In partnership with

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:

• Our top picks for the most surprising LGBTQ+ friendly destinations 😲

• These cannabis gummies keep selling out in 2024 🍃

• Our favorite deals ahead of Amazon’s big Fall Prime Day 🤑

• A roundup of the latest in queer travel news 🗞️

• Plus this week’s best queer travel deals ✨ 

Our Top Picks for Unexpectedly Friendly Travel Spots

While some cities have long been known as LGBTQ+ havens (thanks!!! love y’all), others have been quietly evolving into welcoming oases for Queer travelers. 

From progressive policies to vibrant local scenes, these destinations are breaking stereotypes and rolling out the rainbow carpet. Let's explore nine unexpectedly LGBTQ+-friendly spots that should be on your travel radar! 🌈✈️

1. Kathmandu, Nepal 🏔️

Nepal has made impressive strides in LGBTQ+ rights, including legalizing same-sex marriage in 2024. Kathmandu, the gateway to the Himalayas, offers a unique blend of ancient culture and progressive attitudes. The city's rapid evolution on LGBTQ+ issues has made it a standout destination in South Asia, challenging stereotypes about the region. Don't miss:

• The Pink Tiffany, Nepal's first gay venue

• Thamel district for LGBTQ+-friendly nightlife

• Boudhanath Stupa for spiritual vibes

• Our full Nepal guide

🏨 Stay at: Kantipur Temple House, a boutique hotel with traditional charm (Avg. $70/night)

2. Dublin, Ireland 🍀

Once deeply conservative, Ireland has become one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. Dublin's compact size makes for an intimate, welcoming scene. And the city's transformation from a stronghold of conservative Catholicism to a beacon of LGBTQ+ rights is nothing short of remarkable. Check out:

• The George, Ireland's oldest gay bar

• LGBTQ+ walking tours of Dublin's Queer history

• Dublin Pride in June, a city-wide celebration

🍽️ Eat at: Street 66, a trendy LGBTQ+ bar with great food and cocktails

3. Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA 🌟

Often overlooked, Minneapolis boasts a thriving LGBTQ+ community and was actually one of the first U.S. cities to pass anti-discrimination laws. The city's commitment to equality extends beyond legislation, with a vibrant Queer culture that permeates its arts, food, and nightlife scenes. Don't miss:

• The progressive Loring Park neighborhood

• Twin Cities Pride, one of the largest in the country

• Minneapolis Institute of Art's Queer art tours

🏨 Stay at: The Hewing Hotel, a hip spot in the North Loop (Avg. $200/night)

4. Taipei, Taiwan 🏙️

The first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, Taiwan's capital is a haven for LGBTQ+ travelers. Taipei's progressive stance sets it apart in a region where LGBTQ+ rights are often still contentious, making it a trailblazer for equality in East Asia. Experience:

• The vibrant Ximen Red House area, Taipei's gay district

• Taiwan Pride, the largest in East Asia

• The progressive Gin Gin Bookstore

🍜 Eat at: Abrazo Bistro, a gay-owned restaurant with amazing fusion cuisine

5. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹

While overshadowed by other European capitals, Lisbon has quickly become an LGBTQ+ hotspot. The city's rapid rise as a Queer-friendly destination is matched by Portugal's broader societal shift towards LGBTQ+ acceptance, including some of the world's most progressive transgender rights laws. Explore:

• The trendy Príncipe Real neighborhood

• Trumps Club (no relation) one of the city's longest-running gay clubs

• Arrail Lisboa Pride in June

🏨 Stay at: The Late Birds, a gay urban resort (Avg. $150/night)

6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA 🍺

This Midwestern gem has been quietly cultivating a welcoming LGBTQ+ scene. Often overlooked in favor of its larger neighbor Chicago, Milwaukee surprises visitors with its rich Queer history and thriving modern LGBTQ+ community. Don't miss:

• Walker's Point, the historic gay neighborhood

• PrideFest, held on the stunning lakefront

• The LGBTQ+ history exhibit at the Milwaukee Public Museum

🍽️ Eat at: This Is It!, Wisconsin's longest continuously operating gay bar

7. Montevideo, Uruguay 🇺🇾

Often overlooked in South America, Uruguay's capital is extremely LGBTQ+-friendly. Montevideo's open-minded atmosphere reflects Uruguay's status as a pioneer of LGBTQ+ rights in Latin America, having legalized same-sex marriage back in 2013. Experience:

• The Ovejas Negras LGBTQ+ cultural center

• Carnival in January/February, with strong Queer participation

• Beautiful beaches like Playa Ramírez

🏨 Stay at: Don Boutique Hotel Montevideo, a stylish option near the old town (Avg. $120/night)

8. Richmond, Virginia, USA 🌺

This southern city might surprise you with its vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Defying stereotypes about the American South, Richmond has emerged as a progressive enclave with a rich Queer culture that honors both its complex history and diverse present. Check out:

• The diverse Carytown neighborhood

• VA PrideFest in September

• Diversity Richmond, a major LGBTQ+ community center

🍽️ Eat at: Barcode, a popular gay bar with great food and drag shows

9. St. Petersburg, Florida, USA 🌴

Despite Florida's controversial "Don't Say Gay" legislation, St. Petersburg stands out as a beacon of inclusivity. This vibrant city on Florida's Gulf Coast has cultivated a thriving LGBTQ+ community and welcoming atmosphere. Experience:

• The Grand Central District, home to many LGBTQ+-owned businesses

• St. Pete Pride, one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Southeast

• The LGBTQ Welcome Center, offering resources and information for Queer travelers

🏖️ Relax at: St. Pete Beach, consistently ranked among America's best beaches

🏨 Stay at: Hotel Zamora, a stylish boutique hotel with rooftop views (Avg. $200/night)

St. Petersburg proves that local attitudes can create welcoming spaces even in challenging political environments. The city's commitment to diversity and inclusion makes it a standout destination for LGBTQ+ travelers in Florida.

Did we miss any? Reply to this email and let us know where we went wrong! 🌍

These cannabis gummies keep selling out in 2024

If you've ever struggled to enjoy cannabis due to the harshness of smoking or vaping, you're not alone. That’s why these new cannabis gummies caught our eye.

Mood is an online dispensary that has invented a “joint within a gummy” that’s extremely potent yet federally-legal. Their gummies are formulated to tap into the human body’s endocannabinoid system.

Although this system was discovered in the 1990’s, farmers and scientists at Mood were among the first to figure out how to tap into it with cannabis gummies. Just 1 of their rapid onset THC gummies can get you feeling right within 5 minutes!

Order Now

Some *~Interesting~* Reads

News you may have missed on traveling, Queers, and traveling Queers 🗞️

• Fetish Week, the Circus, and more: here are the best Gay events in Europe this fall

• Trough urinals are making a comeback in NYC

• Hilton just released its fascinating 2025 Travel Trends Report. Here are 7 takeaways from travel industry site Skift

• If our historical guide to Folsom didn’t convince you to go, maybe these photos from last weekend’s Folsom will

• And here are some good photos from the March for Kamala in West Hollywood

• BTW — if you’re traveling on Election Day — here’s how you can cast your ballot

• The Sphere in Las Vegas is entering its EDM era

• If you’re dreaming of an Italian destination wedding, Rebel Wilson just gave the blueprint when she married her wife there

• Hotel employees spill the tea on all the drama they get to watch

• What to do if your hotel stay happens during the workers' strike

• That 3-and-a-half-year cruise finally set sail — and then had to pause for paperwork

• This Trans-led scuba diving company is catering to Queer travelers in Mexico

• And ICYMI: our preview of Palm Springs Pride, coming up in a few short weeks!

Q&A Time:

Last week we asked, do you have a job where you can work from anywhere? Here are the results:

As I’m sure you’ve heard before, it’s pretty tight!

• “I own a business. I'm my own boss!”

• “I work from home but not on a laptop. My desk computer isn't travel friendly 😭”

• “ER nurse manager. I don’t get the pleasure of working remote 😭” We appreciate you!!! ❤️❤️❤️

This week: a whole Gay Man got MAD at us on Instagram (BTW — follow us!) for posting a list of Gay-friendly spots you “need” to visit, claiming our language was pushy and infringing on their personal choices. Do you agree?