Most travelers do not do not concern themselves with whether they will be welcomed at traditional travel destinations. Generally, places tourists visit regularly usually want to attract anyone who is willing to pay for the available products or services. However, for sexual minorities, including gay men, some locations range from an absence of an “open arms greeting” to outright hostility. Consequently, some gay travel destinations are more welcoming than others.

In Europe for example, both Berlin and Prague have long traditions of welcoming gay visitors. Germany and the Czech Republic may be more socially conservative than, say, Sweden, the capital cities of both nations have large gay populations and many neighborhoods in which gay men can openly hold hands without experiencing so much as a surprised look. Prague has been gay friendly since even before the fall of the iron curtain, while Berlin has been open to gay travelers since the early decades of the 20th century.

Most of Latin America is a different story. The tradition of machismo is prevalent. Generally gay men should abide by the customs of the community in order to assure their personal safety. Of course sexual minorities are at least as prevalent in Latin America as in any other part of the world, but it is assumed that the minorities will demonstrate considerable discretion. However, in locations that rely economically upon tourists, the conventions of western Europe are more likely to appear. Thus, Cancun welcomes gay vacationers, but Mexico City is gay friendly to tourists only in certain areas of the city, despite being much more cosmopolitan in other ways. Consequently, the same behavior is not considered acceptable across all of Mexico not to mention across all of Latin America.

The United States is definitely a mixed situation. In general, the two coasts are more accepting of gay men than the central portions of the nation. The North is much more welcoming than the old South. Urban areas tend to be more progressive the rural regions. Places frequented by the young are typically most accepting of all; young Americans do not understand what business sexual orientation is of anyone other than the people directly affected. Still there are exceptions to all of those “rules.”

The U.S. has a lot of gay friendly destinations; it’s a very large country. New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Atlanta all attract many gay visitors. A very popular warm weather gay vacation spot is South Beach (part of Miami Beach) on Florida’s “Gold Coast.” Also competing in that category are the lovely community of Palm Springs, California and the quaint island of Key West.

The world is diverse, made up of loving people and bigots. Be safe and increase the enjoyment of your travels by making yourself aware of local laws, customs and culture. After all, learning to adapt is part of the thrill of travel.

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