The Art of Staycations: LGBTQ+ Friendly Ways to Explore Your Own City
Who says you have to travel far to experience adventure, relaxation, or romance? A staycation—a vacation where you explore your own city—can be just as exciting as a trip abroad, especially when you curate it with LGBTQ+ friendly experiences in mind. Whether you want to reconnect with your city’s queer culture, indulge in local luxuries, or simply take a break from routine, a staycation can be the perfect way to refresh and recharge.
Here’s how to turn your home base into a vibrant LGBTQ+ getaway with fun, affirming, and community-centered activities.
1. Stay in an LGBTQ+ Friendly Hotel or Airbnb
Sometimes, all you need to feel like you're on vacation is a change of scenery. Even if it's just a few miles from home, booking a stay at an LGBTQ+ friendly hotel or boutique Airbnb can instantly transport you into relaxation mode.
Where to Stay:
Axel Hotels (Global) – This LGBTQ+ hotel chain has locations in queer-friendly cities like Barcelona, Berlin, and Miami.
Kimpton Hotels (USA & International) – Known for their commitment to inclusivity, Kimpton offers stylish stays with a welcoming vibe.
Misterb&b – This Airbnb-style platform is specifically for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for queer-owned or inclusive accommodations.
Pro Tip: Choose a hotel in a different part of your city to experience a new neighborhood, or book a room with a spa, rooftop pool, or scenic view to enhance the getaway feel.
2. Plan a Queer-Themed Foodie Adventure
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in your city is through its culinary scene! From queer-owned cafés to LGBTQ+ wine bars, there are plenty of ways to make your meals feel like a getaway.
Ideas for an LGBTQ+ Foodie Staycation:
Brunch at a Queer-Owned Café – Find a queer-run coffee shop or restaurant and start your day with a delicious meal in an inclusive space.
Wine or Cocktail Tasting – Book a wine or mixology experience at a queer-owned bar or attend an LGBTQ+ themed happy hour.
Progressive Dinner Date – Have each course (appetizer, main, dessert) at a different LGBTQ+ friendly restaurant to make your night extra special.
Pro Tip: Use apps like OpenTable or Resy to discover LGBTQ+ friendly restaurants, or check local queer directories for hidden gems.
3. Indulge in a Self-Care & Wellness Retreat
A staycation is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Ideas for an LGBTQ+ Wellness Staycation:
Book a Spa Day – Find an LGBTQ+-inclusive spa for massages, facials, or even a relaxing soak in a hot tub.
Try a Queer Yoga or Meditation Class – Some studios offer LGBTQ+ friendly yoga sessions designed for queer and trans bodies.
Escape to Nature – Take a solo hike, explore a botanical garden, or visit a nearby beach for a digital detox.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to splurge on a spa day, create your own at home! Light candles, run a bath, and put on your favorite queer podcast for ultimate relaxation.
4. Explore Your City’s LGBTQ+ History & Culture
Even if you’ve lived in your city for years, chances are there’s LGBTQ+ history and culture you haven’t fully explored yet.
Things to Do:
Visit an LGBTQ+ History Exhibit – Museums like The GLBT Historical Society Museum (San Francisco) and The Schwules Museum (Berlin) showcase queer stories and artifacts.
Support a Queer Bookstore – Visit a local LGBTQ+ bookstore like Bluestockings (NYC) or Little Sister’s (Vancouver) to browse literature by queer authors.
Catch a Queer Play or Drag Show – See if your city’s theater scene is hosting an LGBTQ+ play or check out a drag performance for a night of fun.
Pro Tip: Look up LGBTQ+ walking tours or self-guided history tours to learn about queer pioneers from your city’s past.
5. Plan a Themed LGBTQ+ Movie or Game Night
Not every staycation has to be filled with structured activities—sometimes, the best way to unwind is with an at-home queer movie marathon or game night with friends.
Movie Night Must-Sees:
Classic LGBTQ+ Films: Paris is Burning, But I’m a Cheerleader, The Watermelon Woman
Romantic Comedies: Imagine Me & You, Saving Face, The Half of It
Queer Documentaries: Disclosure, A Secret Love, The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson
Game Night Fun:
Queer Trivia Night – Test your knowledge of LGBTQ+ history, pop culture, and icons.
Board Games & Card Games – Try a game like We're Not Really Strangers or For the Girls for deep convos and fun moments.
DIY Drag Night – Challenge your friends to put together a fabulous look from whatever’s in your closet and host an at-home runway show.
Pro Tip: Set the mood by decorating your space with fairy lights, rainbow flags, and cozy pillows to make it feel like a queer-friendly lounge.
6. Treat Yourself to a Luxe Shopping Spree
Use your staycation as an excuse to refresh your wardrobe, discover new queer-owned brands, or shop for self-care essentials.
Staycation Shopping Ideas:
Queer-Owned Fashion Brands: Look for LGBTQ+ designers like TomboyX, Kirrin Finch, or Wildfang.
Bookstore Crawl: Spend an afternoon browsing independent queer-owned bookstores.
Vintage & Thrift Shops: Find unique fashion pieces at secondhand stores in your city.
Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget, create a “window shopping” challenge where you visit high-end boutiques and make a vision board of your future wardrobe goals.
Final Thoughts: Travel Without Leaving Home
A staycation is the perfect way to reconnect with yourself, your city, and your community. Whether you’re planning a weekend of luxury, self-care, or cultural exploration, there are countless LGBTQ+ friendly ways to turn your everyday surroundings into an unforgettable getaway.
Ready to Plan Your Perfect Staycation?
Join Ladies Touch Travel’s LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Trips for even more inspiration on queer-friendly getaways—whether at home or abroad. Book your next adventure today and embrace the art of local exploration!
