5 Summer Vacation Tips Every Gay Couple Needs to Know

There is an abundance of articles and advice columns on travel. However, these aren’t always very helpful to gay couples and LGBT community in general, because, as we’re all aware – not all countries are the same and what may work for a straight couple doesn’t work for a gay one. One day we will perhaps live in a perfect world where a travel article will speak to everyone, but for now, we still need to focus on gay couples and their traveling needs and requirements.

So, stay tuned and learn how to plan your fun-packed and stress-free vacation now.    

Pick a spot

Ok, this is one of the primary issues where gay and straight couples frequently have to take separate ways. Picking a spot for your vacation is still tricky business, although much easier than, say, a decade ago. If you’re not the one to keep your sexuality under wraps and you don’t want to refrain from the much-needed vacation PDA, pick a spot that’s gay-friendly. When that’s the case, you might want to steer clear of countries where homosexuality is still illegal – you don’t need that stress. Instead, narrow your choices to friendly countries, such as New Zealand, Scandinavian countries, Canada, New York, and LA, Cancun, and numerous others. Then, depending on the type of vacation you want the kind of fun you’re seeking, make your final pick. There are places with amazing architecture, others with breathtaking beaches and those that offer a rich and vibrant nightlife, even adventurous packages for extreme sports for those that like to skydive, so depending on your expectations and temperament, there are truly amazing destinations to choose from.

Getting ready to hit the road

Once you’ve picked a spot, it’s time to start packing! Now, this is no one’s favorite part of the journey, but when if you want a perfect vacation, you’ll just have to be super-organized prior to it, so there’s nothing to ruin it once you’re there. Regardless of the friendliness of a country, petty theft and pickpocketing are well and alive in almost every tourist destination, so it’s important to travel safely and not worry about your essentials.

Matters of the suitcase

Ok, you’ve found your perfect luggage, now you have to fill it. The first thing to do is to check what the weather is like where you’re going, so you can pack accordingly. If it’s a tropical destination, bring a variety of swimwear, comfortable beach footwear, and plenty of shirts as you’ll be changing them frequently. Pack outfits, not separate items – this will make it a whole lot easier to get ready and hit the town.  When it comes to cosmetics – always be prepared. Face masks, moisturizers, cleansers, exfoliators, and sunblock – these items are an absolute must. When you change the climate, your skin tends to take a turn for the worse so this is a time to take special care of it. Also, check whether your accommodation provides things like shampoo, conditioner, and blow-dryer; you can’t spend your vacation with bad hair day every day, that’s just unacceptable.

What do we do?

If you’re a party couple, you’ll love Barcelona as it’s home to amazing gay bars, restaurants, and shops, all located in the Eixample district, with other cool nightlife spots spread throughout the city. If the full gay package is what you’re after, then your choice is hands down, Berlin. Both of these cities are here to cater to other needs as well, such as amazing history, culture, and architecture, affordable shopping, spas, etc. When in places as versatile as these, you can afford to split and do your own thing for a while, after all, couples don’t always have to have the same interests, so, go browse alone and then tell your partner all about it.

Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses

Although a gay vacation can be great fun, as there’s so much to do, so many clubs to see, take the time to just sit back, relax and soak it all in with your loved one. Make sure your hotel room is great, and then make sure you spend a lot of quality time there. Exploring a city or engaging in beach fun is great, but don’t let it slip your mind that travels are also great for falling in love all over again, so take the time to just be with one another.

Peter Minkoff

Freelance Writer

Peter is a gay lifestyle writer for TheGayUk magazine from Brisbane, Australia! He worked as a freelance writer for local newspapers in before blogging. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.