LGBTQ+ TRAVELERS WELCOME
By Jason Jourdan
The crimes of the COVID pandemic are innumerable, resulting in a collective loss of, well, the list is too long! The plague year saw more than 500 Pride events scuttled, postponed, or moved online. As the world begins to turn once more and the dark cloud of the coronavirus break, hope is dawning worldwide in the LGBTQ+ community for a return to travel and live events in 2021.
According to The Washington Blade, this optimism fuels a sharp increase in the number of LGBTQ Americans expected to travel as vaccination numbers rise and governments relax COVID restrictions. This summer, the European Union is permitting vaccinated Americans free travel to member countries. To meet increased demand, multiple airlines have added flights to destination countries, reopening their borders.
A survey of 6,400 LGBTQ people conducted by the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association between March 26-April 9 found 73 percent of respondents are planning a vacation before year’s end. A quarter indicated they made travel reservations within a week of the poll! Travelers who fall under the broad banner of LGBTQ+ are far from monolithic in their choice of destinations or their desire to experience the vibrant cultures, amazing landscapes, and delicious cuisine offered by international travel. However, safety and acceptance are priorities shared by all travelers regardless of their sexuality or gender expression.
The LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges when traveling abroad. The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, IGTLA, provides resources to LGBTQ+ travelers to expand LGBTQ+ tourism globally. They highlight destinations, events, tours, and up-to-date insights into the LGBTQ+ acceptance, laws, and protections in each country. IGTLA also hosts an annual global convention, a networking event for LGBTQ+ tourism professionals to connect gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly travel and tourism suppliers through educational workshops and networking receptions. Gay pride events offer opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community to advocate for rights and equality and pay tribute to the history and activists whose efforts made pride celebrations possible.
Across the globe, 2021 will see the return of pride events like Madrid Pride, World Pride Copenhagen, Tel Aviv Pride, and Amsterdam Pride. Gay travel advisor and hotelier, misterb&b offers LGBTQ+ hospitality at its finest with 310,000 hosts in over 135 countries. They also provide a list of all major gay pride events in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. All scheduled events are dependent on global trends and government restrictions related to COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Americans delay international travel until they are fully vaccinated. The U.S. State Department has a downloadable list of travel tips for LGBTQ+ families.
After the disappointments of Gay Pride 2020, people of every nation, color, and creed are ready to celebrate the progress of a more welcoming world together, in-person, and with pride! LGBQT+ travelers can expect a confident and active Gay Pride 2021 as they book reservations and learn more about available resources for comfort and safety, like the inclusion of travel insurance. Travel insurance can cover costs associated with emergencies, including medical evacuation. Some insurance companies even have products tailored explicitly to LGBTQ+ travelers.
Celebrate pride with the affordable benefit plans of Point Comfort® travel insurance. Travel insurance varies, and revelers should carefully read the terms of the policy to ensure it suits their needs.
An insurance policy won’t mitigate every risk associated with international travel, but it will provide peace of mind. Pride attendees will discover their inner point of comfort with the benefits of Point Comfort® Travel including:
- CCOVID-19 Medical Expense Coverage up to the Policy Maximum
- Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
- Emergency Medical Reunion
- Return of Minor Child
- Emergency Traveler Assistance
Let the pride flags fly with coverage that’s simple, fast, and secure!
CLICK HERE for your FREE quote.
