Now that the pandemic is, at least in some parts of the world, on its way out, many of us are thinking about travel again. But if you’re planning an international vacation or trip, be sure to check the LGBTQ2SI+ safety indexes available for your dreamy destinations.

The most important recommended travel essential for the year isn't sunscreen or selfie sticks, but safety. It's 2021, and the world is not all equal in terms of LGBTQ-friendly rights or laws. If you're planning a trip it's important to note that some countries are ranked safer than others due to modernized laws and safety statistics.

Choose a country where being unapologetically yourself is considered legal, and where basic human rights are protected. The whole point of vacation is to relax and enjoy it! This can be difficult to do when your surroundings are set on making things difficult or even dangerous.

Here are the top 5 safest countries for LGBTQ+ travellers.

Travel Safety

A June 2021 feature from Business Insider notes that the LGBTQ travel market is on the rise, but mentions that there are still many obstacles in the way of progress. Outdated laws, remaining bias, and inequality still exists – internationally, but in some places more than others.

For general travel safety tips and resources, visit The LGBTQ Travel Association.

For a list of LGBTQ-friendly countries ranked, see the LGBTQ Danger Index.

Covid-19 Travel Advisories are listed with each country, and you can find a full list for Canadians on this site.

1. Sweden

Sweden is ranked as one of the top countries for LGBTQ-safe travel. Updated laws and a much-modernised mindset helps to make Sweden one of the best possible destinations to choose.

Same-sex marriage legislation in Sweden was updated in 2009. Specific clauses were added to Sweden's constitution in 2011 to broaden the definition of discrimination to include LGBTQ individuals, too.

Detailed information about LGBTQ rights in Sweden is available on the government's website section for Equality.

From the page, “Over the last decades Sweden has taken important steps to ensure that the LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community enjoys the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.”

Go, Sweden!

COVID-19 TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR SWEDEN can be found here ->

2. Spain

International data on LGBTQ safety lists Spain as one of the top safest countries for LGBTQ-friendly travel. There's a whole lot to experience in Spain, and various sources (including the LGBTQ Danger Index) places Spain amongst one of the best destinations.

Spain is very progressive in terms of LGBTQ rights. 

Specifically, article number 14 of their Constitution prohibits any form of discrimination.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Spain since 2005. 

As of June 2021, the government of Spain has moved to approve a draft law regarding transgender rights. Per the new law, gender-confirmation surgery can be performed without question for individuals who apply. (https://www.euronews.com/2021/06/29/spain-s-government-approves-draft-law-on-transgender-rights)

Oh, and rumours have it that the food in Spain is absolutely great!

COVID-19 TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR SPAIN can be found here ->

3. Canada

Canada is ranked as one of the safest countries for LGBTQ visitors according to several resources, including Statista.

The rights of LGBTQ+-individuals are protected by the Canadian Human Rights Act. In 1996, the Act was broadened to include any potential discrimination based on sexual orientation or preference.

Having said this, Canada is pretty large: possible reception can depend on which areas you've chosen. Do some individual research for your chosen spot!

More details on the protection of rights can be found at Canada.CA's Canadian Heritage page.

COVID-19 TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR CANADA can be found here ->

4. The Netherlands

EqualDex has ranked the Netherlands as one of the best countries for LGBTQ+ travel.

Progressive general mindsets, overall awareness, and laws help to boost the friendliness-aspects of the Netherlands. Excellent food, great venues, and absolutely beautiful scenery certainly helps its spot as top destination, too!

Equality laws for LGBTQ+ locals and visitors are clearly defined in the Netherlands.

The general crime rate is kept low, and most visitors to the Netherlands report a very chilled-out experience.

Detailed information on LGBTQ+ rights in the Netherlands can be found at Government.nl .

COVID-19 TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR THE NETHERLANDS can be found here ->

5. Norway

Norway is one of the safest destinations for a visit according to the 2019 LGBTQ Danger Index. 

According to the Guardian, a combination of Norway, Canada, and Sweden ranked at the top for 2019 and travel safety. Updated resources still continue to list Norway as an incredible, safe place to go.

As an even more recent update, hate speech against LGBTQ persons has been officially defined in Norway laws as of 2020.

VisitNorway.com contains great additional travel tips for visitors to Norway, available at this link.

COVID-19 TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR THE NORWAY can be found here ->

Have you picked your ideal 2021 travel destination yet? While it may still be a while before you can board that plane for your trip, planning and dreaming are the key to manifesting a perfect vacation.

by Alex J. Coyne

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