The number one concern for lesbian, bisexual women, transgender and straight women travelers and their families is staying safe while traveling.
Europe’s attitude toward LGBT people is rapidly changing from country-to-country. Much of that change is due to the European Union’s strict human rights rules – that are inclusive of LGBT rights – that countries need to adhere to when applying to become a part of the union and maintain once they are accepted.
“Most countries in Europe welcome LGBT tourists” says Carlos Kytka, executive director of the Gay European Tourism Association, “but there are a few simple tips to make sure your trip is safe.”
GETA, Europe’s leading LGBT travel organization, which helps connect LGBT and LGBT-friendly hospitality and travel businesses with travelers.
Yet, there are still some things LGBT travelers can do to stay safe while traveling, that’s why the GETA, Europe’s leading LGBT travel organization, launched its “Know Before You Go” campaign today.
GETA’s advice page explains the difference in legal and social attitudes toward homosexuality across Western, Central and Eastern Europe.
GETA’s the top five tips for staying safe and having a great European vacation are:
- Check the legal position of the countries you plan on visiting.
- Remember that legal recognition and social acceptance may not be at the same level, particularly as you travel east.
- Be cautious in the former Soviet Union states where actions that could be construed as being overtly homosexual (i.e. holding hands, kissing in public, and insisting on one queen or king size bed in a hotel) may attract attention of authorities and anti-gay vigilantes.
- This is mostly for our gay boyfriends, but it’s good advice for us girls too. Social media sites are often used for entrapment in some countries, so when using a social media network to meet friends or locals be careful.
- Curb your behavior depending on cities versus the countryside. Cities tend to be more LGBT-friendly than when you are out in the country, so adapt your behavior accordingly.
To check the legal position of European countries, GETA advises using the LGA’s Rainbow Europe Guide.
GETA teamed up with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office to create the queer travel organization’s new LGBT European traveler advice page, which is also incorporated into Britain’s “Know Before You Go” campaign, which provides travel advice to Briton’s traveling abroad.
Planning a European vacation, check out GayWelcome.com for more information about LGBT-friendly European travel Lesbian, bisexual and transgender women travelers.
For more information about GETA, visit GETA-Euope.org.
To book your Sapphic European, contact Heather Cassell at Girls That Roam Travel at Travel Advisors of Los Gatos at 408-354-6531at or .
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