Safest Travel Destinations for Queer Travelers

It's the end of Pride Month, but that doesn't mean we're going to stop sharing important queer travel content, since I see that this is an important topic for a lot of you. To close out the month, I wanted to share some places to visit and those to avoid on your next travels, or if you're just an ally and want to frequent more inclusive places on your trips. 

I hope this infographic is a solid resource for you, allowing you to travel to places you feel more safe and secure in and finding inclusive businesses, allies, and community at your destination. It can help take a big worry off the table, since travel planning can be stressful enough. Know that where you're going is going to be welcoming to you and your family, significant other, and friend group, because travel is for everybody. 

What have been some of your favorite LGBTQ-friendly destinations?

Infographic links:

1 U.S. State Department

2 Equaldex

3 National Center for Gender Equality

4 Erasing 76 Crimes

5 GoAbroad's Study Abroad Guide

6 International LGBTQ+ Travel Association

7 Purple Roofs

8 Toto Tours

9 Detours Travel

10 Concierge Travel

Travel to Learn LGBTQ+ History

Sometimes it's easier to learn about yourself and certain history when you travel. Something about being away from home and only focusing on one thing can help you absorb more information and make it make a bigger impact. If you've been wanting to delve into LGBTQ+ history, then there are so many ways and places to do so, including the ones below:

Remember when I said the National Parks Service was preserving and teaching others about Black history? Well, they are doing the same with LGBTQ+ history and culture in places where queer Americans made their stories, because the outdoors belong to everybody and every body all year long. Not just in June or February. I love these updated campaigns from the NPS, showing that all history is important history and the outdoors are always inclusive.

Even in states where one might think queer history may be suppressed, one can find some deep culture. For instance, Café Lafitte In Exile in New Orleans is one of the oldest continuously-operated gay bars in the United States. Though it has moved in the past, it has been open since the 30s, where it started in a pirate's blacksmith shop.

Don't pass up places in solid blue states either, or you'll miss amazing gems like Darcelle XV Showplace here in Portland, Oregon. It's one of the oldest drag venues in the US and has been added to the National Historic Registers, the first LGBT venue to gain that status in the state. Darcelle XV was the oldest working drag queen in the biz, before she died this year. Also known as Walter Cole when not in drag, Darcelle had such a profound impact on the community, both queer and cis/hetero, that the whole city basically ground to a halt to celebrate her life and death. 

Want to support the LGBTQ+ community in your state/city or those you're traveling to? Help preserve stories and make things markedly better for them in the present, so others can learn more wonderful stories and less depressing ones in the future, here's a list of grassroots organizations you can get behind and assist. 

Need a book for your next trip to the beach, road trip, or long flight? Delve into some of the stories about queers who helped further the movement for those that came after. Here are 5 books on queer history that we are lucky to have, because for every story that we get, there are countless stories that were lost because it was too dangerous for them to get written down. If you need a bigger list, check out the picks from Powell's Books.

I hope you're all having a great start to the summer. Share some of your favorite queer-friendly places to visit in your city or to travel in the comments.

How To Stay Comfortable And Refreshed On Long Road Trips

Road trips are fun ways to explore the world around you and provide more scenic and cultural experiences than being stuck in a plane at 37,000 feet for several hours.

photo credit

The only downside to road trips is that they can become uncomfortable - especially if you do all the driving. That's why ensuring your journeys are as comfortable and refreshing as possible makes perfect sense. But what are the best ways to do that?

Take a look at these practical tips and tricks to maximize the fun you experience on your road trips:

Reduce Stress Before You Drive

Firstly, you should clear your mind of any stress or anxiety before you get behind the wheel. Otherwise, you'll feel very anxious and could even increase the chances of an accident while you drive.

Many stress relief techniques exist, so finding some that work for you makes sense. For example, chewing on some CBD gummies, listening to classical music, or meditating for half an hour could help you feel relaxed before you drive.

Make Your Seating Position Comfortable

Did you know that an incorrect seating position can cause many problems for drivers in their vehicles? If you share your car with someone else, ensure you find the perfect seating position before driving anywhere.

That might mean moving the seat forward or backward or adjusting its height. If your seat isn't particularly comfortable at the best of times, consider adding some support cushions or pillows to help you achieve the perfect posture.

Consider reupholstering your car seats - especially if the lumbar and bolster support is virtually non-existent due to damaged foam inside them.

Have Plenty Of Cold Water

Making regular rest stops is another excellent tip because it allows you and your passengers to stretch their legs or use the bathroom, for instance.

However, another important tip is to ensure you're always hydrated while driving - especially on hot days. Dehydration can cause many problems, such as feeling lightheaded, tired, and experiencing headaches.

Water bottles will likely become warm or even too hot to drink, so consider storing them in a cooler box containing ice cube packs, and you can enjoy a refreshing cold drink whenever you pull over.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Road trips are seldom short journeys, so you should dress appropriately for sitting in the car for long periods. For example, wearing light-colored garments made of cotton is ideal for helping your skin to breathe and stay cool during hot weather.

What you shouldn't do is wear clothing that restricts your movement in your car or makes it uncomfortable to use your hands and feet to control your vehicle.

Ensure All Passengers Are Occupied

Last but not least, if your road trip includes passengers like family members or friends, an essential thing to do is ensure they've got plenty to do to keep them occupied on each leg of your journey.

Bored passengers can distract drivers, making them anxious or even grumpy. Consider giving them travel games to play or devices like tablets for entertainment during your road trip.

Don't forget to bring things that will make your trip a bit easier and more fun. With the appropriate amount of prep, you can make any length road trip a success.