If you’re looking to take a vacation sometime soon, then you probably have a checklist of wants. Whether you’re looking for sun, sea, and surf or glam nightlife, there is a perfect gaycation for everyone out there. A trip to one of these awesome locations will have your friends and family super jealous as you strut your stuff in these super-welcoming communities. Indulge in a romantic wine tasting in France or make some new friends at a party in Vancouver. In fact, there are so many inclusive options you’ll have a hard job choosing which one to visit first. 

Guerneville, California

California is well-known for its relaxed and welcoming vibes, but if you’re looking for something a little different from the San Francisco party scene, it’s worth taking the 70-mile road trip to Guerneville. A small town surrounded by stunning places to hike and camp, it’s also the setting for a number of gay bars, chic shops, and hotels and resorts owned by people from the gay community. Spend your days hiking the trails in the sunshine before lounging on Johnson’s Beach and tasting the wines of the region in the evening.   

Loire Valley, France

If it’s culture, history, and art galleries you’re after, then the Loire Valley has everything you could need and more. Located in central France, Loire Valley is a stretch of land surrounding the Loire River. Much of the area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2000 due to its stunning natural beauty, fairy tale castles, and legendary vineyards. Take a day tour here from Paris or opt to stay in one of the luxurious castles to sample the cuisine, taste the wines and take in the elaborate décor.  

Barcelona, Spain 

The beautiful climate, amazing beaches, and exciting nightlife make Barcelona an absolute must for any gaycation. Spend your days soaking up the culture of the famous Gaudí buildings and sampling some of the best tapas in town according to some guides, before heading out for a night on the town. Whether you want to grab a meal, go dancing or try your hand at a few rounds of poker, everything you could want is very near to each other. The casino, clubs, and restaurants are located right behind the beach, so you could check all of the boxes on your going-out wish list in one night! 

Lisbon, Portugal 

Lisbon has everything a gaycation needs – stunning beaches, incredible nightlife, and one of the most welcoming LGBT communities on the planet. To add some serious sass to your gaycation try to coincide your trip with the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in September or the annual gay pride festival Arraial Pride. But don’t worry if you can’t make those events, because the shopping centers of Chiado and Principe Real attract the LGBT crowd like bees to honey. Make new friends on the Meco nudist beach before hitting the nightclubs, or head to Trombeta Bath Spa for a cocktail in a sauna.

Vancouver, Canada 

There are many LGBT-friendly places in the world, but Vancouver really is one of the most liberal places on earth. There is always an LGBT party happening here, so you’ll be spoiled for choice if you want to experience the nightlife in this progressive city. Head to the legendary Unicorn Ball, where guests are expected to attend in full unicorn attire before hurling themselves into the adult-sized ball pit or check out the drag shows at club Showtime which are really worth writing home about.

Astoria, Oregon 

Oregon might not be the first place you think of for a sparkly gaytastic vacation, but it has a super lively LGBT community and a very welcoming atmosphere. Located a short drive from the very popular queer haven of Portland, Astoria is packed with local breweries, rugged coastline, and jaw-dropping scenery. The gay-owned Astoria Coffee House & Bistro is ideal for making new friends and getting a dose of caffeine before hitting the road again. 

So, there you have it, folks! A roundup of some of the best gaycations around! Which one will you be heading on first?