Top 6 LGBTQ+ Safety Tips While Traveling

Attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community vary around the world. 

It's of the utmost importance that no matter where you go, you do a little pre-trip planning to ensure your safety. By researching local laws, cultural attitudes, helpful travel tips, you can help set yourself up for a safe and enjoyable experience!  

Here are the top LGBTQ+ travel safety tips when you go on your CIEE First Year Abroad program.  

1. Look Up Local Cultural Attitudes  

One of the biggest ways to gauge what to expect when traveling abroad is to determine the cultural attitudes toward the LGTBQ+ community in that country. While local laws may provide legal rights to the LGTBQ+ community, the beliefs and public opinions of the population may prove to be something else entirely.  

These general attitudes are largely shaped by a country's socioeconomic, religious, political and cultural beliefs. Generally, social beliefs towards LGBTQ+ travelers are more accepted in the West than in places like Eastern Europe and the Middle East. But it's essential to look up the specific attitudes by country and even by city.  

2. Research Local Laws Affecting LGBTQ+ Community 

One of the most important safety tips for LGBTQ+ folks when traveling is to look up the local laws. Unfortunately, we live in a world where homosexuality is still illegal in many countries, and public displays can result in legal punishment. The ramifications for being gay in a country where it's illegal can vary from fines to incarceration. It's often best to avoid countries with strong anti-gay laws, although it's not impossible to travel there with strict precautions.  

The good news is that there are many countries where same-sex marriage is legal and social attitudes are wholly accepting.   

3. Find Local LGTBQ+ Establishments  

Comfortably enjoy your time abroad by visiting local LGBTQ+ establishments! In many places, you can find clubs, cafés, hostels and more that are LGBTQ+-owned or friendly. By choosing an allied space, you can mingle with new friends in your community with folks who understand your unique point of view and without fear of hiding who you are.  

4. Rely on Community for Personal Experiences, Guidance and Recommendations 

An excellent LGBTQ+ travel safety tip is to rely on fellow LGBTQ+ people’s recommendations who’ve had personal experience traveling abroad. Check out LGBTQ+ blogs, travel websites, resources, online groups and public forums before you go abroad. These travel resources are invaluable and will offer you the most relatable tips.  

5. Look to International Human Rights Resources and Travel Alerts 

Every savvy LGBTQ+ traveler should have travel alerts and international human rights resources in their back pocket. Having access to these resources can offer pre-travel guidance as well as assistance should you need it while abroad.  

6. Ask for Help and Support When Needed 

Sometimes the stress and weight of societal and local attitudes can be a heavy burden to bear. In these situations, be sure to ask for the mental and emotional support you need. On CIEE First Year Abroad programs, participants enjoy access to 24/7 on-site for help navigating your host country.  

Your friends and family at home and abroad can also offer a shoulder to lean on. Lastly, mental health organizations like The Trevor Project, a nonprofit specializing in suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ young people, can offer immense support in moments in need. 

Learn more about safety on your CIEE First Year Abroad. 

First Year Abroad Programs Offer a Supportive Option to Study Abroad 

With so much to keep in mind, it’s natural to wonder if LGBTQ+ study abroad is right for you. CIEE’s First Year Abroad programs provide a safe experience with the support of staff on-site 24/7. Plus, you can rest assured that all excursions, host families, residence halls, and courses have been properly vetted for participant well-being.  

Check out the First Year Abroad programs available to begin planning your adventure.