LGBTQ+ families represent a growing segment within the community, bringing unique needs and expectations to their travel experiences.
Just like any other families, their preferences vary widely, influenced by factors such as financial capacity, personal circumstances, and life experiences. Despite the tendency for businesses to oversimplify queer experiences, especially during Pride events, LGBTQ+ families are far from homogenous. Their desires for travel are shaped by their distinct situations.
A Growing Demographic
LGBTQ+ families are steadily increasing, something travel professionals should take note of. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2019, there were 543,000 same-sex married households and 469,000 same-sex couples living together in the U.S., with 191,000 children being raised by same-sex parents. Europe has seen similar trends. The "Future of Queer Travel" report by Globetrender highlights that countries like the U.K. only allowed same-sex couples to adopt in 2002, while Sweden permitted insemination rights for lesbian couples starting in 2005.
However, the travel industry still has a long way to go in fully understanding and catering to this evolving group. According to Jenny Southan, CEO of Globetrender, LGBTQ+ families are a relatively new concept in travel, one that is still overlooked.
Rising Popularity of Experiential Travel
Experiential travel—where families engage in immersive activities—has become a favorite among LGBTQ+ families. For example, experiences like truffle-hunting in Tuscany are now preferred over conventional sightseeing.
Anthony Warner, vice president of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), has observed that international and educational trips are also popular. Such journeys are not just vacations but valuable learning experiences, especially for children who gain exposure to diverse cultures and lifestyles. For many LGBTQ+ families, traveling offers a chance to explore, learn, and create lasting memories.
Safety and Inclusivity: Top Priorities
Despite their desire for exploration, LGBTQ+ families face challenges that others may not, especially when it comes to safety. While the availability of LGBTQ-friendly hotels and tour operators is improving, queer families still need to be cautious about choosing destinations that will be welcoming and inclusive. Richard Gray, senior vice president of inclusion at Visit Lauderdale, advises families to research locations with established LGBTQ+ communities or strong allies.
Safety concerns go beyond finding welcoming hotels or tour operators. In 67 countries, same-sex relationships remain illegal, and many countries have restrictive adoption and gender identity laws. As a result, safety plays a crucial role in travel planning for LGBTQ+ families.
Many same-sex parents have shifted their travel preferences to prioritize safer destinations. "Before having children, we’d risk a trip to places with anti-LGBTQ laws, but now, with a child, the stakes are much higher," a parent explains. LGBTQ+ families tend to gravitate toward destinations where they can feel accepted and authentic without the fear of harassment.
Progress in the Travel Industry
While progress has been made, there’s still room for improvement in the travel industry’s approach to serving LGBTQ+ families. Despite greater inclusivity from some hotels and cruise lines, queer families remain underrepresented in marketing campaigns, which often focus solely on Pride events.
LGBTQ+ families, like all families, want respect, acceptance, and the chance to create unforgettable memories. However, they still face small but impactful barriers. For instance, Brian Copeland, founder of the Gay Fathers Facebook group, recalls awkward situations where restaurant staff assumed he and his partner required separate checks simply because they were two men dining with children.
To improve the experience for queer families, Jenny Southan stresses that travel providers need to train staff to avoid outdated assumptions. Organizations like IGLTA are also stepping up by providing certifications to hotels that ensure staff are trained in diversity and inclusion.
Looking Ahead
As the number of LGBTQ+ families grows, so too must the travel industry’s approach to welcoming them. Travel advisors need to be diligent about selecting safe, inclusive destinations and accommodations. Some LGBTQ-friendly hotels and spaces, while plentiful, aren’t always designed with children in mind, highlighting the need for more family-oriented options.
LGBTQ+ families are not just asking for recognition—they’ve earned their place in the travel market. As they explore the world, they’re reshaping perceptions of family travel and breaking down barriers.
Key Tips for LGBTQ+ Family Travel
Jon Bailey and Triton Klugh, creators of the blog 2 Dads With Baggage, share their insights on navigating family travel as LGBTQ+ parents. While all families face challenges on the road, same-sex parents often deal with additional scrutiny. For instance, airline staff may question why a same-sex father is accompanying his child to the restroom, making family travel more complex.
To ensure smoother trips, Bailey offers several practical tips for LGBTQ+ families:
Carry Essential Documentation
In addition to passports and insurance, LGBTQ+ families should carry extra paperwork. This may include copies of adoption papers, birth certificates, or custody documents, particularly if children have different last names from their parents. These documents can help avoid unnecessary questions or complications, especially at border crossings or airports.Understand Local Laws and Customs
It’s important for LGBTQ+ travelers to research the local laws and customs of their destinations. Some countries remain hostile to the LGBTQ+ community, and it’s essential to avoid potential dangers. Equaldex provides a global map of LGBTQ-related laws, while the U.S. State Department offers general safety advice for queer travelers.Choose LGBTQ-Friendly Accommodations
Finding welcoming accommodations is key. Many hotel chains, like Hilton and Hyatt, have diversity initiatives to ensure their spaces are inclusive. World Rainbow Hotels and Pridebnb offers listings of LGBTQ-friendly properties for travelers.Seek Out LGBTQ Travel Organizations
Partnering with LGBTQ travel organizations can also ensure a smoother trip. The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association connects travelers with vetted, queer-friendly businesses, while R Family Vacations organizes trips specifically for LGBTQ+ families.Visibility Matters
Visibility is important for LGBTQ+ families when traveling. Bailey explains that being open about their family structure can help change perceptions and foster greater acceptance. The more the world sees diverse families, the more normalized and accepted they become.
Embracing Family Travel
As LGBTQ+ families continue to grow and travel, their presence is shaping how the world perceives and accommodates them. Their experiences are not just about seeking adventure but about challenging outdated norms and showing that family travel is for everyone, regardless of identity.