Before I jump in, I want to share my overall thoughts on talking about being an LGBTQ+ or lesbian traveller. As anyone reading this probably already knows, being LGBTQ+ is a totally individual experience, and therefore so is LGBT travel. Because of this, I sometimes find it hard to speak about travelling as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. My experience as a white, cis, femme lesbian will be so different to that of a black trans woman or a masc presenting or non-binary individual… or literally anyone else. You get the idea! 

So I’m going to share my experiences, but I strongly encourage everyone to do their own research before travelling somewhere too and to remember that not all travel experiences are created equally. 

Do you feel safe travelling alone as a woman / lgbtq+ member?

As an LGBTQ+ human, given how I present, I feel mostly safe when I travel solo. My sexuality is invisible unless I choose to share it. Ironically, I have sometimes felt more on edge when travelling with my girlfriend because that’s when people will know that I’m a lesbian. But even then, we are very careful not to get ourselves into any dangerous situations where we may be at risk.

However, there are risks to solo travel regardless of sexuality and so I am usually quite cautious. I don’t go out late at night alone, I share my taxi rides with someone at home and I usually keep using my phone in public to a minimum. It’s sad that we live in a world where woman don’t always feel safe to exist alone, but that’s why I find female solo travel so empowering. It’s a  global movement of strong independent women owning their own stories and exploring the world in spite of the patriarchal society we live in.

How do you prepare yourself to travel alone? 

I started solo travelling in around 2016 and so these days it’s become normal for me. I relish in the chance to set my own schedule, eat when and where I want, spend 30 minutes capturing the right angle in one picture if I choose to. As an introvert, solo travel is my ideal scenario – no small talk and lots of thinking space.  

For anyone preparing to take their first solo trip or feeling apprehensive, I would suggest:

• Sharing all your travel details with someone at home before you go.
• Stay in a hostel if you’re looking to meet others while you’re there.
• Sign up to some free walking tours, or yoga at your hostel or a day trip if you want the security of being in a led group while you get settled. 

What recommendations do you have for queer women worried about travelling?

Oh, this is a hard one! Like I mentioned at the start, every experience is so unique. But I would recommend doing your research before you go to reduce any apprehension of the unknown. Facebook groups like Girls Love Travel Pride are amazing to hear other queer womyn share their travel experiences and get up to date tips about where to go (& where to avoid!) If it’s your first time travelling, look for countries that are renowned as LGBT welcoming. It’s not fail-proof, but you maximise your chances of a great first experience. (Thailand, Sweden, Iceland, Mexico and The Netherlands are a good starting point).

Have you experienced any discrimination abroad?

I can’t say that I have. But I also think this is partly down to the precautions I take to avoid being too visibly queer when I travel. I have the benefit/curse of femme invisibility which I can use to my advantage to avoid any major discrimination abroad. That being said, ignorant people and homophobia exist everywhere, and my girlfriend and I have been stared at, cat-called and received unsolicited comments abroad the same way that we have in the UK.

What are the safest countries you’ve travelled to?

You really can’t beat the nordic countries! I felt so safe and free to be myself in Sweden & Iceland when I visited, I’ve heard that Denmark is the same (I wasn’t out when I went there in 2012). I also think countries can vary from city to city. For me, although we received some uncomfortable comments in Barcelona, Madrid was the most incredible experience. Madrid was like lesbian haven. We felt so safe, so visible and so valid. It made me want to live there! I also felt very safe in Bali, it’s super traveller friendly and the people are very welcoming. However, I was there solo so I can’t speak to the LGBTQ+ climate.