3 Must-Visit Destinations For Older LGBTQ Travellers

Jackie Edwards has put together 3 amazing must-visit destinations - start planning the next vacation today.

The remarkable Mark Twain once said, «Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover». As recently as two decades ago, travel for the LGBTQ community was pretty much limited to a few gay-friendly destinations across the world. Today, the global LGBTQ travel industry is worth more than £167 billion a year and still growing. While a lot of the most popular destinations in the world offer activities for a younger crowd, there are equally as many that are perfectly suited to older travellers.

Terrific Thailand

LGBTQ travellers have always been welcomed to Thailand with open arms, with older tourists typically receiving the respect they deserve. If you’re physically fit and young-at-heart, Bangkok should be near the top of your bucket list of places to visit. There are countless gay bars, clubs, and eateries suitable for a mature traveller, while paying a visit to popular tourist attractions such as The Grand Palace, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Jim Thompson House are all well worth a visit. If Bangkok seems a bit rowdy for your liking, you can opt to visit Phuket instead. The largest Thai island is also the most gay-friendly, and apart from being a tropical paradise, it’s also home to a twice-yearly gay festival that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Captivating Cape Town

Cape Town is, without a doubt, one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. With its beautiful natural scenery, glamorous accommodation, vibrant nightlife, and diverse cultures, South Africa’s Mother City is the perfect holiday destination for older members of the LGBTQ community. If you enjoy spending time on the beach, head on over to Clifton Third Beach, which has become a popular hotspot amongst gay men in particular. Alternatively, spend a day at the exquisite V&A Waterfront, or take a cable car up Table Mountain and experience one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see. Also, be sure to schedule a visit to the De Waterkant area, where you can enjoy a relaxed meal and drinks at a number of top-notch eateries. The chances are, you may fall in love with this beautiful city so much that you decide to put your nest egg to good use, take early retirement, and set up home there.

Tremendous Tel Aviv

The second-largest city in Israel may be famous for its never-ending beach line, but it is also one of the world’s most gay-friendly destinations. Apart from spectacular beaches and an invigorating gay-friendly vibe, Tel-Aviv is also home to countless fantastic museums, impressive architecture, LGBTQ-friendly pubs and restaurants, and friendly, respectful locals. If you’re comfortable in your own skin, you can bask in the sun at the Ga’ash nude beach, or alternatively, relax on the more conservative but equally as beautiful stretch of beach by the Tel Aviv Hilton Hotel.

Traversing the globe is not only exhilarating, but good for the soul as well. As the world becomes more accepting of the LGBTQ community, more travel opportunities become available, especially to senior travellers with the time to explore.