TODAY’S LGBTQ TOUR and vacation packages are as diverse as the travelers they serve. Whether guests seek culture, adventure, wildlife or simply a welcoming atmosphere, there are tours designed to match a wide range of interests — from LGBTQ-centered nightlife and pride events to relaxed getaways with inclusive hosts.
For 2018 the options are particularly varied. HE Travel, a long-established company in the LGBTQ travel market, is offering a Greek Classics cultural tour in September. The itinerary visits Athens, Sparta, Olympia and Delphi and includes guided tours of Byzantine churches and monuments in Thessaloníki.
HE Travel also runs New Orleans holiday getaways, scheduled March 30–April 3 and December 13–17, with French Quarter accommodations, a jazz brunch and excursions to a Southern sugar plantation and Mardi Gras float preparations. The spring departure gives participants the chance to attend both the Easter Parade and the Gay Easter Parade.
Another familiar name in LGBTQ touring, Zoom Vacations, arranges an Israel tour timed to coincide with Tel Aviv’s pride celebration in June. This nine-day trip features stays in Jerusalem, the Galilee and Tel Aviv, gay nightlife outings in major cities and visits to historic sites such as the fortress of Masada.
Travelers interested in South Asia can choose Brand g Vacations’ 15-day Splendors of India and the Ganges River tour, with multiple departures running through November. The program begins in New Delhi, includes a cruise on the lower Ganges in West Bengal and continues through Rajasthan and India’s Golden Triangle, highlighting cultural and historic landmarks along the way.
Wildlife-focused travelers may prefer Ntaba African Safaris’ Rainbow Safari to South Africa in April. The trip includes a stop in Cape Town and opportunities to search for the Big Five, with optional extensions available to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe for those who want to expand the safari experience.
For a laid-back North American option, Out Adventures presents a Big Gay Canadian Cottage Getaway from June 30–July 6. The escape begins with a weekend in Toronto before moving to a gay-owned resort in Muskoka, offering choices that include romantic rooms, glamping tents and whole chalets. The schedule features daily yoga and water sports, plus playful activities such as Lumberjack Day, which showcases archery, axe throwing and a sawing competition.
Across destinations and styles, LGBTQ tour operators are delivering a wider array of packages that cater to distinct preferences — cultural immersion, festive pride experiences, wildlife safaris or tranquil retreats. Each trip emphasizes inclusive environments and curated activities, making it easier for travelers to find an itinerary that fits their interests and comfort level.