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8 Places Every LGBTQ+ Person Should See Before They Die
Plus: the new tool that gives you cash back on every booking đ€
Welcome to #GoQueer - the travel newsletter for the LGBTQ+ community. We dish out insider tips, share epic lists of queer hotspots, and snag unbeatable deals so you can #LoveWhereYouGo.
This week:
We run down the 8 places to see before you die đłïžâđ
The new hotel platform that gives you cash back on every booking
A roundup of the latest in queer travel news đïž
Plus this weekâs best queer travel deals âš
Oh, and btw: we donât make any money from the content in this newsletter. Weâre recommending these things because we actually love them.
8 Places to See Before You Die
We're taking you on a whirlwind tour of the eight most fabulous destinations that are the heart and soul of the LGBTQ+ community. From the historic streets where the fight for rights echoed loud and proud, to the pulsating heartbeats of cities that today are all about living your best, most colorful life. These arenât just places; they're experiences waiting to dazzle you with their unique blend of history, culture, and nonstop fun.
1. The Castro - San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
The Castro in San Francisco stands as a vibrant monument to our communityâs liberation, a neighborhood thatâs been on the forefront of the fight for rights since the 1960s and has one of the worldâs highest gays per capita. Not to mention, itâs a blast! Don't miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Castro Theatre for a slice of history, have a drink at Twin Peaks (the oldest gay bar in San Fran), or dance with the boys all night long at Beaux.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Known for its open-mindedness and inclusive culture, Amsterdam has a rich gay history and was the first city in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. The city also hosts Amsterdam Pride (this year the last weekend of July into August), famous for its canal parade. Itâs the only pride parade in the world that takes place on the water!
3. Sydney, Australia
Famous for its Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, one of the world's largest and most vibrant LGBTQ+ celebrations, Sydney boasts a lively gay scene and a welcoming atmosphere. Make sure not to miss Oxford Street, the center of the gay community, Bondi Beach, which is not exclusively gay but still a place beloved by all, and The Imperial Hotel, famous for its drag shows and its role in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Book Amazing Hotels
The hotel booking platform where every trip helps pay for the next. Safara curates the world's best hotels and rewards you with cashback on every booking. From the former Resy team, backed by Sequoia Capital.
4. Berlin, Germany
Berlin, a beacon of LGBTQ+ freedom and diversity, boasts a rich history and a vibrant scene. Dive into the historic Schöneberg district, explore the Schwules Museum for a glimpse into queer history, and experience the legendary Berghain for its⊠uh⊠beats.
5. Stonewall National Monument, New York, U.S.A.
The Stonewall National Monument is a pivotal site for LGBTQ travelers, marking the spot where the Stonewall Riots sparked the modern LGBTQ rights movement in 1969. This hallowed ground in New York City's Greenwich Village invites visitors to reflect on the struggles and victories of our community. Itâs the first national monument in the U.S. dedicated to the queer civil rights movement (thanks, Obama). Plus, itâs right next to a handful of amazing and historic gay bars like Stonewall itself, Juliusâ, Playhouse, Marieâs Crisis, and The Monster (say hi to Paul and Bill at the piano for us!).
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, with its breathtaking landscapes and spirited carnival culture, is a jewel in the LGBTQ+ travel crown. The city's embrace of diversity is felt everywhere, from the sun-soaked sands of Ipanema Beach, to the vibrant Farme de Amoedo area, to the energetic nightclubs in Lapa and Copacabana that come alive with the pulsating rhythms of samba and bossa nova. Rio's Pride parade (held every year in November) is a dazzling display of unity and celebration, painting the streets in a rainbow of colors.
7. Sitges, Catalonia, Spain
Sitges, nestled along the coast of Catalonia, Spain, is a picturesque haven that has long been a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community. Known for its stunning beaches, including one of the worldâs first gay nude beaches, its vibrant nightlife, and the renowned annual Sitges Film Festival, this town embraces diversity with open arms. Every year, Sitges Carnaval and the International Gay Pride Sitges light up the streets with extravagant parades and parties, drawing visitors from around the globe. Check out our full guide to gay Sitges.
8. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand, is a city where the vibrancy of LGBTQ+ life is woven into the fabric of its bustling streets and serene temples. Known for its welcoming spirit, Bangkok boasts a dynamic gay scene with everything from lively nightclubs in Silom, particularly along Soi 4, to the famous Calypso Cabaret, where the art of drag and Thai culture blend seamlessly. The city's annual Bangkok Pride Parade in June, a colorful celebration of diversity, along with numerous LGBTQ-friendly events and festivals, highlight Thailand's open-hearted acceptance.
Q&A Time:
Last week we asked, would you rather go on a trip to the beach, or to the mountains? Here are the results:
Stewart said âMountains because they are generally cooler, less crowded, and you don't get sand in your crotch.â đłđ
Ralph said beach: âI need to relax and give exercise a little break,â and âEggson6thâ agrees: âI find it centering and calming.â đ§
This week, we want to know: how many spots on our list of 8 places to see before you die have you been to? You can tell us your thoughts after submitting your vote.
How many places on our list of 8 places to see before you die have you been to?Tell us your favorite after you vote. |
Some *~Interesting~* Reads
News you may have missed on traveling, queers, and traveling queers đïž
Here are 9 things you can do for Trans Day of Visibility this week
Tickets for Lady Gagaâs new Las Vegas residency are on sale now (itâs still the jazz thing)(and btw, tickets max out at $14k)
Itâs going to be a big summer for concerts: Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lollapalooza are all coming up
Meanwhile, Barbie's Beach House theme park is coming to⊠Kansas?
Here are all the beautiful filming locations from Lindsay Lohanâs triumphant return to cinema, Irish Wish
Alaska Airlines is starting a $5-per-month membership service (ugh) for deals and moreâhere's what you get
And United is offering a new discount on all flightsâbut only for Gen Z travelers
Facing discrimination can increase cancer risk for LGBTQ+ people, study says
The U.S. Supreme Courtâs puzzling decision to allow the government to ban drag shows, explained
And the Paris Olympics will provide 300,000 condoms for athletes after a covid-era âsex banâ (lol) has been lifted
Philanthropist (and ex-wife of Jeff Bezos) Mackenzie Scott just donated over $30 million to LGBTQ+ nonprofits
Hereâs a handy Ramadan etiquette guide for non-Muslims
And: are these 13 new items the future of travel products?
This Weekâs *~Best Deals~*
Weâre always on the hunt for top-tier deals and experiences that welcome all and wonât break the bankâhere are this weekâs faves âš
Amazonâs Big Spring Sale is still going onâthis is the best price weâve seen on Apple AirTags since Black Friday. These can be lifesavers if your luggage gets lost!
And if youâre always trying to fit more inâthese compression packing cubes for your suitcase will do the trick at nearly 50% off
If you Uber a lot, this oneâs for you: get a $50 Uber gift card for $45 from Kroger
Spend 8 days on the beach in Costa Rica, with car, airfare and moreâfrom $499!
Qatar Airways is offering 12% off flights when you book through their mobile app with promo code GOMOBILE2024
This trip will whisk you away to Greece for $799 as early as next month
If youâre looking to travel somewhere special to see the eclipse, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch it from the only tropical beach destination directly in its path
Book Amazing Hotels
The hotel booking platform where every trip helps pay for the next. Safara curates the world's best hotels and rewards you with cashback on every booking. From the former Resy team, backed by Sequoia Capital.
ok see you next time byeeeeee đđ
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