Greece is the birthplace of democracy, the Olympic Games, Western Philosophy and Western theories of tragedy and comedy. It is also ancient, with the capital, Athens, one of the oldest and longest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Greek cuisine is also testament to its rich history with influences dating back to the Ancient Greek Empire, the Romans, Byzantine and Ottomans.Greece has more than 2,000 islands, of which around 170 are populated. The largest is Crete and the most popular are Santorini and Mykonos, particularly with LGBTQ+ travelers in the summer months. As such, there are an abundance of white sandy Mediterranean beaches to discover. Greece is also one of the latest European countries that has announced a reopening of its borders. Visitors are allowed entry into Greece as long as they can provide proof of COVID vaccination or a negative PCR test taken up to 72 hours before arrival.
With over 1200 years of history, Kyoto boasts wonderful historic scenery along with traditional architecture and beautiful nature. The harmony of preserving tradition while continually innovating is a uniquely attractive feature of Kyoto. Kyoto also has 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites for visitors to explore during their trip. It’s not just in the pristine air in the bamboo groves or in the green forests surrounding the city. There is something very serene about Kyoto, deeply embedded in its everyday life. When the time comes to travel again, Kyoto is ready to welcome you with the ultimate hospitality—offering you the best of the city while enhancing your well-being.
May 5 is National Travel Advisor Day and we would like to celebrate this community who is still a vital part of the tourism industry. Travel agents may seem like a thing of the past, but with more options than ever now available, finding a knowledgeable travel advisor is often the most effective way to create an ideal holiday. Travel agents are experts in their fields and can help you plan and book your vacation to ensure you have the best experience possible, including access to special offers, discounts and insider tips not always available to travelers directly. IGLTA has more than 100 members who are travel agents specializing in providing services to the LGBTQ+ community. Whether it's Australia, South Africa, Argentina or even Japan, you can find a specialist that will assist you in arranging a trip customized for your needs. Click below to see a list of all our LGBTQ+ welcoming travel advisors and consultants.
Being aware of the local laws is essential for the safety of LGBTQ+ travellers, particularly when so many countries in Africa criminalise same-sex relationships. In this article, we take a look at the countries that are challenging for those that want to be able to express themselves in public, and those that welcome people of all genders and sexual identities with open arms.
