by Mark Chesnut
Last updated: 5:00 PM ET, Mon September 4, 2023
Vacaya Day of the Dead celebration. (Photo Credit: Vacaya)
As the autumn begins to bring cooler temperatures to much of the country, the so-called shoulder season traditionally means that travel slows down. But not so for the LGBTQ+ market, according to multiple travel advisors who are specialists in the market.
“Most of my LGBTQ+ travelers take advantage of lower prices for hotels, airfare and cruise fares,” said Rocky Horan, travel Concierge at Scott & Thomas Travel, an Affluent Traveler Collection affiliate.
“As the majority of my clientele does not have children, they can travel beyond holidays and school breaks, allowing for more flexibility in their travel schedules. My LGBTQ+ travelers also tend to spend more money on experiences and luxury products than their heterosexual counterparts.”
Several destinations and events stand out as popular with LGBTQ+ travelers in the coming months, according to Horan.
“As the weather in the Northern Hemisphere cools, many LGBTQ+ travelers start to think about travel to warmer destinations, looking for sunshine and beaches,” said “The Vacaya Puerto Vallarta resort buyout over Halloween is always popular, combining an all-gay vacation with an extremely LGBTQ+-friendly city offering wonderful beaches, restaurants and activities for all.”
“For gay men, the Atlantis charter cruises are always big — sailing in late October, November and January,” Horan added. “I am increasingly finding that my guests want to travel to new destinations and see more remote corners of the world, looking for something other than beaches as well. For the last two years, Antarctica has been very popular, as my guests look at luxury expeditions to the seventh continent.
"Many opt to spend several days in the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires or drinking wine in Mendoza during the Southern Hemisphere summer before joining a ship to visit Antarctica.”
Men enjoying a Mexican resort. (Photo Credit: Vacaya)
Paige Heard, founder and owner of All Love Travel in Atlanta, also reports strong demand for several types of travel for the coming seasons.
“Caribbean cruises are always trending in the Winter months for our LGBTQ+ clients,” she said.
“Most cruise lines do a good job being inclusive and offering welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ travelers. Cruise lines have a ‘no host’ LGBTQ get-together in one of their venues. This opportunity is a great way singles and couples can meet others in a safe environment.”
Heard said that one eastern European destination in particular is a standout right now. “Croatia is a hot destination for our clients,” she said. “Some are going to visit Croatia as a port of call on their cruise, while others I’ll be sending to Croatia will do it by land. Croatia offers many different experiences for the traveler, from nightlife to UNESCO sites.”
Traveler Types
The LGBTQ+ is a decidedly diverse segment, representing various different traveler demographics — and many advisors find success with specific niches within the segment.
“My LGBTQ+ clients are mostly couples and friend groups looking to explore the world together,” said Horan, noting that some destinations and travel styles are especially popular with these travelers.
“I am finding more friends traveling together to celebrate birthdays to luxury all-inclusive resorts in Mexico than in previous years, with the Yucatan being high on the list of destinations. In addition, several friend groups are traveling on guided expeditions to Antarctica. I have several solo travelers who are also going on cruises due to a number of sales on single supplements. I find these travelers to typically be 60-plus and happy to explore and travel alone and make friendships along the way.”
Travelers enjoying a Mexican resort pool. (Photo Credit: Vacaya)
Paige also enjoys strong sales with specific segments within the LGBTQ+ market. “Our travel agency works with couples more than families or solo travelers,” she said, noting the sales opportunities with this demographic for celebration travel. “Many couples are celebrating a milestone anniversary or birthday.”
Paige notes that even with higher prices brought on by inflation, her clientele are still gung-ho about travel. “LGBTQ travelers choose to travel when their schedules allow it, not specifically choosing to travel because it’s high or low season,” she explained. “I believe our clients choose to travel knowing that they may be paying more than they did a year or two ago. They value their travel experiences and they’re willing to pay for them.”
Horan agrees about the continued appeal of travel, regardless of highest costs. “I’m seeing limited to no effects on LGBTQ+ travelers in terms of inflation and elevated prices,” he said.
“Like most people, my customers saved money during the pandemic and are looking to explore the world and make up for lost time. Being Seattle-based, most of my customers are in tech, and inflation has not really affected their spending."
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