Our Favorite Pride Destinations

Stiges, Spain

“Sitges, Spain is a particularly hot market at the present time. Even though it might be considered a ‘standard’ gay-friendly destination, it has gained popularity in the past few years due to the fact that it’s small-town-charm right on the water plays host to several big gay events that draws the LGBTQ+ community from all over Europe and the U.S. Because of that, it’s continuing to grow in popularity, even to the point of Americans moving there permanently.” – Leigh Gernert, Tzell Los Angeles

Mykonos, Greece

“I spent my honeymoon and 50th birthday in Mykonos, just a fraction of the reason why I’m so quick to recommend it to my clients. It continues to be incredibly LGBTQ-friendly, and a stunning travel destination with its turquoise waters, preserved architecture, and gorgeous seasonal weather. Their beach resorts have a sensibility that appeals to our community, and the nightlife is also geared to the LBGTQ community with live music and nightclubs.” – Kelli Carpenter, Tzell New York

“Travelers can spend several fun nights in gay-friendly Mykonos enjoying the beaches and the nightlife, and then travel to a more romantic island such as Santorini where they can still feel comfortable and take in the magnificent scenery and romance of the island. There are also many other islands to explore. I think that all LGBTQ travelers should experience the Greek islands at least once.” – Keith Wein, Tzell New York

Where to stay: Kivotos Mykonos

Exclusive VIP amenities that you get when you book through a Tzell Travel Agent:

• US$100 credit (excl. NERO)
• Complimentary bottle of wine; fruit & chocolate
• Round-trip airport/port transfers
• Complimentary Mediterranean Buffet breakfast for two daily
• Early check-in and late check-out upon availability
• Upgrade upon availability at time of check-in
• Wi-Fi
• Stay 5+ nights: 10% off Private Yacht cruises

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon may be Europe’s second oldest capital city, but the gastronomy, hotels, and Pride celebrations are very up-to-date! Lisbon’s Gay Pride Parade is also known as Marcha do Orgulho LGBT Combine attending this celebration by sightseeing around Lisbon, or with a quick trip to Porto for a wine tasting and winery tour!

“Portugal seems to be an emerging market for the LGBTQ community and LGBTQ travel. Portugal is one of the few countries in the world to contain a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation in its Constitution. Being a relatively small country, travel there is relatively easy and it just seems tailored to appeal to many gay sensibilities. Portugal even boasts an entire region dedicated to many LGBTQ+ accommodations and beaches—I highly recommend the Algarve region.” – Leigh Gernert, Tzell New York

Where to stay: Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa

Exclusive VIP amenities that you get when you book through a Tzell Travel Agent:

• US$100 Hotel credit (applicable at Restaurant Cervejaria Liberdade, Bars, Spa treatments)
• Complimentary Buffet breakfast for two daily
• Early check-in and late check-out upon availability
• Upgrade upon availability at time of check-in
• Wi-Fi

Berlin, Germany

I know, we typically think of the Berlin Wall but Berlin is an eclectic city filled with rich history, culture and art. Berlin is one of the most open-minded cities in the world with a prospering and joyous LGBTQ+ scene.

Where to stay: Hotel De Rome, A Rocco Forte Hotel

Exclusive VIP amenities that you get when you book through a Tzell Travel Agent:

• US$100 USD Food & Beverage credit
• Complimentary Full breakfast for two
• Early check-in and late check-out upon availability
• Upgrade upon availability at time of check-in
• Wi-Fi

Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv is known for great weather, fabulous beaches and their expansive Jewish history and culture. One would think given its conservative neighboring countries, LGBTQ+ Pride wouldn’t be celebrated – but that’s completely wrong! Instead of a day, they celebrate a Tel Aviv Pride for a week!

Where to stay: Carlton Tel Aviv

Exclusive VIP amenities that you get when you book through a Tzell Travel Agent:

• 30-minute classic Swedish massage for one & a 30-minute scalp, neck, shoulders & feet massage
• Early check-in guaranteed, and late check-out offered upon availability
• Complimentary Buffet breakfast for two daily
• Property will guarantee upgrade at time of booking
• Wi-Fi

Montreal, Canada

I love Montreal because it feels like a European city in North America! It’s also North America’s #1 host city for international events. If you thought Tel Aviv’s week-long Pride celebrations were exciting, Montreal Pride celebrates the Gay community’s solidarity and strength for 12 days!

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Montreal

Exclusive VIP amenities that you get when you book through a Tzell Travel Agent

• 100 USD Food & Beverage or Spa credit
• Complimentary Buffet breakfast for two daily
• Early check-in and late check-out upon availability
• Upgrade upon availability at time of check-in
•  Wi-Fi

Benefits of using a LGBTQ+ Travel Advisor

“Laws and attitudes may affect safety and ease of travel. More than 70 countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime.   It’s important to remember that your LGBT clients are subject to the laws of the destination where they travel. Caution is recommended but it doesn’t mean they definitely can’t visit these places.  It is illegal in Dubai, but many LGBT tourists visit with no issues. The State Department website has lots of good information to share. My favorite LGBT-friendly destinations include: Mykonos, Tel Aviv, Las Vegas , Provincetown, Bangkok , San Francisco, Puerto Vallarta, London, Amsterdam and New York City – Gregg Kaminsky, Tzell New York

“I believe the benefits are very similar to what travel agents provide all travelers—they provide expertise, access and knowledge in creating the ideal experience for the guest. The one difference would be finding an agent who has a strong knowledge base of safe and secure locations for an LGBTQ client to book their vacation as many countries are still not safe for our community.” – Kelli Carpenter, Tzell New York

“A good agent familiar with the LGBTQ market has their ear to the ground at all times and should be a fairly good resource for everything that’s out there that is LGBTQ related; be it a gay cruise, a gay tour or a gay event. That, and for complex travel itineraries, travel agents know how to piece together air itineraries that provide the client with a lower airfare solution than they could probably ever figure out on their own. I once booked an entire three city European trip for two U.S. travelers that included hotels, cars, and airfare for less than what they said they had found online for just the airfare—it is a point of pride of mine.” – Leigh Gernert, Tell Los Angeles

Ready to explore one of our favorite LGBT destinations? Contact a Tzell Travel agent to start planning your next adventure!