By Amanda Neiman, Operations Director, Intrepid Travel, North America

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Intrepid. Read our full disclosure statement here.

For many of us, travel is about more than just seeing new places — it’s about discovering new parts of ourselves along the way. But for LGBTQIA+ travelers, that journey can carry an extra layer of consideration: Will I be safe here? Will I be welcomed? Will I be free to be myself?

These are questions straight travelers rarely must ask — yet they are often a necessary part of planning and navigating travel for our queer communities. The truth is there’s no single LGBTQIA+ travel experience. Some choose destinations where Pride flags fly proudly in the streets. Others seek out quieter spaces of connection, history, and nature. Some choose to travel openly; others do so with care and caution. Every choice is valid.

That’s why visibility, representation, and community matter so deeply in travel. When we see stories of LGBTQIA+ travelers thriving, leading trips, and sharing their experiences — like Sasha, Intrepid Travel’s first transgender tour leader in Thailand, or Jay, whose essay about traveling openly with his partner reminds us of the power of human connection — we are reminded that this world can hold space for us, too.

Travel also has a way of building empathy and breaking down barriers. Sometimes, a simple exchange — a guide learning that their LGBTQIA+ guests are “just ordinary people,” or a fellow traveler hearing a story they’ve never encountered — can be as powerful as any landmark. As one traveler shared in Intrepid’s new Out Around the World guide:

 “People are so much more than their country’s legislation. And sometimes, those moments of kindness and curiosity are what stay with you the longest.”

But let’s not forget while many destinations celebrate diversity, others still carry risk. Queer travelers often rely on community wisdom — blogs, local voices, legal research — to make informed choices. And this is where the collective power of shared knowledge, inclusive travel companies, and community-first initiatives can make all the difference.

That’s why I’m so proud of initiatives like Intrepid’s free Queer History Walking Tours — built in collaboration with local activists and artists, these tours aim to uplift stories that have too often gone unheard. It’s why we invest in authentic LGBTQIA+ travel guides and continue to spotlight the stories and contributions of queer travelers around the world.

Because travel should be for everyone.
Because we deserve to be seen.
Because our stories matter.

This Pride Month — and every month — let’s continue working toward a world where every traveler, of every identity, can experience the joy and transformation that travel brings. Louder, prouder, and together.