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The 7 Best Places In the World to be Gay on Christmas 🎄

Plus: the top 7 reasons to bring cash when you travel 💰

December 15, 2024

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:

7 Destinations For Your Christmas Bucket List

Deck the halls with pride and wanderlust! We've rounded up seven spectacular places that warmly welcome LGBTQ+ travelers during the most wonderful time of the year.

From traditional Christmas markets and twinkling lights to festive drag shows and holiday parties, these destinations offer the perfect mix of seasonal charm and queer-friendly festivities. It may be too late for this year, but definitely put these seven destinations on your Christmas vacation bucket list for 2025.

#1. Strasbourg, France 🇫🇷

The self-proclaimed "Capital of Christmas" turns into a fairy tale during December, with its famous Christmas market dating back to 1570. The nearby Le Camden gay bar hosts special holiday events, and Basel's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene is just a quick train ride away. The city's Petite France district looks like it jumped straight out of Beauty and the Beast with its timber-framed houses draped in twinkling lights. Average December flights from NYC: $650-800, from LA: $800-1000. Stay at the stylish Maison Rouge Hotel (around $200/night) in the historic center.

#2. New York City 🌃

NYC during Christmas is pure magic, and the city's massive LGBTQ+ community knows how to celebrate. Hell's Kitchen's gay bars go all-out with holiday decorations and themed parties, while Marie's Crisis becomes a wonderland of holiday show tunes. Must-dos include ice skating in Bryant Park and the iconic Rockefeller Center tree. Flights from LA average $300-400 in December. Book the Moxy Times Square for a trendy stay without breaking the bank (around $250/night).

#3. Bruges, Belgium 🇧🇪

This medieval city becomes even more enchanting during the holidays, with its cobblestone streets dusted in snow and Christmas markets filling the main squares. While small, Bruges has a welcoming LGBTQ+ scene, and nearby Ghent hosts special holiday events at its gay venues. The city's canals reflect thousands of twinkling lights, creating perfect photo ops. Flights from NYC: $600-750, from LA: $800-950. Stay at the charming Hotel Heritage (around $220/night).

#4. Leavenworth, Washington 🏘️

This Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains is America's answer to a German Christmas market. The nearby Seattle LGBTQ+ community often makes weekend trips here during December. The entire town transforms into a winter wonderland with over half a million lights. Flights to Seattle from NYC: $300-400, from LA: $200-250, plus a scenic 2.5-hour drive. Book the Bavarian Lodge (around $250/night) for mountain views and easy access to festivities.

#5. San Juan, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

Escape the cold while celebrating at San Juan's Winter Pride in December! The city combines traditional Christmas festivities with Caribbean flair and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene centered around the Condado district. Enjoy beach parties, holiday markets, and the unique tradition of Parrandas (Puerto Rican carol singing). Flights from NYC: $300-400, from LA: $400-500. Stay at the LGBTQ-friendly La Concha Resort (around $275/night).

#6. London, England 🇬🇧

London's LGBTQ+ scene shines extra bright during the holidays, with Soho's gay venues hosting festive events and drag Christmas shows. From Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to ice skating at Somerset House, the city sparkles with holiday magic. Don't miss the famous Oxford Street lights. Flights from NYC: $500-700, from LA: $700-900. Stay at the centrally located Z Hotel Soho (around $200/night).

#7. Buenos Aires, Argentina 🇦🇷

Experience a unique summer Christmas in Argentina's LGBTQ-friendly capital. The Palermo district's gay bars host special holiday events, while the city's famous Christmas Eve asados (barbecues) light up the warm night. Plaza San Martín hosts a massive Christmas tree, and the Recoleta neighborhood glows with decorations. Flights from NYC: $800-1000, from LA: $900-1100. Book the Mine Hotel in Palermo (around $180/night).

Top 7 Verified Reasons to Bring Cash for International Travel

I traveled for 14 days in Europe visiting Poland, France, Portugal, and Spain. These are the top verified reasons to bring cash while traveling internationally:

  1. Restaurant Tips: We paid by card for most meals. However, in the countries we visited, the card terminal never (99%) gave us the option to leave a tip. The only way to tip is with cash.

  2. Attractions / Experiences: Castle and museum exhibitions with onsite ticket offices only took cash payments.

  3. Street Vendors / Café: There are plenty of delicious snacks offered by street vendors all around the world. The cost can be cheap, but the vendors usually only accept cash.

  4. Shopping: Many vintage shops in Portugal had a cash-only sign, while in Poland, the shop manager was willing to negotiate the price of some keepsakes when paying in cash.

  5. Public Restrooms: In many places in Europe, public restrooms charge a small fee, typically payable only in cash.

  6. Taxi Ride: Taxi and buses may only accept cash. Make sure you have enough cash for fares, especially where rideshare apps aren't available.

  7. Prepare for Emergencies: Card terminals can fail, and credit cards can get fraud-blocked. Having cash ensures you can handle emergencies and make essential purchases without stress or worry.

Buy currency online with CXI for the quickest and most convenient way to get currency for your international travels. CXI was trusted with more than 1 million exchanges last year. Order currency in 3 easy steps to have it delivered to your home.

Best Gift Ideas Under $25 (That You Can Still Get in Time for Christmas)

Q&A Time:

Last week we asked about Hilton’s fascinating 2025 travel trends report which includes a section on vacation vs. travel.

Unfortunately, we didn’t actually include the poll so… we’re going to try again. 🫣

Vacationing is slower paced, more about relaxing and recharging. Meanwhile traveling is quicker paced: experiencing different cultures and exploring new environments.

Let’s do this one more time… which do your prefer?

Do you prefer vacationing or traveling?

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Do You Know How Much Currency To Bring On International Trips?

The average group brings $700 cash for a 12-night trip, so they never miss out. Tips, taxis, shopping at markets and having a backup plan make bringing some cash a must-have travel item. Order currency online today to beat climbing rates and get your currency delivered to your home as soon as the next day. Currency exchange has never been easier. Your happy travels start here.

Some *~Interesting~* Reads

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

This Week’s *~Best Deals~*

We’re always on the hunt for top-tier experiences that welcome all and won’t break the bank—here are this week’s faves ✨ 

Our Monthly Giveaway for December!

Refer ONE friend to sign up for GoQueer using the below link and you’ll be entered into our monthly giveaway for December: a free $100 Amazon Gift Card! 

The more people you get to sign up, the more chances you have to win — here are all the details.

Please share your thoughts on this edition.

Be brutal. We can take it. 😉

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