Issue #11: How to Travel Off-Grid as a Queer Family (and Still Feel Safe)

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS ISSUE:

• Why one reader’s message hit home

• A high-impact guide to travelling off-grid as a queer family

• How to balance safety with spontaneity

• This week’s curated links and inspiration

• Tools, links, and quick planning tips

It starts with emotional safety, not just what is legal

Yes, local laws matter. But what you feel on the ground matters more. That means looking for places where diversity isn’t a novelty.

Places where two mums with kids don’t get side-eyed in the bakery.

Some key signs:

• LGBTQ+ visibility (events, cafés, family-friendly spaces)

• A laid-back local vibe (small towns with good rail links often win)

• Reviews from other queer families. Don’t just trust “LGBTQ+ friendly” tags on travel sites

Your base matters more than your bucket list

Travelling with kids means your accommodation is part of the trip.

Look for:

• Cabin stays near national parks (with a grocery store in reach)

• Eco-lodges or glamping with onsite activities

• Family-sized rentals hosted by queer or ally hosts (check MrB&B or vetted Airbnbs)

Evaluate the vibe of the place you’ll return to after a day of adventure. No one wants to come back to accommodation that is not great, but functional.

Plan loosely, but plan well

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that kids need structure. Queer travel needs flexibility. Your job, dad? Marry the two.

Try:

• One “anchoring” activity per day (a hike, beach, bike hire)

• Flexible routes with Plan Bs in case a vibe feels off

• Keep travel days short. No one’s having fun 6 hours into a car journey with snacks and a 90’s r’n’b playlist (OK, the playlist is everything!)

And always check if the local area has safe, public toilets that won’t feel dodgy. It’s a small thing, until it really isn’t.

Navigating family dynamics and planning ahead

Travelling as a queer family often means balancing your desires with those of your extended family.

To navigate this:

• Initiate open conversations about destination choices, highlighting safety concerns and personal comfort levels.

• Involve your children in the planning process to ensure the trip caters to everyone's interests.

• Research together to find destinations that are both exciting and affirming for your family.

Remember, it's okay to set boundaries and prioritize your family's well-being over others' expectations.

Don’t overthink the “what ifs”

Every queer family I’ve spoken to has had the same fear: “What if we stand out?”

Here’s the truth: you probably will. But in the right places, standing out doesn’t mean feeling unsafe. It just means being seen.

And if something doesn’t feel right, bloody leave. Don’t reason your way into discomfort to make a holiday “worth it.”

/