11 Must-Read Gay Travel Books and Guides

For LGBTQ+ travelers, exploring the world means finding welcoming places where diversity and inclusivity are front and center. To aid in this journey, certain travel books offer invaluable insights and advice. Here are eleven essential reads for every LGBTQ traveler, guiding you to experiences that celebrate us, anywhere in the world.

Quick note: This entire list is made independently by our (super-gay) editorial team, and if you buy something from a GoQueer link, we may earn a small commission.

1. The Pride Atlas: 500 Iconic Destinations for Queer Travelers

More like The Pride Bible. Combining immersive photography with expertly researched travel writing, this is the ultimate guidebook for LGBTQ+ travelers—whether you're planning your next getaway, daydreaming from the comfort of your armchair, or seeking to learn about queer culture in other parts of the world. It’s a beautiful addition to any gay coffee table.

2. Worldwide Wanderlust and Rainbows: Exploring the Top 20 LGBTQ+ Worldwide Destinations

Dive into the most fabulous corners of the globe, from the gay meccas of San Francisco and New York City to the sun-soaked shores of Mykonos and the historic streets of Brighton, this guide is your golden ticket to 20 of the world's most vibrant, inclusive cities.

3. Eat, Gay, Love

Heartbroken, unhappy and unsure of what to do with his life, Calum left his hometown where he’d lived in all his life to embark on a journey that took him all around the world. “You've never read a travel memoir like this before.”

4. Damron Men's Travel Guide: The Little Black Book of Gay Travel

The 52nd edition of this essential gay travel guide features 10,000+ listings covering North America, South America, Europe & SE Asia. It’s been around (and regularly updated) since 1964. This is legit. Includes: Quick facts, hotels, B&Bs, bars, nightclubs, bookstores, cafes, restaurants, gyms, men's clubs, saunas and much more. Every listing is verified annually, many within weeks of publication!

5. Queer Spaces: An Atlas of LGBTQ+ Places and Stories

In this lavishly illustrated volume, Adam Nathaniel Furman and Joshua Mardell have gathered together a community of contributors to share stories of spaces that range from the educational to the institutional to the re-appropriated, and many more besides.

6. Guide for Worldly Women: Confidently Plan the Perfect Trip & Travel Independently

Don’t let fear or doubt stop you from going on adventures on your own. Unleash an independent and confident version of yourself with this guide to traveling solo! Though not Lesbian-specific, this woman-specific guide will help you conquer the fear and take all the steps necessary to become an independent solo traveler.

7. Mr. Hudson Explores: The Gay Man's Travel Companion

Mr. Hudson Explores is not just a travel guide; it's an invitation to experience the world with style, offering unique and special insights for every traveler, regardless of gender or travel companions. Covering 20 cities in the Northern Hemisphere, it delves into culture, art, food, shopping, music, and nightlife, enriched with stories, history, and luxury accommodations, making every part of the trip an incredible experience.

8. The Rough Guide to Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Places in Europe

The Rough Guide to the Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Places in Europe—the latest picture-packed addition to Rough Guides' Inspiration range—reveals 20 destinations that will enthuse and reward LGBTQ+ travelers in a brand-new, inspirational coffee-table book. From vibrant, edgy cities, to stunning, lesser-visited gems, this book showcases 20 exceptional destinations that are renowned for being LGBTQ+ friendly, and for having notable LGBTQ+ connections.

9. Out in the World: The 2024 international LGBTQIA+ travel guide filled with pride

Out in the World, the first ever book from The Nomadic Boys, promises to be your ultimate LGBTQ+ travel companion, offering invaluable tips, advice, and resources for safe and fabulous adventures across six continents, from vibrant Pride celebrations to hidden gems. Whether you're snorkeling in the Philippines or partying in Mexico, this guide ensures you travel with pride, uncovering the best in food, drink, and unforgettable experiences.

10. The Top U.S. Cities for LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Dive into "The Top US Cities for LGBTQIA+ Travelers to Visit," the ultimate guide by Ms. Holly Day, to explore the best LGBTQIA+ friendly hotels, restaurants, clubs, and events across the USA. Packed with tips on LGBTQIA+ culture, safety, and travel planning, this book invites you to travel in style, broaden your horizons, and celebrate your identity with every adventure.

11. The Rough Guide to the Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Places in the USA & Canada

The Rough Guide to the Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Places in the USA & Canada - the North American edition of Rough Guides' Inspiration range - reveals 24 destinations that will enthuse and reward LGBTQ+ travelers in a brand-new, inspirational coffee-table book.

12. BONUS: Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places

Okay, so this isn’t an LGBTQIA-specific book, but we still love it! NatGeo takes you on a photographic tour of the world’s most spectacular destinations, inspiring tangible ideas for your next trip. Travel to hundreds of the most breathtaking locales—both natural and man-made—illustrated with vivid images taken by the organization's world-class photographers.