How and Why to Travel During Pride Month

June is National Pride Month. Aside from celebrating in your own home town or city have you ever considered traveling to another city to attend a pride event? Here’s why I think you should expand your pride events and discover a new destination.

Events

Have you seen how many different events there are for Pride Month? Out Traveler has a list here. Clicking on any of these links will show you not only pride parades, but a multitude of events in the city focusing on pride and gay friendly venues. If you’ve ever attended any of these events, you know you’re guaranteed a good time with like-minded people. And if you haven’t. What are you waiting for? It’s a party!

People

And speaking of people, visiting a new city or country during a pride event or weekend guarantees you’re in similar company. Plus, you’ll meet people from all walks of life. You’re almost guaranteed to make new friends.

Entertainment

Pride events are more than just parades these days. Have you seen the entertainment listings? Sara Silverman, Carly Rae Jepsen (LA), George Take, Fergie (NYC), Ty Herndon (Chicago) and Kesha in our home town of San Diego are just a few of the names of entertainers and Grand Marshalls this year. You could also have themed parties or even theme parks at your disposal.

Pride

Gay Pride events are still something to take pride in and not just a reason to party. And while much has been accomplished for LGBT rights, we still have more to achieve. Pride events are a place to celebrate but also a place to reflect, remember and reconnect with who we are.

How

You know all the whys, now let’s talk about the how to travel during pride month. You know you want to go to the events, but how do you choose what hotel or how to get to the events. This is where a qualified travel agent comes in, preferably one who knows the area, knows their way around and knows which hotels are gay-friendly. Travel advisors, and in particular the ones who specialize in LGBT travel, have “been there, done that” to many events and can tell you what to attend and what to skip.

Ever been to a Gay Pride event outside of your hometown? What advice would you give?