The most important step that LGBTQ travelers can take during the planning stages to ensure their safety and comfort on a trip is conducting thorough research on their destination. It is important to understand the cultural, legal and security issues that affect the LGBTQ community in the locations you are visiting. You should also consider your own profile and if that destination is right for you, as well as the sort of experience you want to have in your travels. You do not necessarily have to avoid a location, but you will have to be aware of how you conduct yourself based on the laws and cultural climate of the place you plan to visit. 

What are some of the cultural considerations to make when researching your destination? In some countries, identifying as LGBTQ may simply be culturally frowned upon. In more conservative societies, shows of affection considered innocent by Western standards, like touching or holding hands, even between heterosexual couples, may be against cultural and religious practices.

You should not only research the social norms of the place you are visiting, but also the local laws. In some countries, identifying as LGBTQ is illegal. In these locations, LGBTQ individuals can be barred from entering the country entirely or can be subject to detention or legal action if suspected of engaging in or promoting homosexual activity.

When applying for a visa, there are some instances in which a married LGBTQ couple should apply for visas as single individuals rather than as a couple.

The cultural and legal climate should be carefully considered throughout your trip planning, including when booking a hotel or resort. Some circumstances may require a LGBTQ couple to reserve a room with two beds, instead of one, in order to remain discreet or even to avoid legal action, and to bring separate luggage instead of packing belongings in one bag or suitcase.

During your travels, let a trusted contact back home know your general itinerary, including anyone you have planned in advance to meet while on your trip.

Transgender travelers may face additional scrutiny when departing from and arriving at airports and when navigating the cultural and legal landscape of a different country. When considering a destination, know that some countries may refuse entry to individuals whose documented gender does not reflect their presentation. Understand that cultural attitudes toward and laws regarding transgender people in conservative societies may present an unwelcoming and unsafe environment. 

Transgender people must make additional considerations when conducting air travel. Security procedures at airports, such as pat-downs, increased scrutiny from security personnel and body scanners, can be distressing to transgender people, and there are steps that can be taken to be prepared for airport security protocols. Researching the procedures and necessary documentation for airport security in your home country and in your intended destination is important. 

If you are traveling with medication, ensure that your medications are kept together in a separate bag in your carry-on. Keep all medications in their original containers and carry an official note of medical authorization from your doctor.

In general, staying aware of your surroundings, being mindful of the culture, trying not to stand out as a tourist and disclosing as little personal information as possible is the best course of action for anyone traveling in a new place. It is usually better to stay discreet at all times, even in more accepting areas, to avoid drawing attention to yourself. Additionally, in some places homosexuality is perfectly legal and acceptable, but people may still maintain a low profile even in gay-friendly venues due to cultural stigmas. Those societies may require LGBTQ travelers to use discretion and avoid discussing or displaying their orientation.

If you are harassed, remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible and do not escalate by confronting your harasser. If you are being followed, find a busy establishment to enter.