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Travellers from Europe have been put off visiting the US following new policies from the Trump administration. 

In particular, LGBTQ+ travellers have expressed concerns after Trump’s policy, recognising only two biological sexes, created uncertainty over ‘X’ gender markers on documents. 

It has compounded the growing reluctance to visit the US, where local state laws and public perceptions can already create distressing situations.

Now, the trend is also happening in reverse as LGBTQ+ Americans are increasingly looking to Europe for their holidays instead of domestic destinations. 

Some are even visiting to seek out potential places to relocate to, according to one travel expert. 

LGBTQ+ American travellers look to Europe for safer holidays

Darren Burn, the founder of luxury vacation specialists and LGBTQ+ travel experts Out of Office, is seeing a marked change in where his American clients are booking holidays.  

“In recent months, we’ve seen a significant shift in inquiries from LGBTQ+ American travellers looking to spend more time abroad, particularly in European destinations,” Burn says.

“We believe that now, they’re not only wanting to discover new destinations across the continent and immerse themselves in local culture and experiences, but to seek the sense of safety and inclusivity that many European countries offer.”

The travel expert adds that domestic travel among LGBTQ+ Americans is becoming less frequent, too.

“I would expect that they are concerned about their ability to travel safely within their own country, and are looking to destinations – like Europe – instead,” Burn explains. 

LGBTQ+ Americans increasingly interested in moving to Europe

What’s more, Burn has found that LGBTQ+ travellers aren’t just looking for a break abroad, but are shopping around for destinations where they could potentially live.

“They’ve shared that they are visiting these destinations with the plan to potentially relocate in the future,” he says. 

“As the political climate in the US continues to shift, we believe the LGBTQ+ community is more focused on being in destinations where they feel included and safe.”

Burn says that Spain and Portugal are two destinations in Europe that have proven to be particularly popular among LGBTQ+ travellers seeking European escapes, and those who are thinking about relocation specifically.

In 2022, Spain passed the anti-discrimination Zerolo Law, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment and services. 

This was followed by Law 4/2023, passed in 2023, on the equality of trans people, and to guarantee the rights of LGBTI people.

Portugal has recently taken steps to support the rights of LGBTQ+ people, too. In January 2024, the country brought in a new law that prohibits and criminalises forced practices of sexual conversion of LGBTQ+ people.

Which are the best countries in Europe for LGBTQ+ expats?

Spain and Portugal both make it into expat health insurance expert William Russell’s updated ranking of the best countries worldwide for LGBTQ+ expats, in fourth and ninth place, respectively. 

To determine the top spots, the group analysed various factors, such as the number of LGBTQ+ events, safety, and anti-discrimination scores.

The Netherlands came in first in the ranking. It’s estimated that 14 per cent of the country’s population identifies as LGBTQ+. 

The country receives a safety index score of 1.527 out of five and an anti-discrimination score of 0.81 out of one, indicating that citizens would be friendly and welcoming towards LGBTQ+ expats. The Netherlands also claimed the top spot in 2024’s rankings. 

Belgium came in second. Discrimination against minorities is rare in Belgium, hence its anti-discrimination score of 0.79 out of one. The country also has an admirable safety index score of 1.510 out of five.