It’s no secret that being an LGBTQ+ traveler is not easy, from picking and researching travel destinations, to feeling comfortable in new communities, there are a million things to think about. However, especially during June, Pride travel can also be rewarding and celebratory.
We as a community look forward to our yearly celebration and commemoration of all the hard work the LGBTQ+ community has done, but also for a chance to unwind and feel the love and warmth from gathering together.
Booking.com’s 2022 research highlights some important experiences that LGBTQ+ travellers share when planning or going on a Pride trip. Even before embarking on a holiday, Booking.com shares that “64% of LGBTQ+ travellers have to consider their safety and wellbeing…when selecting a destination”. Even for ‘bucket-list’ trips, “51% of LGBTQ+ travellers feel being a part of the community” affects their plans.
Not all the data they present is negative for LGBTQ+ travellers. Booking.com also highlights “promising signs of progress and positivity” through data on confidence, community connection, and celebration. Airbnb is another company that prides itself in promoting its mission of “anyone belonging anywhere”; they go a step further with this data to enact real change.
From their past and current engagement with Pride through community-hosted events (like WorldPride) and fundraising, to their tracking of LGBTQ+ safe travel and hosting for Pride epicentres, they have played a significant role in creating a safer, more queer-friendly travel atmosphere.
New data from Airbnb also reveals their top 50 travel destinations for Pride (which, we can’t ignore, features Dublin at #31):
1-10: London (UK), Paris (France), Rome (Italy), Los Angeles (USA), Lisbon (Portugal), Barcelona (Spain), Toronto (Canada), New York City (USA), Milan (Italy), Madrid (Spain)
11-20: Vienna (Austria), São Paulo (Brazil), Mexico City (Mexico), Marseille (France), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Seattle (USA), Valencia (Spain), San Francisco (USA), Chicago (USA), Nashville (Tennessee)
21-30: Denver (Colorado), Portland (USA), Edinburgh (UK), New Orleans (Louisiana), Montreal (Canada), Berlin (Germany), Lyon (France), Vancouver (Canada), Tel Aviv (Israel), Budapest (Hungary)
31-40: Dublin (Ireland), Prague Czech (Republic), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Bordeaux (France), Copenhagen (Denmark), Brighton (UK), Minneapolis (Minnesota), Cologne (Germany), Glasglow (UK), Bristol (UK)
41-50: Ibiza Town (Spain), Austin (USA), Provincetown (Massachusetts), Mykonos (Greece), Hamburg (Germany), Manchester (UK), Sitges (Spain), Liverpool (UK), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Antwerp (Belgium)
So, with restrictions opening up and Pride in full swing, go explore one or a few of these places! While some of these Pride events have already happened, there are plenty more to look forward to. We’re especially excited for the upcoming Dublin Pride, happening this weekend on June 25!
After two years of celebrating on a small scale, we can’t wait to celebrate with an amazing theme and Parade, and of course, our community! We’ll see you there!
© 2022 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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