As summer travel plans heat up, LGBTQ+ Americans are making bold, joyful choices about where they’ll explore next. According to Expedia’s latest LGBTQ+ Edition of the Summer Travel Outlook, queer travelers are booking both tried-and-true favorites and exciting new international destinations. With Puerto Vallarta, Mykonos, and Phuket leading the charge as beach getaways, and lesser-known gems like Gran Canaria, Sardinia, and Alicante gaining traction, the travel season promises a mix of nostalgia and discovery.
Classic LGBTQ+ Hotspots Still Reign
According to the report, iconic vacation spots remain high on the list. Puerto Vallarta, Key West, and Mykonos continue to draw LGBTQ+ travelers for their long-standing reputations as inclusive, festive, and safe destinations. Notably, Key West ranks as the top beach destination for LGBTQ+ Americans, with one in three respondents planning a visit there this summer. That figure outpaces even international LGBTQ+ staples like Phuket in Thailand and Cape Town in South Africa.
A new hotel even just opened in PV that many have been flocking to since. The Tryst Hotel is a new LGBTQ+ haven for those looking for a vacation.
Lifestyle influencers and husbands Taylor Phillips and Jeff O’Donnell shared their perspective: “Destinations like Key West, Puerto Vallarta, and Provincetown are stunning, spirited, and unapologetically welcoming. What ties them together is that unmistakable ‘come-as-you-are’ vibe that instantly makes you feel celebrated and at home.”
European Escapes On the Rise
While familiar beach spots are thriving, Expedia’s data shows a surge in interest for European destinations that are gaining popularity within the LGBTQ+ community:
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Gran Canaria, Spain: +125% YoY search increase
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Sardinia, Italy: +110% YoY search increase
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Alicante, Spain: +70% YoY search increase
These data points indicate a growing appetite among American LGBTQ+ travelers for lesser-explored destinations that blend beauty, culture, and inclusive hospitality—especially in Mediterranean Europe.
Domestic City Favorites & LGBTQ+ Friendliness
When it comes to city breaks, Paris, Tokyo, and London remain top international picks, while Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Miami lead the U.S. list for being the most LGBTQ+ welcoming. New Orleans and San Diego are also climbing the ranks, beating out longtime favorites like Fire Island and Provincetown, signaling a shift toward a broader spectrum of domestic travel options.
Travel Habits and Spending Power
The Expedia survey revealed that LGBTQ+ travelers are among the most active and invested vacationers in the U.S. Some key insights include:
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LGBTQ+ travelers take at least three trips annually, with an average annual spend of $3,775.
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Nearly one-third spend over $5,000 annually on travel.
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West Coast travelers spend the most on average ($4,098), followed by the Northeast ($4,031).
Luxury and comfort are top priorities, with nearly half of respondents preferring 4-star accommodations, and over a third choosing 5-star stays.
Travel Preferences: Chosen Family, Food, and Flexibility
Summer travel plans are as diverse as the community itself:
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66% of LGBTQ+ travelers plan to take a beach vacation this summer.
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49% are planning a road trip, a more popular option than city breaks or spa stays.
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LGBTQ+ travelers are just as likely to travel with chosen family as with immediate relatives.
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50% plan couples’ getaways, while 20% often travel with their parents.
When it comes to activities, LGBTQ+ travelers are foodies first, with 41% prioritizing restaurants and bars, followed by shopping (36%) and LGBTQ+ nightlife (31%). Sports ranked lowest at 12%, showing a preference for culture and connection over competition.
Safety and Inclusivity Remain Crucial
Safety is a primary concern, with 39% of LGBTQ+ travelers stating it is a top factor when choosing a destination. More than half rely on word-of-mouth recommendations from within the community to decide where to travel.
Expedia spokesperson Melanie Fish emphasized the importance of inclusion:
“Here’s my number one tip when choosing your destination: check the ‘LGBTQ+ welcoming’ search filter on Expedia to find a hotel that has opted into our Inclusivity Pledge. It ensures a respectful and welcoming experience for all.”
Expedia’s LGBTQ+ Welcoming filter has seen a 155% increase in usage year-over-year, and over 40,000 hotels worldwide have signed on to the Inclusivity Pledge. These properties commit to zero tolerance for hate or discrimination and provide staff training in gender inclusivity, pronoun usage, and queer-friendly recommendations.
Pride Season Travel
With Pride events ramping up, 60% of LGBTQ+ Americans plan to attend a Pride celebration this year. Three in four will travel outside of their hometown to do so:
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47% plan to attend with friends
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15% will attend solo
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9% are bringing a parent
This reflects how Pride is evolving into not only a celebration but a meaningful opportunity for connection and family inclusion.
Smart Travel Tips for LGBTQ+ Summer Travelers
Expedia has also provided several travel hacks for LGBTQ+ vacationers to save money and avoid crowds:
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Best Days to Fly (Domestically): August 19 and 25
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Best Days to Fly (Internationally): August 18 and 23
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Most Expensive Day: June 27
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Quietest Days to Travel: August 25 and 26
To maximize value:
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Use Price Tracking on the Expedia app for alerts on flight price drops.
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Enable Price Drop Protection to automatically receive a refund if fares fall after booking.
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Book through the app to access Flight Deals with savings of at least 20%.
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Morning flights are less prone to cancellations—depart before 3 p.m. when possible.
Whether you’re headed to a legendary LGBTQ+ beach like Puerto Vallarta, exploring a rising star like Gran Canaria, or discovering queer-friendly cuisine in Tokyo, 2025 is the year to blend nostalgia with adventure.
And no matter where your summer takes you, Expedia’s latest insights show that LGBTQ+ travelers aren’t just planning a vacation—they’re planning experiences full of visibility, joy, and chosen family.
