"Your Holiday Time Is Precious So You Don’t Want to Worry About Bigoted People"; An Inside Look at the LGBTQ+ Travel Industry

An Interview with Markus Bidaux, Travel Editor, Photographer & Video Creator at attitude by Adrien Gaubert

After a long lockdown people are longing to go on holiday, what do you advise in terms of safety?

First and foremost, do your research and respect the rules of the land. If you are asked to wear a mask or social distance: just do it. The COVID-19 situation is ever-changing in each and every country so be prepared for your trip to be cancelled or to have to be quarantined when you return home.

Which places do you recommend to go on holiday this summer?

There is nothing wrong with a staycation in your country of residence. But if you are itching to go abroad, I would pick a country with the lowest COVID-19 rates and book private accommodation in the countryside to avoid large crowds.

What have been the challenges for you as a Travel Editor since the pandemic, and how have you managed to overcome them?

Not being able to create new content, but fortunately, we had quite a few travel stories banked before we knew there would be a lockdown. So while our travel section was reduced for several issues to reflect and respect the current situation, we have continued to have a travel section in every issue of Attitude.

Which destinations do you think will be the 'hot' for 2021?

I think people will revert to type and still travel to the destinations they did before the pandemic, assuming there is a vaccine and COVID-19 risk is mitigated. Travel will be big in 2021 as people are desperate for some escapism. A specific destination that will be hot in 2021 for the LGBTQ+ community will be Copenhagen, which will be hosting World Pride and the Gay Games.

Can you please tell us your 5 top LGBTQ+ beach holiday destinations?

-Thailand for its stunning beaches and the warm welcome of LGBTQ+ travellers.

-The Spanish island of Gran Canaria has its own microclimate making it a brilliant destination year-round.

-If you can forgive the pebble beach, Brighton is hard to beat the quintessential British-by-the-seaside charm brought by the pleasure pier, the charming shopping lanes and Victorian palace.

-Brazil! I have never been, but the photos of the men on the beach – need I say more?

-If you can find accommodation on Fire Island in the state of New York then make your way there to discover the summertime gay mecca for New Yorkers and the bleached pine boardwalks are charming as the nearly domesticated deer.

What should LGBTQ+ travellers check when booking a holiday destination?

It always wise to check the laws in relation to LGBTQ rights in any destination because there are still over 70 countries where it is illegal to be LGBTQ. And always book accommodation which is LGBTQ-friendly, especially for B+Bs and smaller hotels so you don’t have an awkward stay.

What are your top tips before you go to a new holiday destination?

We are all looking for different types of escapism while on holiday that vary from relaxation beach breaks to adrenaline-pumping adventure, but we all need to put our heads down at night, so accommodation, even if you don’t plan to spend a lot of time in it, is key. On a recent trip to Venice with my partner and my parents, we stayed in a hotel with the most uncomfortable beds and I wish we had spent a bit more money on the accommodation.

What has been your best experience as a Travel Editor?

The best thing is I am forced out of my comfort zone. I have gone diving with great white sharks off the coast of South Africa, hot air ballooning over Myanmar and taken a flight aboard a teeny-tiny microlight in Oman. These are things I would never have done if I wasn’t trying to get the best story possible.

What has been your worst experience as a Travel Editor?

COVID-19 hit my travel plans hard this year. I had trips to Finland, Brazil, New York and Morocco all cancelled because of the pandemic.

Why do think the LGBTQ+ community needs special advisors for their holidays?

Your holiday time is precious so you don’t want to worry about bigoted people affecting your break whether that is hotel staff or a travel guide. An LGBTQ+ travel agent will understand your concerns better and you will be more comfortable talking to them and what you do and don’t want out of your holiday.