7 Warm-Weather Vacation Destinations to Heat Up Your Winter
Pack light because you’re about to embark on a trip to visit warm-weather destinations that are not only LGBTQ+ friendly, but they are also ideal for queer travelers looking for a winter escape from December through February!
It’s that time of year when queer travelers have more than thoughts of sugar plums dancing in their heads. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter brings those bone-chilling temps for some of us, so planning a warm-weather vacation is probably top of mind right now. And for LGBTQ+ travelers, the criterion in choosing the ideal destination is if you can be your authentic self. Of course, it’s always good to do the extra research whenever you travel the world as an LGBTQ+ person.
Vacationer has taken some of the work out of your travel planning process with this list of queer-friendly destinations you should consider packing your bags to visit this winter. From South Florida to Grand Canaria to Thailand, here are a few travel ideas and inspiration to get your winter travel plans started right!
Brazil
On January 1, Brazil will have a new President, Luiz Ignacio Lula, who will oust far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro. So, we’re expecting a positive future for the LGBTQ+ folx there. Brazil has always been a popular tourist destination for queer travelers, specifically Rio de Janeiro. Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon are the neighborhoods where most LGBTQ+ tourists stay. Why? These areas are near the popular gay bars and clubs as well as beaches like Copacabana’s Bolso, normally frequented by gay bears and trans sunbathers; while Ipanema Beach, located to the east of Rua Farme de Amoedo, is another popular beach that attracts an LGBTQ+ crowd. And if you need more reasons to visit Rio in the summer (our winter in the US), we have two: New Year’s Eve on Copacabana Beach in January and the world-renowned Mardi Gras in February. You don’t want to miss out on witnessing these two visual extravaganzas in person!
For LGBTQ+ travelers who identify with the African diaspora, we encourage a visit to Salvador de Bahia, a two-hour flight north of Rio. Salvador de Bahia was Brazil’s first capital from 1549 to 1763, and it was also where slaves were brought to the “New World” (incorrectly defined by colonizers) to work on sugar plantations. All of this explains the undeniable presence of African influence that exists today, especially in Pelourinho and near Porto da Barra Beach, which is a great place to watch the sunset and mingle with the locals on Sunday when music performances and the lively crowd provide a fun, party atmosphere.
If you’re looking for some of the best beaches in Brazil, head south (a 1.5-hour flight south of Rio) to visit Florianopolis or known to locals as “Floripa.” The beaches here are otherworldly. Take the trek from Praia Mole past Bar do Deca to get to the gay nudist beach, Praia da Galleta. Add it to your to-do list, if nothing else, to just see the crystal blue water lapping at the large stretch of white-powered sand found here. A visit to Floripa will make your winter blues fade away.
Alternate LGBTQ+-Friendly Destinations: Bogota, Colombia; Lima, Peru; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay
Canary Islands
You may not know it, but there are popular places in Europe that get a little sun even though most of the continent is located in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s not exactly hot on these Spanish islands located near Morocco; however, temps can be 75-77° F (24-25° C) on sunny days from December to February. Although the water might be chilly, we recommend heading to Tenerife and Gran Canaria if you’re looking for a fun beach getaway in Europe.
In Tenerife, Playa Tejita, Playa Médano, and Los Rusos (found at the end of Playa de las Teresitas, close to Santa Cruz) are some of the best beaches for gay sunbathers, including nudists who prefer no tan lines. For nightlife, the gay clubs and bars are primarily located in Santa Cruz and Playa de Las Americas. Whereas in Gran Canaria, we suggest visiting the southern part, specifically Maspalomas, where Playa del Inglés attracts LGBTQ+ tourists from around the world.
Alternate LGBTQ+-Friendly Destination: Cape Town, South Africa
New Zealand
New Zealand is not only known as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination, but it is a popular set-jetting destination or a popular destination seen in our favorite TV show or movie that inspires us to pack a bag and travel there. In this case, we know there are diehard fans of the Prime Video streaming series Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power. The backdrops for so many of the fictional tale’s scenes are postcard perfect at best – and in real life, New Zealand doesn’t disappoint. It’s hard to explore the island nation in a week, so we recommend a two-week minimum to see both the North and South Islands.
Known for its epic outdoor activities and award-winning wineries, New Zealand’s LGBTQ+ scene is primarily located in its urban centers like Auckland, home to a handful of bars such as the dragtastic Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret, The Eagle Bar, and G.A.Y. Auckland. In other towns like Christchurch, Queenstown, Rotorua, and Wellington, you’d hard pressed to find a lot of queer bars and clubs. But where New Zealand lacks a preponderance of gay nightlife; its picturesque landscapes and breathtaking scenery make up for it. The average temps between December and February range between 68-86°F (20-30°C). January and February are usually the warmest months.
Outside of Auckland, take a ferry to explore Waiheke, home to fantastic wineries, beaches, and an increasing number of designer homes if that’s your thing. Go whitewater rafting down the Rangitata River near Christchurch; take a scenic boat tour of world-renowned Milford Sound, a 3-hour drive away from Queenstown; and immerse yourself in the indigenous Māori culture in Rotorua – an experience that’s sure to warm your spirit.
Alternate LGBTQ+-Friendly Destinations: Australia, French Polynesia, and American Samoa
Oahu, Hawaii
There’s never a bad time to visit the Hawaiian Islands. Although the LGBTQ+ community on Oahu celebrates Pride in October, we’re sure that festive feeling doesn’t stop during the winter months. Honolulu is a bustling metropolitan city, so there’s definitely a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene here with a half dozen bars, including the ultra-popular Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand, friendly neighborhood bar Bacchus Waikiki, and the District, a fun dance club with live performers.
What’s a winter vacay without some time in the sun? On Oahu, there are several beaches to get some much-deserved rest and relaxation. However, if you’re looking for queer sunbathers, we suggest heading to Diamond Head Beach Park, Waikiki’s unofficial nude beach, and Queen’s Beach, a popular gay beach. Explore Oahu’s marine life at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, touted as the best spot for snorkeling. Banzai Pipeline, off Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea (Oahu’s North Shore), is an iconic beach for surfers and spectators. And of course, Waimea Bay is the island’s most famous beach. Honestly, you can’t go wrong in choosing Oahu or another Hawaiian island for your winter retreat.
Alternate LGBTQ+-Friendly Destinations: Maui, The Big Island, Kauai, or any of the islands to be honest
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
For most Americans and Canadians, Puerto Vallarta is the go-to spot for a winter thaw. It probably explains why BeefDip, an annual gay bear event, is held in Puerto Vallarta usually during the last week in January through the first weekend in February. All shapes, sizes, genders, and colors are welcome here! You’ll notice a diverse crowd of tourists as you stroll along El Malecón, the coastal city’s promenade along the beach, and past bustling shops and restaurants.
Mix and mingle with the locals and tourists in the nearby Zona Romántica gayborhood with 20 clubs and bars, including La Noche (known for its Drag performances), Mr. Flamingo (grab a drink and watch the eye candy stroll by), and Industry, a chic, upscale club on the strip. Plan ahead and book your accommodations at 28 LGBTQ+-friendly hotels, resorts, or B&Bs, including the luxurious Almar Resort, the gay and lesbian-frequented Hotel Mercurio, the popular Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea, the top-rated Casa Cupula, and the clothing-optional Villa David B&B. If you want to immerse yourself in old Hollywood nostalgia, stay at Casa Kimberly, the former home of LGBTQ+-ally and actress Liz Taylor.
For the queer and adventurous, you should consider making a trip to Las Caletas Beach Hideaway, approximately a 60 to 90-minute ferry ride south of Puerto Vallarta, for several activities, including Mezcal tasting, a cooking class, a parrots and macaws encounter, kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, and a nature hike. Another fun option near Puerto Vallarta is to go ziplining and ATV riding at Canopy River Park, approximately a 40-minute drive from the city center.
Alternate LGBTQ+-Friendly Destinations: Mexico City, Mérida, San Miguel de Allende, Guadalajara, and Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun)
South Florida
Go where all the snowbirds from the Northeast US head in the winter – South Florida! Fort Lauderdale and Miami are just a few popular queer-friendly destinations to heat up your winter. In Fort Lauderdale, spend your time hanging out on Sebastian Beach, stay at a nearby clothing-optional resort like The Grand Resort & Spa or The Worthington, and enjoy Wilton Manors’ centrally located clubs and bars like Hunters, Gym Sports Bar, The Eagle, and DrYnk Bar and Lounge.
Take the Brightline train to Miami (approximately 20 minutes) or make it your home base for your winter getaway. Go shopping along Lincoln Road and or head to the popular beaches where all the gays are – 12th Street Beach or clothing-optional Haulover Beach. Take a break from the sun and grab a bite to eat while watching drag performances at Palace Bar or the 11th Street Diner, located around the corner from the multi-room dance club, Twist. For the artsy traveler, we recommend a trip to the Wynwood neighborhood in Miami to check out the jaw-dropping street art and streets lined with hip restaurants, bars, and shops.
Alternate LGBTQ+-Friendly Destination: Key West, Tampa, and Orlando
Thailand
We’re excited that Thailand is trying to be more inclusive and engage LGBTQ+ travelers with its new Go Thai Be Free website. With the exception of Taiwan, Thailand is probably one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia, even though public displays of affection aren’t the norm for straight or gay folx.
Chiang Mai, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui are just a few places where LGBTQ+ vacationers can experience and explore the country’s rich culture, delicious food, and indulge in unique local experiences. And yes, the country has its fair share of LGBTQ+ events, parties, and nightlife in queer-friendly neighborhoods, such as Boyztown in Pattaya and Patong’s gay district in Phuket.
From December to mid-February, Thailand’s cool season is usually rain-free, and temps get as high as 86°F (30°C) during the day. If you’re looking for LGBTQ+-friendly luxury accommodations, you may want to consider the eco-friendly Six Senses Yao Noi in Koh Yao Noi; Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas in Khao Lak; the Soneva Kiri in Koh Kood; and The Library in Koh Samui. Your warm-weather getaway awaits you in Thailand!
Alternate LGBTQ+-Friendly Destinations: Bali and Taiwan
