> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Only a third of LGBTQ+ Britons are openly out when travelling, new study finds - URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/only-a-third-of-lgbtq-britons-are-openly-out-when-travelling-new-study-finds/ - Published: 2026-09-22T15:17:02.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-22T15:17:02.000Z - Author: Graham Robson - Tags: News More than one in three LGBTQ+ people in Britain would be willing to conceal their identity in order to visit a bucket-list destination, according to new research highlighting the challenges many still face when travelling abroad. The study, commissioned by travel platform **Booking.com**, found that only 34% of LGBTQ+ British travellers describe themselves as being "out" while travelling, despite 76% saying they are out to close friends. Researchers found that 36% would hide their LGBTQ+ identity if it meant being able to visit a dream destination, while more than a third (37%) say they now take more precautions when travelling than they did a few years ago. The findings suggest concerns around safety and acceptance continue to shape travel decisions for many LGBTQ+ people, particularly transgender travellers. According to the research, trans respondents were the only group more likely to say their anxiety about travel had increased rather than decreased in recent years. ![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/robin-worrall-jd0TaY2xpCg-unsplash.jpg) Unsplash Many LGBTQ+ travellers reported changing their behaviour while abroad, with 46% saying they scan their surroundings before showing affection towards a partner in public. The research also found growing reliance on artificial intelligence as travellers seek information about LGBTQ+ safety and inclusivity. More than a third (36%) said they felt more comfortable asking AI sensitive questions about the local LGBTQ+ scene than speaking to another person, while almost half (48%) had used AI to help plan a trip within the past year. Meanwhile, 42% said they trusted AI to provide impartial and non-judgemental travel advice. Despite the concerns highlighted by the survey, the findings also point to signs of progress. Three quarters (75%) of LGBTQ+ travellers reported at least one positive experience related to their identity while travelling, and 47% said they believe attitudes and acceptance have improved in recent years. Among the positive indicators cited were hospitality staff using correct pronouns, visible Pride symbols, gender-neutral facilities and the presence of LGBTQ+ employees. **Ryan Pearson**, UK Regional Manager at Booking.com, said the findings demonstrated that many LGBTQ+ travellers still do not feel completely comfortable being themselves when travelling. "This year's research reminds us that feeling safe to be yourself while travelling is still not a given for many LGBTQ+ travellers," he said. ![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/kiros-amin-jITJghUv-pU-unsplash-1.jpg) Unsplash "Despite these challenges, nearly two-thirds continue to prioritise trips where they can be completely themselves." The report comes as Booking.com expands its **Travel Proud** programme, which helps users identify accommodation that has undertaken LGBTQ+ inclusivity training. More than 142,000 properties worldwide have now completed the programme, allowing travellers to search for LGBTQ+-friendly accommodation in more than 20,000 cities and destinations. The findings echo wider concerns raised by LGBTQ+ rights groups, which have warned that rising hostility towards LGBTQ+ people in some parts of the world is influencing where people choose to travel and how openly they express their identities while abroad. For many LGBTQ+ travellers, the study suggests, the desire to explore the world is increasingly being balanced against concerns about safety, acceptance and the freedom to be themselves.