Research Reveals The Insecurities Of LGBTQ+ Families When Travelling

In numerous countries, millennials are leading the way in embracing queer family travel. As LGBTQ+ families embark on their first multi-generational trip, Booking.com’s latest Travel Proud research uncovers the growing awareness and acceptance among LGBTQ+ families that their identity will shape their trip experience. Here are highlights from the research.

Navigating Boundaries

While progress is being made in many countries, LGBTQ+ families still face travel constraints. When planning their travels, LGBTQ+ individuals carefully consider constraints, concerns, and decisions that shape their destination choices. For LGBTQ+ parents, finding and booking a destination comes with particular concerns. Research has revealed that 60 per cent of this group feel that their LGBTQ+ identity significantly influences their vacation research and destination choices. Furthermore, an overwhelming 78 per cent of travellers prioritise investigating how LGBTQ+ family-friendly a destination is before making their travel decisions. An overwhelming 87 per cent of LGBTQ+ parents believe that certain popular destinations are off limits to them due to their or another family member's LGBTQ+ identity. As a result, 72 per cent of them have had to revise their travel wish lists, feeling that their LGBTQ+ identity has negatively impacted their bucket list.

Adapting For Safety

While travelling, LGBTQ+ parents often feel the need to adapt their behaviours due to concerns about their identity once they are away from home. A recent study revealed that 71 per cent of LGBTQ+ parents believe that being LGBTQ+ negatively impacts how they and their family behave when travelling together, and an almost identical number (74 per cent) feel it has a negative impact on how they present themselves. Additionally, 83 per cent of LGBTQ+ parents admit to altering their appearance and behaviour while catching a flight, and a significant 90 per cent go as far as creating alter egos to conceal their identity.

Embracing Inclusivity

Despite the challenges, LGBTQ+ families are noticing improvements in the travel industry. Research indicates that 80 per cent feel more at ease travelling due to the increased inclusivity in the travel sector. Furthermore, 81 per cent of LGBTQ+ individuals feel more confident as travellers. In locations with appropriate legislation safeguarding LGBTQ+ rights, the majority of LGBTQ+ parents feel comfortable throughout their travel experience. Specifically, 83 per cent feel comfortable catching a flight from their home country, 84 per cent feel at ease using public transportation, 87 per cent feel comfortable dining in restaurants away from their accommodations, and 88 per cent feel comfortable going out late with their family.

About The Study

The research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 11,469 LGBTQ+ travellers from 27 countries and territories including: Argentina (201), Australia (606), Belgium (201), Brazil (503), Canada (804), Colombia (302), Croatia (204), Denmark (200), France (1005), Germany (1005), Hong Kong (203), India (403), Israel (204), Italy (603), Japan (402), Mexico (300), Netherlands (504), New Zealand (202), Singapore (202), Spain (402), Sweden (203), Switzerland (200), Taiwan (200), Thailand (202), United Kingdom (1007), United States (1000), Vietnam (201). LGBTQ+ respondents self identified across demographics of sex, gender and sexual orientation. In order to participate in this survey, respondents also had to have travelled for leisure in the past 12 months. The survey was taken online in April and May 2024.