LGBTQ+ Travelers Who Hide Their Identity: Insights from Booking.com

Closet-cationers overview

Today Booking.com released its latest Travel Proud Research Report, the company’s most expansive and cross-cutting survey to date, focused exclusively on the attitudes, actions and perceptions of LGBTQ+ travelers. With insights from 13,300 LGBTQ+ travelers across 19 countries, the research highlights the broad range of experiences across different parts of the community.

Important details from the source

• Today Booking.com released its latest Travel Proud Research Report, the company’s most expansive and cross-cutting survey to date, focused exclusively on the attitudes, actions and perceptions of LGBTQ+ travelers.
• With insights from 13,300 LGBTQ+ travelers across 19 countries, the research highlights the broad range of experiences across different parts of the community.
• Trade-offs LGBTQ+ travelers make to experience the world safely.
• A striking finding in this year’s report: the LGBTQ+ travelers who report the fewest negative experiences and who appear to be the most confident - are those who identify as ‘not out’.
• Travelers who are ‘not out’ are the least likely to have had a negative experience related to their sexuality on a trip in the last twelve months (34% compared to 62% of all LGBTQ+ travelers globally, rising to 73% for LGBTQ+ travelers who identify as trans).
• They are also the only group where a majority didn’t report feeling anxious when travelling (53%) compared to 30% globally and just 20% of polyamorous travelers.
• It’s a stark reminder that the "safest" LGBTQ+ travelers are often the ones who are most effectively able to hide parts of who they are.
• The decision to conceal parts of their identity; whether by choice or out of necessity, is sadly a reality shared by the majority of the LGBTQ+ travelers surveyed.
• Only 31% of respondents globally are out when traveling, compared to the 68% who are out to close friends.
• Precautions and anxiety on the rise, particularly for trans travelers.

How to use this guide

Use this guide as a structured discovery starting point. Compare the listed options by travel style, season, location, time available, and practical booking needs before making a final decision.

Best for

• Readers comparing several destinations, places, or ideas in one topic.
• Travellers who want inspiration before narrowing down the final plan.
• Users who need a fast overview before checking detailed offers or local conditions.

Things to check before deciding

• Current prices, availability, opening times, and travel conditions.
• Seasonality, weather, local holidays, and peak demand periods.
• Distance from the main arrival point, accommodation area, or planned route.
• Whether the option matches the traveller’s budget, pace, and expectations.

Frequently asked questions

How should I use Closet-cationers?

Use it to compare options, identify the most relevant ideas, and decide which places or services need deeper research before booking.

Is this guide enough for final planning?

No. A guide is a planning layer. Final planning should include current prices, availability, travel dates, local conditions, and provider terms.

Does 4ME TRAVEL sell these options directly?

4ME TRAVEL provides editorial discovery and may connect readers with relevant partner offers. Final booking, payment, availability, and service conditions are handled by the selected provider.

Conclusion

Closet-cationers is useful as a comparison starting point. The safest approach is to shortlist the most relevant options, then verify current conditions and booking details before making a final choice.