Unfortunately, yeah there are countries that it is dangerous and/or illegal to be LGBTQ+ in. However, there are many places around the world that are tolerant and happy to accept LGBTQ+ visitors and residences. The important step is to do some quick research when you are planning your travel and to use your own discretion on what is safe enough for you to be comfortable to travel in.

Where anyone wants to travel to is up to them and their discretion. While we can suggest our favorite safe and queer-friendly spots worldwide and inform you of countries that have shown to be more dangerous, it’s still up to you on where you choose to travel. What’s crucial to traveling around and making it back home safely is understanding the cultures you are visiting and what laws and customs they have. Even an understanding that LGBTQ+ PDA isn’t publicly acceptable somewhere could allow you to still travel that place if you wish while maintaining a boundary of no PDA for your safety.

Traveling comfortably is all about looking confident, even if you aren’t. While that is much easier said than done, being confident, or at least acting like you are, can deter others from preying on you. Think how confused tourists are the ones that get pickpocketed more so than confident locals. The key is planning ahead and staying aware of your surroundings. Looking over a map before going out for the day will let you be looking around instead of having your eyes trained to your maps app. Other helpful tips can be traveling with a buddy or befriending a fellow traveler where you are, studying up on the local language so you can read signs and speak with locals, and just going for it. You won’t feel the confidence until you’ve been there and done that, but you got this!

No one wants to expect danger, but it’s good to be informed just in case. If you think you're in a dangerous situation in a foreign country and the local authorities won’t be helpful to you, then your best bet is getting to the nearest embassy. Embassies are most helpful day-to-day for replacements of lost and ruined passports, helping you vote or file taxes while abroad, and issuing legal documents like birth and death certificates. However, they are also the place to offer short-term protection in certain situations. If you’re somewhere where the local authorities could be helpful, start there as they are more equipped to help you quickly, and then reach out to your embassy if need be.