Welcome

🌈✈️ Exploring Europe as a Queer Family: A Journey of Joy, Pride, and Belonging

Traveling with family is always an adventure—but for queer families, it’s also an act of visibility and celebration. Whether you’re two dads, two mums, trans parents, nonbinary guardians, or any constellation of love and identity, the world is yours to explore. Here’s a glimpse into how Europe can be a welcoming, affirming playground for queer families. I have wanted to share all our travel experiences as a queer family for a long time. It’s helping other families like ours go to different places in our world and have great experiences no matter what. I have goggled and tried to research queer travel agents, queer travel guides and anything related to queer travel with almost no results. So here we are. Queer family travellers with kids and going to share with you all, how we travel, what we have as accessories and what places and people we have met along the way.

We visited Paris, France in 2023 and I have to say we were there far too long with our teens and we were exhausted after doing four weeks travelling through Italy. I recommend that if your travelling with a couple of teenages definelty do Paris but only a couple of days after you have been to Disneyland. This adventure takes all their energy and it will be far more memorable than roaming Paris with them in which ours did not want to do.

🏳️‍🌈 Why Queer Family Travel Matters

Queer families often have to navigate unique challenges while traveling—from legal recognition to safety concerns—but travel also offers the joy of finding affirming communities, inclusive spaces, and the chance to show children the beauty of difference. Europe, with its blend of progressive values and rich cultural experiences, offers a variety of destinations that embrace queer travelers wholeheartedly. Queer family travel experiences is going to take you with us on our fun times travelling the world but at the same time give you some insights and hopefully helpful tips on travelling the world as a queer family.

I want to pre-warn you right now that we are travelling with teens and yes we are a queer family but we are by no means the type of people or family that need to make a point of being queer or be over the top about being queer. We are simply ourselves and we do not need to announce to the places we stay or visit that we are gay and want you to know this. This is a whole other post that I might do a discussion on, talking about the different types of q peeps in our world – those who are getting on with their lives as they are and those who need acknowledgement everywhere they go so they announce loudly they are gay.

🧳 Tips for Queer Family Travel

📑 Check local laws: Ensure your family unit is legally recognized and protected
🏨 Choose LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations: Look for listings on sites like misterb&b
🧒 Talk to your kids: Explain the cultural differences they may encounter, and celebrate them
👩‍❤️‍👩 Be proud: Be visible for the kids as this makes a difference—for you, your children, and those watching, however be vigilant in knowing the country you are visiting in terms of legal recognition and protection.

🌈🇮🇹 Queer Family Travel: Venice, Italy

Venice is a dreamscape of canals, bridges, and timeless charm—and for queer families, it offers a warm welcome and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re gliding through the lagoon or sharing gelato in a sunlit piazza, Venice is a place where love and family shine. Our children who were teenagers I need to say were not as fussed on Venice as we were. One suffers extreme anxiety and the other motion sickness so boats were hard to travel on and the crowds were full on in some of the hot spots. You can read more about our journey here.. 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ friendly and Venice is generally safe and welcoming to queer families, especially in tourist areas. While there’s no formal gay district, the city has a history of queer culture and hosts LGBTQ+-friendly tours like Gaily Tours. Public displays of affection are common among all couples, though discretion is advised in quieter or conservative areas.

🛶 Two-Island Tour: Murano & Burano

This full-day excursion is both was meant to be scenic and educational. We did a tour to these islands and I have to say the teens did not really enjoy these tours, there was no glass blowing anymore and it more more aimed at selling glass sculptures and items rather than the educational side of glass blowing. Bit disappointing and would not recommend for families with small kids or teens.

🌟 Murano

Famous for glass-blowing—kids love watching artisans at work.
Visit a glass factory and explore the Museo del Vetro.
Easy to reach by vaporetto (water bus) from Venice.

🌈 Burano

Known for its rainbow-colored houses and lace-making tradition.
Great photo ops and a relaxed vibe perfect for families.
Try local seafood risotto at a canal-side trattoria.

Tip: Book a guided tour with an LGBTQ+-friendly operator like Gaily Excursions for a more personalized experience.

🍝 Family-Friendly Places to Eat

Venice has plenty of spots that cater to kids and offer inclusive vibes. Here are some top picks:

Restaurant	Neighborhood	Highlights
Birraria La Corte	San Polo	Pizza in a sunny square—kids can run around safely
Osteria Bancogiro	Rialto	Canal-side dining with cicchetti and seafood
1000 Gourmet Venezia	San Marco	Neapolitan-style pizza with creative toppings
Osteria Alla Bifora	Dorsoduro	Classic Venetian fare in a kid-friendly piazza
Rosticceria Gilson	San Marco	Takeaway meals perfect for picnics or quick bites

Gelato Tip: Head to Gelateria il Doge or Suso Gelatoteca for a sweet treat after sightseeing.

🧒 Queer Family Travel Tips

🛏️ Stay central: Choose LGBTQ+-friendly hotels near San Marco or Dorsoduro.
🧭 Use vaporetto passes: Easy transport for island hopping.
🎭 Explore culture: Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or take a mask-making workshop.
🧃 Pack snacks: Venice restaurants can be slow-paced—great for adults, not always for hungry kids.

🇬🇷 Thira (Santorini): A Queer-Friendly Gem in the Aegean

Thira—also known as Santorini—is the dazzling capital of one of Greece’s most iconic islands. Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the caldera, this whitewashed town offers postcard-perfect views, rich history, and a surprisingly inclusive vibe for queer families. 🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Vibe, While Santorini doesn’t have a dedicated gay district, Thira is welcoming and safe for queer travelers. Pride events and LGBTQ+-friendly tours (like those from Gaily Tours) add visibility and celebration to the island’s charm. While Santorini doesn’t have a dedicated gay district, Thira is welcoming and safe for queer travelers. Public affection is generally accepted, especially in tourist-heavy areas. We felt safe and we had a great time in Santorini.

Tips for Queer Families

🏨 Stay central: Choose accommodations near the caldera for easy access and stunning views.
🧭 Explore by foot: Thira’s winding streets are best enjoyed on foot—bring comfy shoes!
🛥️ Book a volcano cruise: Great for kids and a chance to see Santorini’s geological magic.

Thira is more than a scenic stop—it’s a place where queer families can feel safe, celebrated, and inspired. Whether you’re sipping coffee above the caldera or riding donkeys down to the port, every moment in Thira is a memory waiting to be made.

We queer families deserve joy, rest, and wonder just like anyone else. Traveling through Europe isn’t just about checking destinations off a list—it’s about claiming space, building memories, and sharing your vibrant identities with the world. So pack your pride and let your family journey be as radiant as your love.