The winter season is coming upon us very quickly, and it’s that time of the year when you start to plan for your winter travels. While there are naturally many countries that you might consider, it might make more sense for you to give LGBTQ-friendly countries higher considerations during your search for options.
One report on the Global Acceptance Index published by the Williams Institute in 2019 took survey data from different countries totaling 174. They scored each of the countries by researchers from the UCLA School of Law. They based the scores on policies and the public beliefs about the LGBTQ people and reported in the GAI report for November 2019. Out of the 174 countries where they collected the survey data:
- There has been an increase in acceptance in 131 countries since 1981.
- There was a decline in 16 countries.
- However, 27 other countries didn’t change their attitude.
Ordinarily, some of the highest-rated countries in the report are ideal for a winter visit. This article by essay help is a compilation of countries with the highest scores in the GAI report and can also boast of warmer temperatures during the winter months in America.
Top LGBTQ-friendly countries
1. Iceland
In 2013, Iceland had the highest score for the friendliest LGBTQ country globally, demoting the Netherlands from the top spot to second place. Apart from this country’s progressive values, it also offers travelers plenty of rare sights such as the dragon-shaped aurora borealis. So, it’s a great idea to travel to Iceland for the winter. Its large geothermal pools, northern lights sights, steamy outdoor spas, among many other things, make it a fascinating place to visit during the winter season.
2. The Netherlands
They published the first round of the GAI rankings in 2003, and the Netherlands dominated the ranking taking up the top spot even in 2008 when they published the second round. However, in the 2013 publication, it fell off top spot, but it has continued to rise steadily with each GAI iteration since then. One thing that you can’t argue against the Netherlands is its forward-thinking and progressive values. According to a study on children’s well-being carried out by UNICEF, it can also be described as a healthy and safe haven for children. During the winter, the Amsterdam light festival also spans across the city walls and provides both indigenes and travelers with some breathtaking moments. There are a thousand and one reasons why you can choose to go to the Netherlands for your winter travel.
3. Norway
There are many positive things to note about Norway. Apart from being considered the country with the best democracy globally, it is also one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries. In recent GAI ratings, Norway has continued to move several spots up the ladder since it was ranked sixth and seventh in 2013 and 2018, respectively. It has now gone past popular countries such as Canada, Spain, and Sweden on the list, all of which remain on the top 10 list of LGBTQ-friendly countries. According to dissertation writers at the US writing service, it is also one of Europe’s leading nations to offer you the best winter getaway experience.
Top LGBTQ-friendly countries that offer warm weather getaways
In case you’re looking to escape the cold of the winter to a country with a warmer temperature during the winter months and is still LGBTQ-friendly. Then it would be best if you considered some of the countries on this list.
1. Uruguay
Although Uruguay’s rank on the GAI report experienced a massive dip from the fourth position in the 2008 report to 14th position in the latest reports, it still experiences an increase in GAI score from 6.6 – 7.6. So, it isn’t that their level of acceptance dropped. No, it increased. The only reason that their ranking dropped that much is because there are now many countries that are becoming more LGBTQ-friendly and got higher scores and ratings than Uruguay. Good news!
While at the 14th position for acceptance, the country is rated first on the list of countries with warm weather conditions during the winter season. There are several locations to enjoy yourself, such as the Punta del Diablo or Punta del Este. You can also take a glimpse of their history at the Punta Ballena or Taller de Casapueblo museums.
2. New Zealand
Since the 2003 ratings, the GAI score of New Zealand (like many other countries) has risen to 7.5 from 5.9, even though it didn’t experience any changes in ranking. It is ranked 15th position by the GAI report, but on the list of warm weather countries during the winter, it is second to Uruguay.
With just a glimpse into the blockbuster Lord of the Rings movie, you’ll have a great idea of the incredible landscape of this country. One of the best places to check out as listed in an assignment writing service is Mount Eden’s, Potters Park. This was a garden whose produce was sold and used to raise some funds for the servicemen’s families. It is today viewed as a public art piece and a playground for children.
3. Puerto Rico
Although Puerto Rico is within the US territory, it is rated differently on the GIA and has a different score from the US. The latest reports have seen the score rise to 7.4 from 5.9, and it is also listed as one of the best places for a quick winter trip. Although Puerto Rico has had its problems with Hurricane Maria and bankruptcy, there’s a recent investment in tourism which is beginning to yield fruits such as in cities like Aguadilla, Isabela, and Rincon.
4. Hawaii
While the US is ranked 21st on the GIA list, its GIA score and rankings have improved in more recent reports from the 2003 report. Several destinations in America are ideal for winter travel, and prime examples are New Orleans and Wilton Manors in South Florida. However, another island bordering the Pacific Ocean is even a more exciting destination during the winter. Oprah Magazine previously listed Hawaii as one of the best destinations for winter travel and tagged winter in Hawaii as “whale-watching season.” It’s hard to argue against any of these. There are a lot of winter views to enjoy in Hawaii. You can hike across the volcanic landscape or view the nesting seabirds at the Haleakala National Park.
Conclusion
Planning a winter getaway shouldn’t be so challenging, especially when you have many options like this. This article contains a list of some of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries that double as the best winter destinations. It would help if you indeed enjoyed yourself in any of the locations.
Author’s Bio
Michael Gorman is a highly skilled freelance writer and proofreader from the UK who currently works at essay writing services UK and bestcustomessay.org, where he provides the best essay writing service. Being interested in everyday development, he writes various blog posts and discovers new aspects of human existence every day.
