COMPASS Fall 2022 Digital_MAG_C8_FALL.22 | Page 74

PLANNING A SAFE AND INCLUSIVE

ROMANTIC RETREAT

EXPLORING THE BEST LGBTQ + ROMANCE RESORTS AND DESTINATIONS - BECAUSE TRAVEL IS FOR EVERYONE , NO MATTER WHO THEY LOVE .
WORDS / LOLA MÉNDEZ

Travel is for everyone , no matter who they love . LGBTQ + travelers are interested in romantic vacations , not just destination weddings and honeymoons . We asked travel agents to share how to plan romantic vacations for LGBTQ + clientele , including safety , inclusivity and desired experiences . Nick Rogers of Youtique Experiences summed up the desires of LGBTQ + travelers perfectly : “ We want to celebrate our relationships . Our community isn ’ t only about parties and parades . Having moments to unwind and celebrate love with someone you care for is an essential part of life .”

While same-sex relationships are illegal in at least 70 countries , the travel industry is making strides to be more inclusive of queer travelers . “ Historically , romance travel for the LGBTQ + community has been limited to cruising . Today as more corporations are introducing inclusivity training to their employees , we ’ re seeing an ever-increasing number of resort options for a romantic LGBTQ + vacation ,” says Scott Wismont , president of Rainbow Getaways .
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