European destinations present a safer and more inclusive vacation option for LGBTQ+ American travelers, offering a welcoming environment.
Title: A Trend Reversal: LGBTQ+ Americans Escaping to Europe for Holidays and More
Hey there!ever heard about the growing trend among LGBTQ+ Americans looking to Europe for their vacays? Yep, it's a thing.
Following new policies from the Trump administration, many Europhiles are shying away from the US, and understandably so. LGBTQ+ travelers, in particular, are expressing worries, especially with Trump's policy recognizing only two biological sexes, creatingconfusion about 'X' gender markers on documents. Now add the awkward local state laws and public perceptions, and it's enough to make anyone book a one-way ticket to the Old World.
But the trend goes both ways. More and more LGBTQ+ Americans are ditching Domestic Vacay and heading to Europe instead. And it's not just about unwinding on a beach or tasting plate after plate of pasta. Some are even scoping out places to potentially move to. That's right, relocate!
Now, let's talk to Darren Burn, founder of luxury vacation specialists (and LGBTQ+ travel experts) Out of Office. He's been noticing a shift in where his American clients want to jet-set. "In recent months, we've been inundated with inquiries from LGBTQ+ American travelers wanting some R&R, particularly in European destinations," Burn shares. These folks aren't just craving sun, sea and sand – they're seeking the safety and inclusivity that many European countries offer.
It seems domestic travel among LGBTQ+ Americans is becoming a rarity, and for good reason. Burn suspects that these jet-setters are growing concerned about their safety in the US, so they're casting their gaze over Europe instead.
Here's a fun fact: Spain and Portugal are two countries in Europe that have been hitting the mark with LGBTQ+ travelers and those on the relocation hunt.
Now, let's dig a bit deeper. In 2022, Spain passed the anti-discrimination Zerolo Law, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment and services. Not to be outdone, Law 4/2023, passed the following year, focused on the equality of trans people and guaranteed the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Portugal, too, has been supportive of rights for LGBTQ+ folks. In January 2024, it brought in a new law prohibiting and criminalizing forced practices of sexual conversion of LGBTQ+ people.
Now, if you're contemplating a move to a warm, tolerant European locale, you might want to throw Spain and Portugal on your shortlist. Expats agree – both countries made it to the top of the list for the best countries worldwide for LGBTQ+ expats in 2024[1].
Sources:[1] William Russell: Ranking the Best Countries for LGBTQ+ Expats (2024)
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Darren Burn, founder of Out of Office, reported a surge in inquiries from LGBTQ+ American travelers seeking relaxation and inclusivity in European destinations, such as Spain and Portugal. These countries have been attracting LGBTQ+ travelers, and potential expats, due to their progressive laws like Spain's Zerolo Law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and Portugal's law criminalizing forced sexual conversion practices. This trend indicates a shift in lifestyle choices among LGBTQ+ Americans, with many choosing travel to Europe for more than just a vacation, but also considering relocation.
