. We stayed just on the edge of the capital, Reykjavik, and were treated warmly by all of the locals (not to mention the food and the sights are absolutely incredible!) Iceland has worked hard to create a culture that is not only inclusive, but also equal for women. Their paid leave policy for families is fair, and their strides in protecting sex workers are trailblazing. All in all, Iceland is the model of feminism and equality for the rest of us. Lesbian and bisexual women are protected and respected in Iceland, and the country even has an entire website dedicated to guiding us as we travel there. Check out Pink Iceland. Chicago, Illinois Although Chicago’s LGBT scene is most known for the area called “Boys Town”, the windy city has lots to offer lesbian and bi women. From a feminist bookstore called Women & Children First, to Big Chicks and Spyners for drinks, karaoke, and dancing, there’s plenty of safe and celebratory spaces for us to enjoy. While mapping out your itinerary for Chicago, be sure to check current happenings via The Windy City Times, the weekly newspaper that showcases all LGBT-related events and news. It’s been around since 1985. Barcelona, Spain You could always extend that Portugal trip and slip over to Spain for a few days and spend some time in Barcelona. Spain legalized same-sex marriage back in 2005, so the country has been at the forefront of progressing our rights for years. Embrace your nostalgia with a night out at Aire, Barcelona’s exclusive lesbian club that plays mostly ’80s and ’90s bops. Interested in a cruise? Head over to Rainbow Barcelona where you can find women-only cruises and vacation deals for Spain. If you really want to live it up, head to Barcelona in August during Girlie Circuit, which is basically Europe’s version of The Dinah Shore. You can thank me later. Amsterdam, Netherlands The Netherlands was the first in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, so really what more do you need to know? Marriage equality was passed way back in 2001, and the Mayor officiated the first set of marriages. Amsterdam Pride is the first week of August, so you can either get spontaneous and book your plane ticket now, or start planning for next year! Back in 2008 it was named “Best Pride in Europe”. Similar to Iceland, Amsterdam also has an online hub for lesbian and bi women to plan our vacation called Pink Point. Amsterdam is on my bucket list, so be sure to report back if you go! Where’s the most lesbian-friendly place you’ve traveled recently? Let me know what spots I missed in the comments!
