How to Make Friends on the Road as a Queer Woman

Traveling solo as a queer woman is an empowering experience, offering freedom and self-discovery. But it doesn’t mean you have to go it alone the entire time! Making friends while traveling can enrich your journey, help you connect with diverse communities, and leave you with unforgettable memories. For queer women, finding genuine connections often means seeking out safe, inclusive spaces where authenticity and acceptance thrive.

Here’s a guide to making meaningful friendships while exploring the world, with tips on LGBTQ+ meetups, group activities, and safety considerations.

1. Join LGBTQ+ Group Excursions and Tours

Traveling with a group is one of the easiest ways to meet like-minded people while exploring a new destination.

Why Group Tours Work for Queer Women:

• LGBTQ+ focused tours create safe spaces where you can be yourself without fear of judgment.

• Shared experiences, like hiking, city tours, or cooking classes, naturally foster connection.

Top LGBTQ+ Tour Providers:

• Ladies Touch Travel: Offers curated group trips for queer women, ensuring inclusivity and camaraderie.

• Out Adventures: Specializes in LGBTQ+ friendly travel experiences worldwide.

• Contiki Pride Tours: Caters to LGBTQ+ travelers seeking social and cultural adventures.

Pro Tip:

Choose small-group tours to ensure a more intimate setting, making it easier to bond with fellow travelers.

2. Attend LGBTQ+ Meetups and Events

Meetups are a great way to connect with locals and fellow travelers in a welcoming environment.

How to Find Meetups:

• Use Her or Meetup to discover LGBTQ+ events in your destination city.

• Check local LGBTQ+ community centers or social media pages for events like trivia nights, art shows, or Pride celebrations.

Popular LGBTQ+ Meetup Cities:

• Berlin, Germany: Known for its queer art scene and inclusive nightlife.

• Mexico City, Mexico: Offers LGBTQ+ cultural tours, workshops, and social events.

• San Francisco, USA: The Castro district is filled with LGBTQ+ gatherings, from coffee shop meetups to dance parties.

Pro Tip:

Arrive early to events, making it easier to start conversations and connect with other attendees.

3. Stay at LGBTQ+ Friendly Accommodations

Your choice of accommodation can influence your ability to make friends on the road.

Why LGBTQ+ Friendly Stays Matter:

• LGBTQ+ owned and queer-friendly accommodations often host events or social hours, creating natural opportunities to mingle.

• Safe and inclusive spaces allow you to relax and connect without fear of discrimination.

Top Recommendations:

• Misterb&b: Find LGBTQ+ friendly stays and even opt for shared accommodations to meet other travelers.

• Axel Hotels: A chain of queer-friendly hotels known for their vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.

• Hostels: Many hostels cater to diverse travelers and organize group activities like walking tours or pub crawls.

Pro Tip:

Look for accommodations that host communal dinners or happy hours to meet fellow guests.

4. Explore LGBTQ+ Neighborhoods and Cafes

Queer-friendly neighborhoods are cultural hubs where you’re likely to meet locals and travelers alike.

How to Find LGBTQ+ Neighborhoods:

• Use travel guides like Damron or Spartacus to identify LGBTQ+ hotspots.

• Look for rainbow flags or markers outside cafes, bars, or shops—they often signal welcoming spaces.

Must-Visit LGBTQ+ Districts:

• Chueca (Madrid, Spain): A vibrant LGBTQ+ hub filled with bars, restaurants, and boutique shops.

• The Castro (San Francisco, USA): Historic and buzzing with activity.

• Davie Village (Vancouver, Canada): A welcoming space with queer-friendly cafes and public art.

Pro Tip:

Grab a seat at the bar or join communal tables at LGBTQ+ cafes to spark organic conversations.

5. Join LGBTQ+ Online Communities

Social media and online forums make it easier than ever to connect with queer travelers before or during your trip.

Recommended Platforms:

• Facebook Groups: Join groups like “Lesbians Who Travel” to ask for meetups or advice.

• Travel Forums: Use Reddit’s LGBTQ+ travel threads to connect with locals or find group activities.

• HER Social App: Beyond dating, this app helps queer women find meetups and events.

Pro Tip:

Post about your trip plans and interests to see if anyone nearby wants to join an activity or grab coffee.

6. Use Apps for Language and Connection

If you’re traveling to a non-English-speaking country, learning a bit of the local language can help you connect with people.

How Language Apps Help:

• Use apps like Duolingo or Google Translate to learn conversational phrases.

• Show effort in speaking the local language—it often breaks the ice and opens doors to friendships.

Pro Tip:

Ask locals for recommendations in their language—it’s a great way to start a friendly conversation!

7. Volunteer or Take Classes

Volunteering or participating in local workshops allows you to give back while connecting with others.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Volunteer Opportunities:

• Join conservation efforts, teaching programs, or community projects through inclusive organizations.

• Participate in cooking, art, or dance classes that celebrate local culture while fostering connection.

Pro Tip:

Look for queer-friendly organizations or workshops that attract diverse participants.

8. Practice Safe Socializing

While making friends is exciting, always prioritize safety as a solo traveler.

Safety Tips:

• Meet new friends in public places until you feel comfortable.

• Share your location with a trusted contact before heading to a new place.

• Trust your instincts—if a situation doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to leave.

Pro Tip:

Let your accommodation know about your plans, especially if you’re meeting someone new.

9. Embrace Your Authentic Self

The best way to make meaningful connections is to show up as your true self.

Why Authenticity Matters:

• Being open about your identity invites genuine interactions.

• People are often drawn to authenticity, creating deeper, more lasting friendships.

Final Thoughts: Build Connections with Confidence

Making friends on the road as a queer woman is about more than filling your travel itinerary—it’s about building bonds that enrich your journey. By seeking out LGBTQ+ friendly spaces, joining group activities, and staying open to new experiences, you’ll create connections that make your adventures even more memorable.

Ready to Explore and Connect?
Join Ladies Touch Travel’s LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Trips for curated experiences that foster community and connection. Book your next adventure today and discover the joy of traveling with like-minded women!