Most travelers do not worry too much about whether they will be welcomed at traditional travel destinations. Generally, places tourists frequent 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 destination are more welcoming than others.

In Europe for example, Berlin and Prague have long traditions of welcoming gay visitors. Germany and the Czech Republic may be more socially conservative than, say, Sweden, but the capital cities of both have large gay populations and pockets in which gay men can openly hold hands without eliciting so much as a surprised look. Berlin has been open to gay travelers since the early decades of the 20th century, although there was obviously hostility toward sexual minorities during the Nazi era.

Most of Latin America is quite different, although it never suffered the horrors of Nazi oppression of homosexuals. The tradition of machismo is prevalent. Generally gay men should abide by the customs of the local 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, like in Puerto Vallarta and Cancun, the conventions of western Europe are more likely to appear, given the international nature of the temporary population. Mexico City is gay friendly to tourists only in certain areas of the city, despite being much more cosmopolitan in other ways.

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.”

Among the most popular gay vacation spots include Key West, Palm Springs and South Beach (Miami). While they are all warm weather destinations, they have their significant differences.

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.