Reaching new heights in Asia’s safest country for LGBTQ+ travelers: Nepal

Nestled high in the Himalayas lies a unique destination that is growing in popularity with LGBTQ+ travelers: the South Asian nation of Nepal. Just this month, the land-locked country recognized its first marriage of a lesbian couple, capping off decades of activists’ hard work. The extraordinary news signals just how welcoming this destination is becoming for Queer travelers.

The basics: The mountainous country is known for its “trekking” (challenging, sometimes multi-day hikes) including Mt. Everest, which sits on the border of Nepal and Tibet. Don’t worry! There are easier treks too for beginners and the differently abled. Several companies offer LGBTQ trekking trips and tours of the country. If outdoor adventures aren’t your thing, the country is peppered with historic temples and UNESCO world heritage sites. Those eager for immersion into the indigenous culture of Nepal will love community homestays. 

But… is it safe for us? Yes, but, as always, with caution. Nepal was actually ranked the most safe country in Asia for LBGTQ+ travelers by the 2023 LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index, and the 44th safest overall. That puts it ahead of Japan (#77), Hong Kong (#86), and China (#110). One gay-identifying Nepalese official told CNN that most businesses are generally tolerant, and that Queer travelers don’t need to hide our identities.

Nepal even has its own pride parade, started in 2019, which is now held on the second Saturday in June. Heads up though, that’s right before the super-hot and muggy monsoon season begins. 

Go deeper: Check out this in-depth guide about Queer travel to Nepal, this beginner's guide (for everyone) that covers basic logistics, and these lists of 21 amazing places to visit and 5 meals you can’t miss.

Travel Must-Haves For Your Next Trip

It’s never too early to start preparing for your next trip, and a new list of 31 must-have travel items just dropped over on BuzzFeed (they’re still at it!). Some highlights:

• A must-have fanny pack that comes in 43 colors for $12.98.

• A handy luggage scale to make sure your checked bag isn’t over the limit for those long trips that require lots of clothes for only $10.99.

• A highly-rated 3-in-1 foldable, wireless charger for your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.

• A clutch-sized portable mini-safe that will keep your valuables secured either in your bag or on the beach.

You can check out the entire handy-dandy list over on BuzzFeed.

Some *~Interesting~* News

Some stuff you may have missed on traveling, queers and traveling queers 🗞️

• Right-wing nutjobs are losing it over trans artwork planned for London’s Trafalgar Square

• Not too fast… London is also opening a lesbian bar that excludes trans women

• Apparently the $5.5 billion U.S. airlines earned in baggage fees wasn’t enough: major airlines are raising checked bag fees — here’s how to avoid paying them

• Travel experts are begging you not to try the newest TikTok flight hack

• Philly’s Black, queer history is rich, and these historians want more people to know about it

• Take advantage of climate change while you can: Death Valley National Park is now offering a rare opportunity – kayaking

• White Lotus Season 3 is already paying off for Thailand tourism

• The Mumbai Pride March has returned to the city after a four-year hiatus, and this company is helping gay men travel in India 

• Last but not least, what is a ‘chapstick lesbian’, and why are they all over TikTok?

This Week’s *~Best Deals~*

Our team is constantly on the hunt for top-tier experiences that welcome all and won’t break the bank—here are this week’s faves ✨ 

• In honor of this year’s leap day, Staples is offering free passport photos, only on 2/29 📸

• Roundtrip flights to SF, LA or Chicago this spring starting in the $90s, courtesy of Jack’s Flight Club ✈️

• Planning a group trip? Amtrak is offering group discounts up to 60% off for groups of 3-8 🚆

• Check out this Banff Hotel with an underground heated pool & spa in a cave from $119 (regular $400) 🪨 🚿

• Spring into Seattle's Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival in April with hotel + flights from $325 🌸

• And finally, these are some… Pho-bulous rates on Vietnam flights 🍜

Did a friend forward this to you? You can subscribe here 
ok see you next week byeeeeee 😘😘