I'm a gay travel writer and think these are the 5 safest, most queer-friendly Caribbean travel destinations

Dan KodayFeb 8, 2022, 19:01 IST

As a white, cisgender gay travel writer, the Caribbean is one of my favorite travel destinations.Dan Koday

As a white, cisgender gay travel writer, the Caribbean is one of my favorite travel destinations.
However, local laws make some islands less friendly to the queer community than others.

I'm a white, cisgender gay travel writer. And while my experience could never reflect that of all queer people, I have found the Caribbean to be among the safest and friendliest places for LGBTQIA+ travelers.

The writer considers many places in the Caribbean to be friendly to LGBTQIA+ travelers.Dan Koday for Insider

I'm a white, cisgender gay travel writer. And while my experience could never reflect that of all queer people, I have found the Caribbean to be among the safest and friendliest places for LGBTQIA+ travelers.

I've been to St. Barth a few times, and feel just as safe and comfortable there as I would in a queer-friendly city like New York City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.

The writer on vacation in St. Barth.Dan Koday

I traveled to San Pedro, Belize with my (also gay) best friend, where many people assumed we were a couple and greeted us with huge smiles. This is par for the course in Belize, where service always feels welcoming, genuine, and personal no matter who you are or who you love.

Belize is a top pick for its outstanding beaches and excellent snorkeling and water activities.Dan Koday

I traveled to San Pedro, Belize with my (also gay) best friend, where many people assumed we were a couple and greeted us with huge smiles. This is par for the course in Belize, where service always feels welcoming, genuine, and personal no matter who you are or who you love.

Brightly-hued in color, I was initially drawn to vibrant Cartagena thanks to recommendations from queer friends and I'm glad I did. With a small-town-meets-big-city feel, it was easy to navigate and felt safe.

The walled city of Cartagena's "centro" is a beautiful area to explore, with cobblestone streets and richly painted Colonial-era homes.Dan Koday

Brightly-hued in color, I was initially drawn to vibrant Cartagena thanks to recommendations from queer friends and I'm glad I did. With a small-town-meets-big-city feel, it was easy to navigate and felt safe.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, has the ideal mix of things to do and see. It's clear why LGBTQIA+ travelers like me flock to the island time and time again.

Puerto Rico is a place the writer returns to time and again.Dan Koday

Curaçao's breezy spirit makes LGBTQIA+ travelers like me feel welcome, thanks to a friendly and welcoming culture, catered nightlife, events and accommodations, and a Pride celebration.

Willemstad is a trendy neighborhood that attracts queer visitors and is filled with murals and popular places to eat.Westend61

Curaçao's breezy spirit makes LGBTQIA+ travelers like me feel welcome, thanks to a friendly and welcoming culture, catered nightlife, events and accommodations, and a Pride celebration.

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I'm a gay travel writer and think these are the 5 safest, most queer-friendly Caribbean travel destinations

I'm a white, cisgender gay travel writer. And while my experience could never reflect that of all queer people, I have found the Caribbean to be among the safest and friendliest places for LGBTQIA+ travelers.

I've been to St. Barth a few times, and feel just as safe and comfortable there as I would in a queer-friendly city like New York City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.

I traveled to San Pedro, Belize with my (also gay) best friend, where many people assumed we were a couple and greeted us with huge smiles. This is par for the course in Belize, where service always feels welcoming, genuine, and personal no matter who you are or who you love.

Brightly-hued in color, I was initially drawn to vibrant Cartagena thanks to recommendations from queer friends and I'm glad I did. With a small-town-meets-big-city feel, it was easy to navigate and felt safe.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, has the ideal mix of things to do and see. It's clear why LGBTQIA+ travelers like me flock to the island time and time again.

Curaçao's breezy spirit makes LGBTQIA+ travelers like me feel welcome, thanks to a friendly and welcoming culture, catered nightlife, events and accommodations, and a Pride celebration.