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- Issue #11: How to Travel Off-Grid as a Queer Family (and Still Feel Safe)
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
MAIN FEATURE:
Is Off-Grid Travel Even Possible With Kids?
Inspired by a reader's message
A reader messaged me last week (not an exact quote but broadly):
“We’re a two-dad family with a young son. Sometimes our family want to book resorts or countries that we’d deem unsafe – it’s always a struggle! Any ideas?”
And I remembered from experience planning trips, that’s exactly the kind of trip so many LGBTQ+ families want:
A break from cities
Something adventurous, not chaotic
And above all, ease. The freedom to be yourselves without watching your backs the whole time
Here’s what I’ve learned curating trips for queer families looking to disconnect, without compromising safety or comfort.
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.
Plan the vibe, not just the logistics. Family adventures with freedom, safety, and zero clipboard energy.
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.”
Need help planning a trip like this?
If you want to go off-grid but don’t want the guesswork, email using the form below, we can have a quick chat.
I help LGBTQ+ families and couples plan flexible, inclusive trips that feel like you. Safe, scenic, and utterly group-tour free.

What’s Inspiring Us This Week:
What I’m saying to myself on the regs:
“Travel isn’t always about going far. Sometimes it’s just about finally going as yourself.”
What I’m digging:
The Queer Family Podcast: Real stories and tips from queer parents navigating the world with their kids.
Try This:
TripIt App – Family Travel Planner
A planning lifesaver: keeps everyone’s flights, stays, and plans in one place. Sync with partners, colour-code for chaos control, and feel one step ahead.
Who I’m inspired by:
The new reader that I connected with on Linkedin recently who inspired this post. Thank you!
That’s a Wrap! Here’s how we help:
We plan LGBTQ+ adventure travel for you, saving you the headache
Whether you’re hiking near home or planning a big escape, we got tips!
Got a favourite place you want me to feature? Email me using the form below.
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Until next time,
Go beyond the usual