How to Make Friends on the Road as a Queer Woman
Traveling solo as a queer woman doesn’t mean traveling alone! Learn how to make friends on the road with tips for LGBTQ+ meetups, group tours, and queer-friendly accommodations. Create meaningful connections in safe, inclusive spaces while exploring the world.
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!
A Guide to WLW Events Around the World: Connecting Queer Women Locally and Globally
Looking for a way to connect with other queer women locally and globally? Check out our guide to WLW events, including film festivals, social meetups, and gatherings for LGBTQ+ women. Discover how to find community wherever you travel.
Whether you’re a traveler looking to connect with local queer women or simply want to find inclusive spaces at home, WLW (women-loving-women) events offer unique opportunities to meet, socialize, and celebrate. From film screenings and art shows to music festivals and professional networking meetups, there’s no shortage of events for LGBTQ+ women to explore. Here’s our guide to some of the most popular WLW events and how to find local happenings wherever you are.
1. L-Fest – UK and Ibiza
L-Fest is one
Why Go:
Experience a packed lineup of live music, comedy, and workshops.
Enjoy a diverse range of activities in a relaxed, queer-welcoming space.
Perfect for meeting new friends and expanding your community.
When to Attend: L-Fest events usually take place in the summer, with different dates for the UK and Ibiza.
2. Dinah Shore Weekend – Palm Springs, California, USA
Known as the "largest queer women’s event in the world," Dinah Shore Weekend in Palm Springs is a legendary festival drawing WLW from across the globe. With pool parties, live performances, and nightlife events, Dinah Shore combines celebration and community, providing an unforgettable experience for attendees. The event welcomes queer women of all backgrounds, making it a diverse and inclusive sp
Why Go:
Join thousands of WLW for pool parties, concerts, and nightlife events.
Meet LGBTQ+ women from all around the world in a fun, social environment.
Enjoy exclusive performances and celebrity guests.
When to Attend: Dinah Shore takes place each spring, typically in March or April.
3. Velvet Ibiza – Ibiza, Spain
Velvet Ibiza is a WLW festival on the famous party island, offering a luxurious yet inclusive atmosphere for queer women. The event includes beach parties, poolside DJ sets, and sunset dinners, blending Ibiza’s party scene with WLW inclusivity. Velvet Ibiza draws queer women from across Europe and beyond, providing a unique opportunity to connect in a sunny, LGBTQ+ friendly destination.
Why Go:
A chance to enjoy the vibrant party atmosphere of Ibiza in an LGBTQ+ friendly environment.
Relax at poolside events, beach parties, and evening social events.
Perfect for WLW travelers seeking an energetic yet inclusive space.
When to Attend: Velvet Ibiza is usually held in May.
4. Queer Women of Color Film Festival – San Francisco, California, USA
The Queer Women of Color Film Festival (QWOCFF) in San Francisco celebrates the unique perspectives of queer women of color through film. Founded by the Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project (QWOCMAP), the festival showcases films by queer women of color, providing a platform for underrepresented voices in cinema. The event is open to everyone and offers an inclusive space to celebrate diversity, art, and activism.
Why Go:
Discover diverse stories told by queer women of color filmmakers.
Enjoy screenings, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Connect with a community of LGBTQ+ women who value art and activism.
When to Attend: QWOCFF usually takes place in June.
5. Women’s Weekend – Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA
Every October, Provincetown’s Women’s Weekend draws queer women to one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly towns in the US. Women’s Weekend includes comedy shows, live music, and art events, providing a full itinerary of activities in a cozy coastal setting. Provincetown is known for its strong LGBTQ+ community, and Women’s Weekend is one of its most celebrated WLW gatherings.
Why Go:
A great mix of entertainment, from comedy shows to live music.
Enjoy Provincetown’s charming setting with LGBTQ+ friendly spots throughout the town.
Perfect for queer women looking to connect in a relaxed, supportive environment.
When to Attend: Women’s Weekend takes place each October.
6. Queer Women Meetups on Meetup.com – Global
For queer women travelers looking to meet locals, Meetup.com offers WLW events worldwide, from city-specific meetups to themed gatherings. Many cities have active LGBTQ+ groups that host monthly social events, including book clubs, hiking trips, brunches, and art nights. These meetups are ideal for those traveling solo who want to connect with local WLW communities.
Why Go:
Easily find WLW meetups in any city you visit.
Great for casual socializing, making friends, and networking.
A safe way to connect with LGBTQ+ women while traveling.
When to Attend: Events vary by city, so check Meetup.com for schedules.
How to Find More Local WLW Events
If you’re planning to travel or just want to connect with WLW in your hometown, there are a few ways to find events:
Facebook and Instagram: Follow local LGBTQ+ groups or hashtags like #QueerEvents and #WLWMeetup to stay updated on upcoming events.
Eventbrite and Time Out: Both platforms often list LGBTQ+ events, from film screenings and art shows to social mixers.
LGBTQ+ Community Centers: Many cities have LGBTQ+ centers that host regular WLW events, from game nights to wellness workshops.
Final Thoughts: Exploring WLW Events Worldwide
From large festivals to intimate meetups, WLW events offer a way for queer women to gather, celebrate, and build lasting connections. Whether you’re planning to attend a music festival in Ibiza or simply want to find local events in your city, these gatherings provide inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ women can feel at home.
Join Us for More LGBTQ+ Women’s Events and Travel Experiences
Interested in traveling with a group of like-minded queer women? Ladies Touch Travel’s LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Trips offer curated experiences and exclusive opportunities to connect with WLW communities around the globe. Book your spot today and start making unforgettable memories with your new chosen family!