Best Tour Companies for LGBTQ Travelers

Out Adventures features a wide selection of themes, trips, and destinations worldwide, from cultural deep dives to active expeditions.

Based in Toronto since 2009, Out Adventures includes LGBTQ holidays, cruises, and outdoorsy adventures. Typically designed for like-minded gay men, itineraries always welcome women and non-binary guests. In fact, in the near future the gay tour company wants to relaunch a new line of tours designed by and for lesbians. Bonus: click on any featured destination on the website to find Quick Facts on each country’s LGBT rights as well as gay bars, villages, and events. 

HE Travel is your go-to for gay hiking trips, rafting adventures, biking tours, and more.

Recipient of an Editor’s Choice award for Adventure Travel from Out & About, HE Travel is renowned for heading off the beaten path. While adrenaline-fueled activities have been the main draw since 1973, you can select your physical activity level, from leisurely and light to more strenuous. Despite its name, this successful business works to provide safe spaces globally for gay men and lesbians while welcoming open-minded family and friends.   

Instead of following regimented itineraries, Detours prides itself on being carefree and easy-going—not your typical tour company.

Founded by two cousins in British Columbia in 2012, Detours is one of the world's leading international gay tour operators. Trip leaders partner with local LGBTQ-friendly guides to create flexible itineraries filled with opportunities for adventure. Each day includes optional activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, ziplining, hiking, or guided biking. Alternatively, you can relax on the beach, join an excursion to local markets, or explore gay nightlife. Although 99% of Detours travelers are gay men in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50's, the company doesn’t discriminate between genders.

This award-winning small-tour operator specializes in independent and luxury gay group travel.

Co-founded in 2002 by Joel Cabrera and Bryan Herb, Zoom Vacations pairs luxury lodging and high-end cuisine, including fine wines, with elevated experiences. Guests are treated like VIPs, as each itinerary is customized based on who books the trips—from chartering a private yacht on the Nile River in Egypt to flying aboard an executive-class Cessna around Tanzania. Flexible itineraries provide options for adventure seekers or more laid-back travelers. Plus, there’s often private access to tour sites on excursions.

In a male-dominant industry, Olivia hosts vacations, LGBT family cruises, and group holidays exclusive to lesbian and LGBTQ+ women. 

This San Francisco–based travel company, launched in 1990 (from Olivia Records) serves travelers  who identify as cis lesbians and queer women as well as non-binary and trans. A variety of cruises, resorts, riverboats, adventure tours, and land packages are available. Create your own private group trip with the assistance of a consultant or choose among several signature vacation programs. Gen O is for guests age 40 and under; OWLS (Older, Wiser, Lesbians) typically draws women 60 and over. 

The first travel company to create vacations for LGBTQ families and their friends.

Established leaders in LGBTQ family travel, R Family Vacations was founded in 2003 by business partners, Kelli Carpenter and Gregg Kaminsky. While children are welcome on most vacations and cruises, some passengers without kids seek the experiences for the non-party atmosphere. In addition, the company offers a travel consultant and concierge service for those who prefer to curate their own personal carefree vacation.

Gay-owned and operated since 2010, with guided private and gay group tours or custom-designed itineraries on the Indian subcontinent and beyond.

Headquartered in New Delhi, Pink Vibgyor arranges LGBTQ solo trips, personal travel packages, and holidays in Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Vacations are planned according to your budget and style, whether it’s culture, adventure, or gastronomy you’re after. The company also plans destination weddings and takes care of logistics like transportation, decorations, costumes, entertainment, and catering. 

Celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ community, this cruise operator has provided gay-focused activities and entertainment since 1985.

Operating out of Los Angeles, RSVP Vacations strives to provide fun and safe vacation environments for gay men and lesbians. Pricing includes on-board accommodations, all meals in the main dining room/buffet, room service, basic beverages, all entertainment, and signature RSVP activities. Half of RSVP guests are single, but only about 10% of passengers are women.