The Island Paradise That Embraces All Genders

These queer-affirming neighborhoods are centers of fun and enjoyed by all.

Astrid Taran Senior Special Projects Editor Happy Pride Month! June is a magical, uplifting time for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies—but it's more than just grand parades and raucous parties. For travelers, Pride's greatest value comes from generating awareness around the destinations that are putting in those extra steps to be safe, welcoming, and inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community, and to examine the ways that LGBTQ+ travelers can make their mark on the world by being out, proud, and unabashedly themselves. This month, TripSavvy is celebrating this meaningful month with a collection of new stories centered on the perspectives of LGBTQ+ travelers. From a thought-provoking road trip through Kentucky to an examination of the ways the islands of Tahiti have embraced gender diversity, these stories are sure to excite you, inspire you, and make you reflect on how far we've come—and how much more we can do to ensure that travel is truly for all. On Our Radar To Complete a Bucket List, I Needed to Go Where Queer Travelers Weren't Welcome Kentucky's politics did not embrace me. Would its people be willing to? The 8 Best Gay Villages Around the World These queer-affirming neighborhoods are centers of fun and enjoyed by all. The Island Paradise That Embraces All Genders Many forms of gender identity in French Polynesia predate European contact. Destination of the Day San Francisco The culture of San Francisco is diverse and vibrant, which is all too evident in the city's art, music, and food scenes. Experience a stunning example of the city's architectural force at City Hall or the San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts. Or, learn a thing or two at the California Academy of Sciences. Sightsee on the cable car and stop at Ghirardelli Square for a hot fudge sundae or take a walk along the Embarcadero in search of barking sea lions. This beautifully historic city is bursting with unique things to discover whether you're visiting for the first time or have lived there for years. LGBTQ+ Travel Guide While there have been profound changes to San Francisco's landscape and identity since the turn of the century, it remains a haven for LGBTQ visitors and residents alike—especially its Castro District—and one of the most free-spirited, progressive, and dynamic cities in North America. Whether you're planning a trip for Pride, which takes place on June 25th and 26th, or visiting any other time of year, follow our LGBTQ traveler's guide to SF for the top LGBTQ-friendly attractions, bars and restaurants, and hotels. Where to Eat When it comes to California, foodies can't do much better than in San Francisco. Visitors have the opportunity to experience a wide range of cultures and cuisines on a vacation in this dynamic and spirited city. Grab brunch at a French bistro in the morning, authentic dim sum in Chinatown for lunch, and hit up North Beach for dinner at a classic Italian restaurant. Just as many budget-friendly eateries line the city's streets as world-class fine dining restaurants, so there is truly something for everyone. Where to Stay Like any big city, San Francisco's hotels run the gamut from budget-friendly options to high-luxury accommodations. If you plan on spending most of your time in some of the destination's touristy areas, like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square, choosing a property nearby would be in your best interest. But for those who might want to settle into more of the local mindset in a quiet neighborhood with quaint coffee shops and boutique shops, there are elegant, intimate options that'll help you do just that. With all of that in mind, we've chosen the best places to stay based on service, offerings, aesthetics, price, and location.   Vacation Like a Pro   Tours to Alcatraz are limited, so get yours ahead of time to avoid shelling out big bucks on a more expensive organized tour. Katherine Gallagher Contributing Writer Your Packing List Don't let the moniker "summer" fool you. June through August can be some of San Francisco's coldest months, with the city's renowned fog rolling in and quickly dropping temperatures, making layers a must. While SF has a reputation for fog, it's not unusual for the city to experience hot and sunny weather in the summer. Be sure to pack sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses for times when the UV index soars to 6 or 7. Average humidity isn't all that high compared to other places, but the fog can turn your carefully-smoothed hairstyle into something that looks more like a haystack. If your hair tends to frizz, pack extra products to keep it tamed. Always wear comfortable shoes if you plan on walking. Trending in Travel We Tested the Best Backpack Coolers to Take Anywhere The US Is Ending Its COVID Testing Requirement for International Travel Alaska Airlines Announced a New Flight Pass—and It's Only $49 a Month Get Inspired They say that the Wieliczka Salt Mine is where Krakowians go for healthy lungs, and you'll certainly feel the difference in the air. The sheer size of this UNESCO World Heritage site—1,073 feet deep and 178 miles long—will certainly blow your mind. Descending almost 400 stairs (with an elevator ride back up), you'll explore just two percent of the salt labyrinth, including its four chapels and an underground lake. You'll even be offered a chance to taste the salty walls.   Got Any Tips?   Have a travel tip or feedback on how we can improve? Send us a note at feedback@tripsavvy.com and you may just see it in a future newsletter! 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