Safe Travels for LGBTQ+ Community

WASHINGTON - Dec. 13, 2022 - PRLog -- When it comes to travel, most treat this as a privilege and not an honor. There are still places around the world that do not accept people for who they are. Discriminating for what they look like, their religious beliefs, and even for who they chose to love. There are places in North America that could pose a safety issue when traveling; even more so when you are an American traveling to other countries. Working with an experienced travel agent can assist those in the LGBTQ+ community on research, booking, and enjoying; romantic get-ways, honeymoons, friends trips, and even solo-vacations.

It is wise to check with an agent that has either traveled to, or researched; the resort, cruise, or cities in which you plan to travel. Travel advisors must go beyond the typical considerations when vetting a destination for LGBTQ+ clients because hosting Pride events once a year doesn't guarantee a destination is safe for queer travelers.

Here's a checklist to ensure a quality destination:

-Research gay legislation in countries around the world — Equaldex and ILGA
-Get a pulse on the culture's and society's acceptance of queer people at the planned destination
-Browse the destination marketing website to look for LGBTQ+ travel resources beyond Pride celebrations
-Ask destination travel partners if queer clients will be safe, what the client needs to know and do to stay safe while visiting

"Destinations are spending time and money on LGBTQ+ training and advertising," Nick Rogers of Youtique Experiences says. "It's important the destination isn't just wanting LGBTQ+ money or calling themselves an LGBTQ+ destination. I need to know that the rainbow flag wasn't just for show."

This year new agency, SLM Bookings (https://www.slmbookings.com/), took this information to heart. Placing an emphasis on LGBTQ inclusivity. "Establishing a transparent connection with the suppliers who we partner with before booking any travel is key", said Latisha M Owner and Travel Agent of SLM Bookings. "Seeing for ourselves first hand and partnering with other agents who have traveled to the countries, cities, and even cruise lines who claim to offer all communities safe travel."

Also on TheKnot.com and Weddingwire.com; which celebrates love at every level, Latisha has created Destination Weddings and Honeymoons for lover's of all partnerships. She checks hotels who support local LGBTQ charities, using an LGBTQ travel agent and reading reviews from other LGBTQ travelers on sites such as Tripadvisor or Yelp.

The LGBTQ+ community is in safe hands when it comes to domestic and international travel, thanks to the agents and facilities that are taking the necessary steps, putting in the work, and are excited to work with everyone and not just anyone. Contact your local travel agent for specials and escapes that continue to grow their brand for all travelers and traveler experiences.