Queer travelers around the world face unique challenges: discrimination, uncertainty, or a lack of information about queer-friendly spaces are no exception. Lonely Planet’s new Queer Travel Guide goes beyond traditional travel writing, presenting 50 queer travel ideas — complemented by tips and voices from the community.
Special Challenges for Marginalized Groups
Beyond highlighting safe destinations, the guide centers on the lived realities of marginalized groups within the queer community. It tackles perspectives from transgender and BIPOC individuals, people with disabilities, refugees, and sex workers. Interviews and practical tips are meant to help make travel more discrimination-sensitive and inclusive.
One chapter leads to Bangkok, Thailand, where Pan Pan Narprasert (he/they outside of drag), also known as Pangina Heals (she/her in drag), guides readers through the city — with food spot tips and personal places like Lumpini Park. In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Charly Stoever (they/them) describes why they chose to live there: a blend of queer visibility, nature experiences, and safety — especially for BiPOC people.
The German-Dutch couple Daan Colijn and Karl Kraus, known on Instagram as “Couple of Men,” share insights into queer spots in Amsterdam. Their favorites include Reguliersdwarsstraat as well as the officially designated cruising area at Nieuwe Meer. They also cover their worldwide travels in detail on their blog coupleofmen.com. Aurelia St Clair (she/her) also reports on her chosen home, Melbourne, Australia — shaped by a vibrant queer scene, artistic diversity, and legal equality.
The Lonely Planet: Queer Travel Guide is complemented by thematic chapters such as “The Ultimate LGBTQ+-Travel Hit List,” featuring suggestions for families, outdoor activities, or cultural getaways. Other sections focus on the “Future of Queer Travel,” offer “Practical Information for LGBTQ+ Travelers,” and point to helpful resources — from specialized travel agencies to queer apps. (dd/pm)
Lonely Planet: Queer Travel Guide — 50 colorful LGBTQ+ journeys with tips and interviews from the community. 240 pages. MairDumont. Ostfildern 2025. Hardcover: 26.95 € (ISBN 978-3-575-01246-3)
