As LGBTQ+ women, our travel needs often extend beyond the basics. Safety, inclusivity, and comfort are key, and having the right travel tools and essentials can make all the difference. Whether you’re setting off on a solo adventure, joining a group trip, or visiting a new destination, here’s a list of must-have items to ensure you’re prepared, safe, and proud on your journey.

1. Safe Travel Apps for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Safety is always a priority, and certain apps can provide valuable information on local LGBTQ+ friendliness, legal rights, and community events. These apps help queer travelers navigate new destinations with confidence and peace of mind.

Essential Apps:

GeoSure: This app provides LGBTQ+ safety ratings by city, so you can check safety levels before you arrive.
Rainbow Railroad: This nonprofit organization has a mobile app that connects LGBTQ+ travelers to emergency support and provides resources for queer travelers in need.
HER: Known as a popular dating app for queer women, HER also features local LGBTQ+ events, meetups, and community resources.

Close-up of a person using a smartphone with a security app open, symbolizing safety apps for LGBTQ+ travelers.

2. Compact, Pride-Inspired Luggage Tags and Passport Holders

Show your Pride with stylish, LGBTQ+ friendly luggage tags and passport holders. Not only are they great for personalizing your gear, but they also let you connect with other LGBTQ+ travelers. Look for travel accessories that are durable, brightly colored, and easy to spot.

Where to Find:

Etsy: There are plenty of queer-friendly, handmade options from LGBTQ+ artists on Etsy.
Amazon: Many brands offer rainbow-themed tags and holders, perfect for showcasing your identity.

Tip: Pair these with a rainbow travel sticker or pin for extra visibility on your backpack or suitcase.

3. Lightweight, Reusable Toiletries and Travel Bottles

Sustainable travel essentials are a win-win: they reduce waste while helping you feel more organized and eco-conscious. Reusable toiletries, solid shampoo bars, and refillable travel bottles can all help you stay green and efficient.

Top Picks:

Solid Shampoo and Conditioner Bars: These eco-friendly alternatives to liquid shampoos are easy to pack and TSA-friendly. Brands like Ethique and Lush offer options in a variety of scents and formulas.
Refillable Travel Bottles: BPA-free, leak-proof bottles are great for storing lotions and other liquid products, minimizing single-use plastic.
Reusable Makeup Remover Pads: Replace disposable wipes with reusable cloths or cotton rounds, perfect for keeping your skincare routine eco-friendly.

Eco-friendly toiletries and reusable items, including glass bottles, bamboo toothbrushes, and reusable cotton pads, ideal for sustainable travel.

4. An LGBTQ+ Friendly Guidebook or Pocket Phrasebook

Having a guidebook specifically geared toward LGBTQ+ travelers or a pocket phrasebook can make your trip smoother and help you navigate local customs. Many travel books offer LGBTQ+ specific information on neighborhoods, cultural norms, and local LGBTQ+ resources.

Recommended Guides:

Damron Men’s and Women’s Travel Guides: These have been popular in the LGBTQ+ community for decades, covering everything from queer-friendly destinations to LGBTQ+ events and spaces.
Lonely Planet LGBTQ+ Guide: Lonely Planet publishes LGBTQ+ travel resources that highlight inclusive destinations and safe spaces worldwide.
Pocket Phrasebook: Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, especially for destinations where English isn’t widely spoken.

Close-up of hands holding a travel guidebook, representing the use of LGBTQ+ friendly travel guides and phrasebooks.

5. Personal Safety Devices and Discreet Travel Locks

Personal safety is essential, especially when traveling solo or to unfamiliar destinations. Compact safety tools can add an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. Personal alarms and portable door locks are small, discreet, and useful in a variety of situations.

Top Safety Devices:

Portable Door Lock: Lightweight and easy to use, a portable door lock provides added security in hotel rooms or Airbnbs.
Personal Alarm Keychain: This compact alarm is a great option for solo travelers, emitting a loud sound that can draw attention in emergencies.
Portable Safe: Perfect for safeguarding your valuables, a portable safe can be secured to fixed objects in your hotel room.

6. LGBTQ+ Inclusive Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for health and safety during international trips. Some providers now offer LGBTQ+ specific policies that cater to queer travelers’ needs, including coverage for health concerns that may arise from discrimination abroad.

Top LGBTQ+ Friendly Providers:

World Nomads: Known for inclusive coverage, including a variety of activities, World Nomads provides policies that cover health emergencies and cancellations.
Allianz Global Assistance: Allianz offers policies that cover LGBTQ+ travelers, along with options for covering same-sex partners and dependents.

Tip: Double-check the fine print to ensure your travel insurance policy covers all of your specific needs, including LGBTQ+ friendly policies.

7. Comfortable and Convertible Travel Clothing

Packing versatile, comfortable clothing is a must for any traveler. Look for items that are easy to layer, moisture-wicking, and versatile for both day and night activities. Bonus points if they’re from LGBTQ+ or women-owned brands.

Must-Have Clothing Items:

Convertible Travel Pants: Look for pants that zip into shorts for easy adjustment in various climates.
Quick-Dry Shirts and Undergarments: Moisture-wicking fabrics keep you comfortable and dry in warmer climates.
Lightweight Scarf or Wrap: Ideal for extra warmth, modesty in conservative areas, or as a beach cover-up.

Where to Find:

TomboyX: An LGBTQ+ owned clothing brand that offers a variety of comfortable, gender-inclusive options.
Patagonia: Known for its eco-friendly and durable clothing, perfect for travelers with a focus on sustainability.

Flat lay of travel essentials, including a passport, sunglasses, camera, and compass, representing stylish and practical items for queer women travelers.

8. LGBTQ+ Friendly Credit Cards with Travel Perks

Having a travel credit card can be beneficial for everything from booking flights to getting cash-back rewards on travel expenses. Some cards even offer airport lounge access, which provides a more secure and comfortable environment for queer women travelers.

Recommended Cards:

Chase Sapphire Preferred: Offers high rewards on travel and dining, plus comprehensive travel insurance.
American Express Platinum Card: Known for excellent travel perks, including airport lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, and credits toward TSA PreCheck/Global Entry.

Tip: Many of these cards come with travel insurance benefits, which can add peace of mind while on the road.

9. LGBTQ+ Travel Guide Apps and Social Platforms

Finding LGBTQ+ friendly spaces, events, and meetups is easier than ever with dedicated apps and platforms that cater specifically to queer travelers. These apps provide valuable insights into safe places, local LGBTQ+ events, and must-see attractions.

Must-Have Apps:

Spartacus Gay Travel Guide: This app offers information on LGBTQ+ friendly destinations, bars, and events in cities worldwide.
HER App: In addition to being a dating app, HER is useful for finding queer women meetups and local LGBTQ+ friendly spots.
Misterb&b: A short-term rental platform similar to Airbnb, but specifically geared toward LGBTQ+ travelers, with listings that ensure a safe, welcoming stay.

Digital icons representing various smartphone applications, including safety, security, and social apps. Ideal for illustrating essential travel apps for LGBTQ+ travelers.

10. Refillable Water Bottle with Filter

A refillable water bottle with a built-in filter helps you stay hydrated without relying on plastic bottles, which is ideal for sustainable travel. It’s especially useful in countries where the tap water may not be safe to drink.

Top Picks:

GRAYL Geopress Purifier: This bottle filters water from rivers, lakes, or taps, making it a great choice for adventurous travelers.
LifeStraw Go: A popular choice, this bottle has a filter that removes bacteria and parasites, providing safe drinking water wherever you are.

Final Thoughts: Travel Safe, Proud, and Prepared

Traveling as an LGBTQ+ woman is about enjoying new experiences while staying prepared and protected. With these essentials, you’ll have everything you need for a safe, enjoyable, and meaningful adventure. From personal safety devices to reusable toiletries, each item on this list can enhance your travel experience, making it easier to focus on what matters: connecting with new cultures and celebrating your identity in every destination.

Ready for a Safe and Inclusive Adventure?

Ladies Touch Travel offers curated group trips designed specifically for LGBTQ+ women travelers. Explore the world with like-minded women, inclusive accommodations, and expert guides. Book your next journey today!