A new global survey from Booking.com has found that more than two-thirds of queer travelers go back into the closet while on vacation. Booking.com’s Travel Proud Report surveyed 13K LGBTQ+ travelers across 19 countries. According to the report, only 31 percent of respondents worldwide said they are openly queer while traveling.
The survey also found that 40 percent of LGBTQ+ travelers are willing to hide their identities in order to visit a dream or bucket-list destination. Researchers say safety and comfort remain major concerns. More than half of closeted LGBTQ+ travelers surveyed reported feeling less anxious while traveling, compared to 30 percent of LGBTQ+ travelers overall and 20 percent of polyamorous travelers. Despite ongoing concerns, many respondents also shared positive experiences.
Overall, 82 percent of LGBTQ+ travelers said they experienced at least one positive identity-specific moment while vacationing in the past year. However, 58 percent said they also encountered negative treatment during their travels. The findings highlight the continued challenges many queer people face when balancing safety, visibility, and self-expression while exploring the world.
