Queer Family Travel 

By Richard Krieger, Director of Out World Journeys

There’s something uniquely special about family travel—the shared excitement of stepping off a plane in a new place, the laughter over an unfamiliar meal, and the joy of discovering the world together, and for queer families, travel is becoming more inclusive and accessible.  

Travel with family, biological or chosen, is about more than just the destination. It’s about connecting with a place and its people. It’s the ice cream shop your kids can’t stop talking about, the museum treasure hunt, connecting with locals, exploring ancient ruins or playing on the beach.  

And like all family travelers, selecting a destination that resonates with the family is key to a memorable journey. Choosing the right destination for a queer family trip often comes down to a welcoming community, safety, access and a good dose of fun. While many countries and cities have their arms wide open to the LGBTQ+ community – some do not. So, while you might be more adventurous on your own, when traveling with children, it’s important to select a place that provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere.  

To help get started, we’ve complied a short list of our top international destinations that queer families might wish to consider when planning their next getaway:  

Portugal is laid back, beautiful, and incredibly family-friendly, kids love the castles of Sintra, tram rides through Lisbon, and sunny beaches in the Algarve and the grown ups appreciate the relaxed pace, great food, and welcoming vibe. Our most popular family activities include the Lisbon Oceanarium and Lisbon Zoo, the World of Discoveries Museum in Porto, exploring the Bussaco Forest and children-friendly cooking classes.  

Japan offers the perfect blend of the traditional and modern. Families can wander Kyoto’s ancient temples and have a ninja/samurai experience, in Tokyo visit the interactive TeamLab Planets, visit Lego Land and take sushi-making classes. Top of the list for families is a ride on a speed train and a visit to see the Snow Monkeys of Nagano – where hundreds of monkeys’ roam freely and enjoy the natural hot springs. This is one not to miss! 

Costa Rica is ideal for nature-loving families. From ziplining through rainforests, taking part in a turtle rescue program or connecting with a sloth, there is an endless array of activities for families. Costa Rica also offers exciting visits to organic farms, where kids can milk cows and learn about farm life, take a chocolate making class or simply chill on one of the many beautiful beaches.  

Greece might come to mind more for a romantic getaway or honeymoon, but it’s wonderful for family travelers. In Athens, climb the hill of the Acropolis, watch the Changing of the Guard and take part in a mythology family tour complete with games and prizes. Rent a car and head out to the Peloponnese to explore ancient Olympia, visit local villages and farms and tour an olive oil making estate for a hands-on experience everyone will enjoy. And then of course – the Greek Islands await.  

To further ensure your family will have a great time, consider staying at IGLTA/TAG Approved Hotels. These properties have gone the extra step, completing a qualification and training processes reflecting their commitment to the queer travel community.  And key to the success of your is working with queer travel professionals like the team at Out World Journeys.  No one knows the queer world better than someone who is a specialist in LGBTQ+ travel and the expertise, knowledge and connections they possess are an invaluable resource for designing the perfect family vacation. 

About Richard Krieger: 

Richard Krieger, Director of Out World Journeys, has spent his career championing the power of travel as a bridge between cultures and communities. Richard has led Out World Journeys and Sky Vacations’ transformation into two of the most creative and respected brands in the travel industry and he believes deeply in the idea that travel should be joyful, authentic, and for everyone and his work reflects that mission every day. Richard is an active member of the LGBTQ+ travel community and has served two terms on the Board of Directors at IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association). 

About Out World Journeys: 

Out World Journeys was created to bring the same, high level of quality and service to the queer community as its sister brand, Sky Vacations does for the mainstream luxury market. With a global, expert team of tour designers, Out World Journeys focuses on itineraries that invite traveler to engage with traditional local culture and history, while focusing on LBGTQ+ culture and contributions in the places we visit. Out World Journeys is an Active Member of USTOA and a proud member of IGLTA. 

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