Escaping the Everyday: Why LGBTQ+ Travelers Are Embracing Adults-Only Adventures

The desire for a truly relaxing and enriching vacation is universal, but for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, the appeal of adults-only travel experiences holds a particular resonance. As a new six-part series from USA Today explores, these tailored getaways offer a unique blend of tranquility, adventure, and indulgence, often catering to the specific needs and preferences of the LGBTQ+ community.

For many LGBTQ+ travelers, the choice to opt for adults-only experiences stems from a desire for a travel environment that aligns with their lifestyle. Statistics from the Williams Institute at UCLA show that a significantly smaller percentage of same-sex couples are raising children compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This difference often translates into a preference for vacations that are less focused on family-oriented activities and more attuned to the interests of adults seeking sophisticated entertainment and relaxed atmospheres.

Glenn Troost, a retiree from Palm Springs, highlights the appeal of adults-only settings, regardless of sexual orientation, noting that such environments often allow for more "bawdy and adult-like" entertainment. However, for Troost and his partner, Brett Gilbert, the added dimension of a gay-specific trip elevates the experience to an even more relaxing level.

Troost and Gilbert are seasoned travelers with Brand g, a luxury tour operator specializing in gay-focused vacations. They praise the company for creating an environment where they can unwind, connect with like-minded individuals, and forge new friendships. Gilbert emphasizes the "comfortableness of being with LGBT people" and the freedom to be themselves without fear of judgment or the need to hide their identities. He also commends the exceptional service provided by the staff on Brand g trips.

Brand g’s success is evident in its growing itinerary, with 24 trips in 2024, 25 planned for 2025, and 26 slated for 2026, drawing approximately 2,000 guests in 2024 alone. Troost describes the Brand g community as a "very friendly crowd" comprised of "experienced travelers" who appreciate supporting LGBTQ+ businesses. He expresses concern about the increasing challenges faced by such businesses and underscores the importance of patronizing those that prioritize quality and customer care.

LGBTQ+ vacation packages encompass a wide spectrum of options, from cruises to land-based tours, providing queer travelers with opportunities for escape and self-discovery. According to Jeff Gunvalson, co-owner and co-president of Brand g, the key to a successful gay vacation lies in fostering a strong sense of community. He observes that many Brand g travelers came of age during a different era for the gay community, when gay bars served as central gathering places. These travelers, Gunvalson believes, are drawn to Brand g because it recreates that lost sense of belonging and connection.

Troost and Gilbert’s experiences validate Brand g’s mission, as they consistently form meaningful friendships on their cruises. They appreciate the loyal following that Brand g has cultivated, which allows them to reconnect with old friends on new adventures.

While Brand g is a prominent player in the LGBTQ+ travel market, other tour operators cater to specific niches. Olivia focuses on lesbian and LGBTQ+ women travelers, Detours specializes in adventure travel for gay groups, and Venture Out offers small LGBTQ+ group tours.

The spectrum of gay getaways extends from destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Atlantis cruises, known for their vibrant and sometimes raunchy atmospheres, to more refined and culturally immersive experiences.

For Troost, a highlight of a recent trip was a formal dinner aboard the Britannia, the former royal yacht, during a tour of Scotland, culminating in everyone dressing in kilts. Others find the onboard entertainment particularly appealing. Michael Amend, a veteran of 12 Brand g trips since 2015, recounted a memorable performance by a local group of trans dancers during an India trip.

Brian Van Wey, co-owner and co-president of Brand g, acknowledges that some travelers may have reservations about gay travel due to the outdated stereotype of "a floating bathhouse." He emphasizes that the industry has evolved significantly and that while those types of experiences still exist, they are not representative of the diverse range of options available.

A significant benefit of gay-focused getaways is the built-in social network they provide, especially for solo travelers. Amend, who lost his husband in 2020, finds comfort in seeing familiar faces and connecting with new people during his travels. He appreciates the adults-only aspect of these trips, which creates a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere where he can be himself without feeling the need to explain his situation.

Van Wey notes that Brand g attracts many solo travelers due to its generous single supplement pricing and the fact that its demographic tends to be more outgoing and comfortable socializing independently. He highlights the desire among travelers to meet new people and engage in meaningful conversations, rather than simply sitting with their partners.

Amend, Troost, and Gilbert offer valuable advice for maximizing the enjoyment of an LGBTQ+ trip: be social and connect with fellow travelers. They also emphasize the benefits of traveling with an LGBTQ+ group, even to destinations that may not be overtly LGBTQ+-friendly, provided the trip is planned with careful consideration of local safety and customs.

The article acknowledges the reality that many countries still criminalize same-sex relations, posing potential risks for LGBTQ+ tourists. Travelers are advised to thoroughly research the local climate and assess their personal safety before visiting such destinations. Despite these challenges, travelers emphasize that safe and enriching experiences are still possible.

Amend shares an anecdote about a recurring experience on Brand g trips, where locals in foreign villages often inquire about the whereabouts of their "wives," prompting curious but rarely hostile reactions.

For Van Wey and Gunvalson, queer travel is a two-way street, involving both the experiences that visitors take home and the cultural exchange they bring to the places they visit.

Gunvalson believes that travel offers a powerful opportunity to demonstrate that "gay people are OK" and to dispel misconceptions. He sees it as a chance for LGBTQ+ travelers to share their culture and learn from others, fostering greater understanding and acceptance.

In essence, adults-only LGBTQ+ travel represents more than just a vacation; it’s a chance to connect with a community, explore the world with confidence, and create lasting memories in an environment that celebrates diversity and authenticity.