LGBTQ+ Americans Seek Safer, More Inclusive Getaways in Europe
Visitors coming from Europe have been deterred from traveling to the US due to new measures implemented under the Trump administration.
Specifically, LGBTQ+ travelers have voiced worries following Trump’s policy, which acknowledges only two genders based on biology.
created uncertainty
Over ‘X’ gender indicators on forms.
This has intensified the increasing hesitance to travel to the US, where local state laws and public opinions can often lead to stressful circumstances.
Now, the trend is also happening in reverse as LGBTQ+ Americans are increasingly looking to Europe for their holidays instead of domestic destinations.
According to a travel expert, some people are even traveling to scout for possible locations to move to.
LGBTQ+ Americans seek out Europe as a haven for more secure vacations.
Darren Burn, who founded the company specializing in upscale vacations and LGBTQ+ travel expertise
Out of Office
is noticing a significant shift in where his American clientele choose to spend their vacations.
“Recently, we’ve noticed a considerable change in queries from LGBTQ+ American travelers who wish to extend their stays overseas, with particular interest in European locations,” Burn explains.
We think that currently, people aren’t just interested in exploring new locations throughout the continent and engaging with local cultures and activities; they also want to experience the feeling of security and inclusiveness that numerous European nations provide.
The travel expert also mentions that traveling within the country remains popular among
LGBTQ+
The frequency of Americans doing something specific is also decreasing.
“I reckon they might be worried about traveling securely inside their own nation and are likely eyeing places such as Europe for their trips,”Burn clarifies.
More LGBTQ+ Americans Are Showing Interest in Relocating to Europe
Moreover, Burn has discovered that LGBTQ+ travelers aren’t merely seeking trips overseas; they’re also exploring locations where they might consider residing permanently.
“They’ve shared that they are visiting these destinations with the plan to potentially relocate in the future,” he says.
As the political landscape in the U.S. keeps evolving, we think the LGBTQ+ community is increasingly drawn to places where they experience greater inclusivity.
safe
.”
Burn indicates that Spain and Portugal stand out as favored destinations in Europe for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for getaways within the continent, especially for those considering relocating.
In 2022, Spain enacted the anti-discrimination Zerolo Law, which bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment and services.
Following this, Law 4/2023, enacted in 2023, addressed the equality for transgender individuals and ensured the rights of LGBTI persons.
Portugal has lately moved forward in endorsing the rights of
LGBTQ+
people, too. In January 2024, the country brought in a new law that prohibits and criminalises forced practices of sexual conversion of LGBTQ+ people.
Which are the best countries in Europe for LGBTQ+ expats?
Both Spain and Portugal manage to secure inclusion in the list of countries examined by an ex-pat health insurance specialist.
William Russell
’s revised list of the top countries globally for LGBTQ+ expatriates places them at fourth and ninth positions, respectively.
To determine the top spots, the group analysed various factors, such as the number of LGBTQ+ events, safety, and anti-discrimination scores.
The
Netherlands
came in first in the ranking. It’s estimated that 14 per cent of the country’s population identifies as LGBTQ+.
The country receives a safety index score of 1.527 out of five and an anti-discrimination score of 0.81 out of one, indicating that citizens would be friendly and welcoming towards LGBTQ+ expats. The Netherlands also claimed the top spot in 2024’s rankings.
Belgium came in second. Discrimination against minorities is rare in Belgium, hence its anti-discrimination score of 0.79 out of one. The country also has an admirable safety index score of 1.510 out of five.