To us, Ammonite is a very important film for the LGBTQ+ community. Written and directed by a queer man named Francis Lee, it tells the very raw story of a romance between two women in the 19th century. A truly layered and beautiful depiction of a queer relationship, it’s one of our favourite LGBTQ+ films that we’ve seen in a long time. We’ve been raving about it ever since we watched it and we have so much to say! Keep reading for a very lesbian review of Ammonite.

Warning! The rest of this review includes spoilers for the film!

Ammonite centres loosely around the story of a real-life palaeontologist from Britain in the 1840s. Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) leads a quiet life in Lyme Regis. She’s a notable fossil collector who lives without a husband, and cares for her elderly mother. Strong, independent, and seemingly quite reserved, Mary appears to be pretty isolated from others. The early scenes of the film are very quiet and slow-moving, with little dialogue. You are transported to seaside England to follow Mary through her daily life. Soon we meet Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan), a young woman whose husband hires Mary to care for her while he is away on his travels. It is his hope that Charlotte can learn about Mary’s work, and have some companionship while she heals from the personal tragedy of losing a child. The two women initially clash, but soon grow into friends and eventually lovers.

Elevation Pictures

The story of the film is quite minute in scope, and is more about the visceral connection between the two women who lead very different lives. At a time when a woman’s role was predominantly limited to bearing children and keeping the home, Ammonite is a fascinating look at gender, relationships, and social classes in the 1800’s. Like queer period pieces that have come before, we examine a time when the struggles of queer people were very different from the struggles our community faces today. We follow the two characters as they navigate a romance and an affair, and watch the raw attraction and physical connection grow between them. While their relationship mostly lives in secrecy because of the taboo around queerness at the time, their chemistry is completely captivating and beautifully captured. There isn’t massive fear around others finding out about them being together, and it’s refreshing that their story isn’t too tumultuous or traumatic. Mary and Charlotte find companionship in one another, when both of them are heavy with loneliness. Charlotte’s husband seems to offer her little affection or support, and we watch her character transform in the company of Mary while she appears to rediscover herself. On the other hand Mary opens herself up and softens in Charlotte’s presence, breaking down her own walls to finally be vulnerable. 

Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan both bring incredible life to these characters. The explicit attention to detail and meticulous nature of every decision made by both them and director Francis Lee, really set this film apart. It’s also a really important example of how non-queer actors can play queer characters on screen and make it work. A big debate in film and television right now centres around this very question, should straight performers be cast in queer roles. In our opinion, this topic is so complicated and nuanced, that there really is no simple answer. Is a straight actor playing a queer role that is a flamboyant caricature of a gay person, full of harmful stereotypes? In that case, no, we don’t think it’s really possible for a straight actor to play that role in a way that isn’t offensive and damaging to the LGBTQ+ community. But in Ammonite, both leads are written by a queer person, and done so with such care. The two powerhouse actors bring incredible performing experience to the roles, and they really bring the women to life in a beautiful way. They are both complicated, layered, humanized characters. Their queerness is played delicately, and in a way that (in our opinion) offers some really wonderful representation for our community on screen.

Elevation Pictures

Some of our favourite scenes in Ammonite, have to be the love scenes between the two women. I don’t think we have ever seen such authentic, honest, realistic, and relatable depictions of queer sex in film. They are truly breathtaking. They are passionate in a very real way, and so incredibly vulnerable. Queer women are so used to seeing “lesbian sex” displayed as graphic, gratuitous, and objectifying. This isn’t. We were really blown away by the film’s stunning inclusion of intimacy, pleasure, and sex in a way that we just never get to see. So impressive!

It also feels important to note that while queer love stories in period pieces are always complicated and never seem to have happy endings, nothing about Ammonite feels incredibly tragic. What comes of Mary and Charlotte’s relationship feels honest and realistic for that time, and the story doesn’t feel riddled with sadness the way we so often see. We felt satisfied with where the film went, including its ending. It feels true to both characters and their innate differences as women. Francis Lee’s style is undoubtedly fitting for the story. Full of quiet, intimate moments, the film comes to life through its characters rather than its plot. We fell in love with his raw, visual style of storytelling; every moment of the film was full of intention. 

Overall, Ammonite is just remarkable. Driven by powerful characters, the film is an examination of the human condition that explores love, loss, femininity, and queerness. We loved it so much, and it makes us really excited for the future of LGBTQ+ representation in film. It’s a great example of why it’s so important that there are opportunities for queer people behind the camera, and it gives us a lot of hope for more positive representation to come. We highly recommend seeing it!

Have any of you watched Ammonite? What did you think? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Film Review of Ammonite appeared first on Lez See the World.

Five North Chocolate

This queer-owned small business does fair-trade snacking chocolate, a perfect stocking stuffer or small gift idea for someone you love! Their plant-based products have organic ingredients, perfect for the chocolate lover in your life. They’re at a great price point and the company is certified fair trade. We’re eyeing the sampler pack!

Pals Socks

This brand is both LGBTQ-owned and woman-owned, and they make super cute socks for both kids and adults! A really fun gift idea for anyone on your list, and they have lots of great patterns to choose from. All of the designs are mismatched pairs and they’re so creative!

Alder New York

This queer-owned brand does skincare and haircare products that are all vegan with clean ingredients! A great gift for the skincare lover on your list, they have a lot of items in a variety of price points. Everything from stocking stuffers to gift sets! A perfect self care present for the holidays.

Nona Vegan

This vegan, queer-owned brand is one of our faves! They do amazing plant-based sauces that have become a staple in our kitchen this year. Their three flavours are super versatile and everything is gluten-free, cruelty-free, and good for you! A perfect gift for the foodie in your life!

Queer Candle Co

This brand is owned by a queer couple, and they make gorgeous soy wax candles with homegrown herbs and dehydrated fruits. Such a wonderful gift idea for the holidays, they have both individual candles and seasonal bundles! There are lots of scents to choose from and everything is handmade. We can’t wait to order one of these for ourselves!

Automic Gold

If you’re looking to buy some beautiful jewelry for someone on your shopping list, check out this queer-owned jewelry brand! All of their pieces are made with reclaimed gold, and they have so many gorgeous designs. A perfect gift for someone special, or if you want to treat yourself over the holidays. They even do custom designs!

Sigil Scent

This one is definitely more of a splurge item, but this queer-owned business does fragrances that are 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. They do four gender-neutral scents that would make a really special gift for someone! Such a beautiful idea for the holidays.

We hope you find this list helpful! Wishing all of you the very best for the holiday season.

Do you have any great queer-owned holiday gift ideas? Leave them in the comments below!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this blog post may be affiliate links. This means that at no additional cost to you, we could make a small commission through your purchase. We only recommend products and services that we truly believe in, and the income generated goes toward creating more content on this website for you to enjoy for free.

The post Queer-Owned Small Businesses – Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Lez See the World.

This has been in the making for many months, and it’s finally time to share it. We are so excited to launch a brand new division of Lez See the World, an online shop! Our small shop will feature limited edition collections of products that are designed and handmade by us here in Vancouver, BC. Our first collection is a set of queer holiday cards and they launch today!

Our 2020 holiday cards feature three LGBTQ+ designs, and use card stock and envelopes made from recycled paper. The cards are available in a limited run and will start shipping on December 1st. Everything is handmade by us, and 5% of each sale will go to an LGBTQ+ organization. Keep scrolling to see the designs!

‘Make the Yuletide Gay’ Holiday Card

’Spreading Holiday Queer’ Holiday Card

‘Lez Be Merry’ Holiday Card

Each card is 4.25 x 5.5 inches with a coloured cutout on the cover. The cards are blank on the inside and come with a blank envelope so you can personalize them! They can be purchased individually, or as a bundle with all three designs. Shipping is available worldwide and they are available starting RIGHT NOW!

Every collection from our shop will celebrate our community, and every product will be made with love by us. We are so excited about these cards and we can’t wait to show you what else we have in store.⁣⁣ We truly hope these cards can bring joy to anyone who needs it.

Thank you so much for reading! We are sending our love to this amazing community, we are so grateful for all your support!!!

The post Announcing the Launch of our Holiday Cards! appeared first on Lez See the World.

San Francisco

At the top of this list needs to be San Francisco. A lively city famous for its amazing LGBTQ+ community, hippie culture, and incredible history, San Fran cannot be missed. As a leader in the gay rights movement and LGBTQ+ activism in the USA, San Francisco has been called the original gay-friendly city. Lesbians will feel right at home with plenty of female centric events, as well as many welcoming venues. Explore the city, see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, eat your way through the Mission District, and party in the Castro. It truly is the ultimate gay city destination in Cali.

Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guide to San Francisco

Palm Springs

Home of the Dinah Shore – the biggest lesbian party in the country (and maybe the world), Palm Springs is another amazing destination for women in California. A great spot for sunbathing and relaxing by the pool in the daytime, and hitting the town in the evenings. There are plenty of hip bars in downtown Palm Springs as well as great gay hotspots in the Arenas District, the local gaybourhood. Check out the mid-century modern architecture that the area is famous for, and soak up some desert heat. Palm Springs is a great California vacation destination for lesbians!

Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guide to Palm Springs

Los Angeles

If you love city destinations, then of course LA needs to go to the top of your list. This huge city has plenty of gay and gay-friendly neighbourhoods like West Hollywood, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Eagle Rock, East Hollywood, and Downtown LA. Of course you can also head out to the beaches and enjoy the sun in Santa Monica and Venice Beach. No matter what vibe you’re looking for or what you’re into, you can find it in LA. It is an incredibly diverse and eclectic city bringing together so many different cultures. Go cafe hopping, enjoy the nightlife, and check out one of the many lesbian parties in the city.

Joshua Tree

A true gem of a destination in California and the most unique on this list, is Joshua Tree. In San Bernardino County, this quiet, artsy little town brings travellers from all over the world to Joshua Tree National Park. A huge protected desert area, the park is easily one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. Hike, camp, or just spend some time exploring, and don’t miss the incredible rock formations and of course the Joshua trees. A perfect destination for adventure travellers, Joshua Tree is a very welcoming place. Lesbian women and female couples will feel right at home here!

Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guide to Joshua Tree

San Diego

Another beautiful city that offers a little bit of everything! San Diego sits on the coast of Southern California and has gorgeous beaches, an impressive craft beer scene, and a welcoming gaybourhood. You can enjoy the laid back beach towns in the North County or explore the lively city, and will definitely find plenty of things to do. Visit Balboa Park, stroll along the Embarcadero, and people watch on a patio in Little Italy. You’re almost guaranteed sunny days and warm weather any time of the year, and there’s even a longstanding lesbian bar you can check out!

Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guide to San Diego

Monterey

Last but certainly not least, is Monterey. On the most incredible stretch of California Coast, this area offers so much natural beauty! Explore the city of Monterey, enjoy the beaches, visit nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea, and do the drive through Big Sur to Bixby Creek Bridge (don’t forget your camera!). This region is one of our favourite places in the whole country. It’s charming, serene, and incredibly welcoming, and we cannot recommend it enough to other lesbian travellers. Don’t miss this beautiful part of California!

Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guide to Monterey

Is anyone else in love with California? Let us know in the comments!

The post Top 6 Lesbian Travel Destinations in California appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Stroll Along Palm Canyon Drive

This main street through downtown Palm Springs is very pedestrian friendly! Be sure to spend some time wandering down Palm Canyon Drive checking out vintage shops, boutiques, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants while you soak up the sun.

Go to the Gaybourhood

The Arenas District is where you will find the heart of gay culture in Palm Springs! Arenas Road is packed full of businesses that are committed to welcoming the LGBTQ+ community with open arms. Come here for queer owned shops and restaurants, gay bars and clubs, and the list goes on. Don’t miss it.

Visit the Moorten Botanical Garden

This small, family owned garden has been around since the 1930’s and is the perfect spot to admire desert plants from around the world. There is a small admission fee as well as guided tours you can book in advance, or you can explore on your own. It’s also a great spot to take photos!

Check out the Palm Springs Art Museum

A great way to spend an afternoon if you want to get out of the heat. Check out the local art museum to see beautiful collections of paintings and sculptures.

Go on an Architecture Tour

Palm Springs is well known for its mid-century modern architecture. Take a drive through town and check out some well known architectural landmarks, and admire the many famous houses in the area!

Take the Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the biggest rotating tram in the world, and offers breathtaking views of the area. Ride the tram two and a half miles through Chino Canyon, up to San Jacinto State Park. At the top there are hiking trails, observation decks, restaurants and a visitor centre/museum.

Check out a Festival

Palm Springs hosts tons of great festivals and events each year like Coachella, the Desert Arts Festival, Modernism Week, Stagecoach, the Palm Springs Film Festival, and Palm Desert Food & Wine. And of course there is the annual Pride festival (more on that below)! Plan your visit around the busy events calendar and be sure to book in advance!

Where to Stay

In Palm Springs you will likely want to be close to the centre of town, which means a hotel is going to be your best option! Most homes and Airbnbs are going to be further out, so it is worth it in our opinion to opt for central hotel accommodations. Palm Springs is FULL of amazing boutique hotels that range from intimate and low-key, to over the top and lavish with incredible amenities. Pretty much any hotel you find will include a pool (a must in Palm Springs), so be ready to relax poolside! Some popular properties include The Parker Palm Springs, Avalon Palm Springs, Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Korakia Pensione, Riviera Palm Springs, and the Saguaro Palm Springs. If you’re looking for a certain vibe be sure to do your research, as some properties will have more of a party atmosphere while others will be quieter and more relaxing. If you don’t have your heart set on a particular property, we recommend looking to book hotel accommodations using a tool like Hotels.com if you’re booking in advance. It’s easy to search within a certain price range, and filter for the amenities that you like. They also have a great reward system – for every ten nights you book, you receive one night free. If you’re looking for great deals on last minute accommodations try Hotel Tonight. Their app is extremely user friendly, and you can find some amazing deals if your plans are flexible. Sign up via our link and receive $30 off your first reservation! Palm Springs does have plenty of gay owned and gay friendly hotel properties, but after looking into them we found that they all advertise specifically to gay men. We would love to see something lesbian owned or marketed specifically to lesbians! For gay women and female same-sex couples, you will likely feel most comfortable booking at a regular hotel that is inclusive and welcoming to women.

Where to Eat & Drink

Palm Springs is a great dining destination, and you will be sure to find some top notch restaurants and eateries to check out during your visit. The food scene continues to evolve and offers everything from romantic bistros to casual daytime healthy cafes. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you should have a pretty easy time finding it in Palm Springs! In the mornings, head to a sidewalk cafe in downtown Palm Springs for breakfast or brunch. Popular breakfast spots include Wilma & Frieda, Trio, Cheeky’s, and Grand Central Palm Springs. If you eat plant-based like us, MidMod Cafe is a great option for vegan brunch! For lunch, head to 4 Saints restaurant in the Kimpton, Wexler’s Deli, the old school classic Sherman’s Deli, or King’s Highway diner. In the evenings, great dinner options include longstanding steakhouse Mr. Lyons, modern Japanese restaurant Sandfish Sushi, farm-to-table Workshop Kitchen & Bar, and mega popular Vietnamese hotspot Rooster and the Pig. Palm Springs also has a thriving happy hour and bar scene, there are plenty of great places to grab a drink while you’re in town! For tropical cocktails head to Bootlegger Tiki, for happy hour beers go to Village Pub, and for cool vintage vibes head to Seymour’s. There are also tons of amazing hotel bars like High Bar at the Kimpton Rowan, Draughtsman at Arrive Palm Springs, El Jefe at The Saguaro Hotel, and the Amigo Room at Ace Hotel & Swim Club. If you’re looking to have a drink in a specifically LGBTQ+ friendly space, check out Blackbook Bar & Kitchen, Retroroom Lounge, and other great gay hotspots in the Arenas District. Enjoy!

Lesbian Friendly

As mentioned, Palm Springs is a very gay friendly travel destination! Similar to other LGBTQ+ travel hotspots much of it is catered toward gay men, but Palm Springs does have a lot of events for lesbian women. Southern California as a whole is very welcoming to the community, and the state is very liberal when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is banned, and same-sex couples have equal legal rights. Palm Springs is definitely very progressive, and we would consider it to be a very safe and inclusive travel destination. The biggest lesbian event in Palm Springs is of course Dinah Shore, which is an annual 5 day party/festival. It’s actually considered one of the largest lesbian events in the USA and the world! Aside from Dinah, Palm Springs Pride (which happens annually each November) also offers a lot of lesbian events including The Dyke March and several lesbian parties. The LGBT Community Centre of the Desert keeps a running list of the many other events and meet ups for women in Palm Springs, you can check that out here. This tourism page also has a lot of great info on events and local community groups! We felt very comfortable being out and open during our visit to Palm Springs, and we saw plenty of other same-sex couples while we were there. If you’re looking to be around the community, definitely head to the gaybourhood – the Arenas District. Here you will find plenty of gay owned businesses, bars, and clubs. You will also find plenty of Pride flags in the windows of businesses all over downtown. It’s so nice to feel welcome and know that a travel destination is inclusive of our community! If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway in Southern California that is lesbian friendly, be sure to add Palm Springs to your list!

How to Get Around

Walk

Downtown Palm Springs is very walkable, and there is plenty to see! We highly recommend walking down Palm Canyon Drive and exploring the rest of the downtown area on foot if you can.

Bike

Palm Springs is a great city to bike in because it’s very flat and has plenty of bike lanes. A lot of the hotels will offer bikes for guests to use during their stay, and there are also a couple of places you can rent bikes in town.

Ride Share

Both Uber and Lyft are available in Palm Springs and are a very convenient way to get around. There should be plenty of drivers available if you need them! If you’ve never used a ride share before, click the links above for discounts on your first rides!

Taxi

If you don’t want to use a ride share app, taxis are also available in Palm Springs. You should have no problem hailing a cab in downtown Palm Springs on weekends, but it may be trickier during the week and in different parts of the city. You can always call and order a car if needed.

Rent a Car

The most convenient way to get around Palm Springs is to rent a car and drive! Having your own vehicle is a great way to get around the city and also gives you the option of exploring other parts of Southern California on the same trip! Palm Springs is only a couple of hours away from LA or San Diego, and less than an hour from Joshua Tree. We rented a car for our trip from Hertz, which is the company we almost always use. They have a great loyalty program that allows us to earn points toward free rentals!

Public Transportation

Palm Springs does have public transport which can be a great affordable option for getting around the city. Check out more information on the Sunline Transit system here.

Is anyone else in love with Palm Springs? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to read our articles for other Southern California destinations like Joshua Tree!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Palm Springs, California appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Explore the Las Vegas Strip

There are endless things to do and see on the strip. Be sure to spend some time walking through the casinos and exploring the incredible artwork and design! There are plenty of free attractions and cool spots to check out. Some of our favourites include the Mirage volcano, the fountains at the Bellagio, the canals at the Venetian, the Linq promenade, and the Park.

Visit the Arts District

Known as 18b, the Las Vegas Arts District is quickly becoming an exciting hub for art and culture. With plenty of galleries, street murals, performance centres, and community spaces, the neighbourhood is definitely worth checking out during your trip. Spend an afternoon exploring great cafes (you’ll find the best coffee in Vegas here), craft breweries, and vintage shops here, as well as cool converted warehouse spaces.

See Some Live Entertainment

Las Vegas has an impressive list of shows in pretty much every genre you can think of! Circus, comedy, burlesque, magic & illusions, musicals, concerts, and more. We always make it a priority to see some live entertainment when we visit, and it’s often one of the highlights of our trip. Our favourite entertainment company Cirque du Soleil has a handful of resident shows in Las Vegas and they are all incredible. If you only choose to see one performance during your visit, make it a Cirque show!

Experience Historic Fremont Street

Located in the downtown core, this is the heart of old Las Vegas. On Fremont street you’ll find original casinos as well as the Fremont Street Experience with light shows, a zipline, and never-ending entertainment. It’s only a short bus or cab ride off the strip, and offers a completely different feel.

Check Out Fremont East

Just past the Fremont Street Experience is the cool Fremont East neighbourhood. This pedestrian-friendly area is more of a local community, and a great spot to support local businesses, bars, and eateries. There is a thriving nightlife scene on Fremont East and it’s a great spot to check out if you want to get away from the busy strip!

Go to the Container Park

One of our favourite spots in Vegas, the downtown container park is a must-see. Built entirely from shipping containers, this open air venue offers retail shops, restaurants, and bars, along with regular entertainment. There’s a great playground along with comfortable courtyards to sit and relax, as well as a stage offering live music events. Check their website to see what’s going on during your visit!

Discover the Neon Museum

If you want to experience some real Vegas nostalgia, spend an afternoon at the Neon Museum. This organization collects and preserves old Las Vegas signs, and exhibits them in cool displays in an outdoor museum. Along with regular admission, they also sometimes hold special events and exhibits!

Take a Day Trip

If you’re looking to get out of the city to see some of Nevada’s natural beauty, there are plenty of incredible day trips that you can take from Las Vegas! Head to the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Zion National Park, the Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, or the Valley of Fire.

Where to Stay

In our opinion, the best spot to stay in Las Vegas is right on the strip! If you want to be in a central location and near the action, definitely opt for a hotel on the strip. There are plenty of options in every price range, and great deals at any time of year. If you’re flying to Las Vegas, always look for flight and hotel packages, as there are always inexpensive bundles if you’re flexible! If you’re flying from Canada, we recommend checking out Air Canada Vacations packages or Westjet Vacations packages, and if you’re coming from another state in the USA or elsewhere, check Expedia. If it’s important to you to stay at a hotel that is specifically LGBTQ+ inclusive, we recommend Paris Las Vegas, Caesar’s Palace, or any other properties in the Caesar’s group including Linq, the Cromwell, Planet Hollywood, Bally’s, the Rio, Harrah’s, or the Flamingo. Caesar’s Entertainment proudly supports the community, has an EQUAL program for their LGBTQ+ employees, are a part of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, support the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and partner with The Trevor Project. On both of our trips together to Vegas we stayed at Paris, because we love supporting businesses that support us! Along with Caesar’s Entertainment, MGM Resorts is another wonderfully inclusive group. They own properties in Las Vegas including the Bellagio, Aria, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, NYNY, the Luxor, and the Excalibur. MGM has been named “one of the best places to work for LGBT equality”, they sponsor the Las Vegas Pride Parade, receive top scores on the Corporate Equality Index, and were a founding partner of the Las Vegas chapter of the Human Rights Campaign. It’s incredible to see these massive companies so committed to equality for our community!

Where to Eat & Drink

One of the absolute best parts of Las Vegas is the food! From casual eats to some of the best fine dining, there is something for every foodie out there. We genuinely planned our days around the food we wanted to eat, because we could hardly narrow down all the places we wanted to check out. If you eat plant-based like us, you’ll be excited to know that Vegas has become incredibly vegan friendly in recent years. It’s now at the top of our list for vegan foodie destinations! The food scene in Vegas is diverse and thriving. With plenty of top chefs specializing in a range of cuisines, you will find plenty of local and international culinary offerings. Our favourite casual spots include Slice of Vegas, a pizza place with an entire vegan section of the menu. Another favourite is Nacho Daddy, a Mexican spot with plenty of great vegan options. Be sure to check out the Linq Promenade for plenty of casual dining, including Yard House, which has great plant-based offerings. For more upscale dining, our favourite spot is The Wynn! They’ve had a vegan chef collaborate with every single restaurant in the resort to create a vegan menu! Even if you don’t have any dietary restrictions, the Wynn still has the most incredible restaurants in our opinion. For brunch, visit Jardin, Terrace Pointe Cafe, or Tableau. For Asian cuisine, don’t miss Mizumi, Wing Lei, Wazuzu, or Red 8 (they have vegan dim sum!). Or for Italian food, check out Sinatra, Lakeside, Costa di Mare, or Cipriani. Outside the Wynn, another favourite of ours is Sushi Samba, which is located in the Venetian/Palazzo. Come here for Japanese, Brazilian, Peruvian fusion. If you’re heading off the strip, be sure to try Tacotarian in the arts district, and if you go downtown, check out Vegenation. You’ll also find plenty of great casual eateries at the downtown Container Park! For drinks, there is no shortage of great spots in Vegas. If you’re into craft beer, be sure to check out the breweries in the arts district like Hop Nuts Brewing, Crafthaus Brewing, and Able Baker Brewing. For the best cocktails go to Commonwealth, or Velveteen Rabbit in downtown LV, or The Chandelier, The Dorsey, or Rosina, on the strip. Enjoy!

Lesbian Friendly

The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in the state of Nevada are some of the best in the US. Same-sex marriage has been recognized since 2014, and LGBTQ+ people are fully protected from discrimination. The city of Las Vegas has become incredibly welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers in recent years, and we experienced a notable difference in our comfort and safety on our recent trip in 2020. We would definitely consider Las Vegas to be a lesbian friendly destination to visit, and encourage other lesbian women and female same-sex couples to add it to their travel list! We felt very comfortable being out and open on our most recent visit, and saw other same-sex couples being open too. It felt like there has been a lot of positive change happening in the city since we last visited together in 2011. If you’re looking for local gay culture in Vegas, be sure to check out one of the LGBTQ+ events that the city holds like Clexacon (a convention for LGBTQ+ women and allies), Temptation Sundays (a weekly gay pool party at the Luxor between May and September), Ribbon of Life (an annual talent showcase benefiting HIV/Aids organizations), and of course the biggest event Las Vegas Pride! Every October the city hosts festivals, parades, and parties for the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride organization also hosts other events throughout the year. In the downtown area, Las Vegas also has an LGBTQ+ centre that hosts events and offers public services to the local community. On the strip, you can check out drag brunch at Señor Frogs, and off the strip you can check out gay bars/clubs Piranha, Freezone, and Flex. As you can see, Las Vegas has become a very welcoming city for LGBTQ+ travellers. On our recent trip we had zero issues showing affection in public, holding hands in the street, or taking couples photos together. We saw other same-sex couples doing the same! We also saw plenty of Pride flags in the windows of businesses, and indicators that the city welcomes us. It felt so good to spend time in a destination that is inclusive of our community, and where we felt safe being ourselves. If you’re looking for a fun getaway in a lesbian friendly city, be sure to add Las Vegas to your list!

How to Get Around

Walk

We always do so much walking when we’re in Vegas! Walking through the hotels and casinos on the strip is part of the fun, but keep in mind that things are a lot more spread out than they look. If you’re in a hurry or need to go a further distance, you may want to opt for a taxi or rideshare instead. If you’re headed downtown or to the arts district, these areas are very walkable once you’re there.

Rideshare

Both Lyft and Uber ride share companies are available in Las Vegas and are the most convenient way to get around in our opinion! We took plenty of Ubers and Lyfts during our stay to get around the strip and also out to the arts district and downtown. The hotels and casinos all have designated pick up areas, so be sure to follow the signs and the instructions in the app to find your driver.

Taxi

If you don’t want to use a ride share app, taxis are always available in Vegas. While they aren’t technically allowed to pull over on the strip, you can always get a car from a taxi stand at the resorts and attractions.

Public Transportation

Vegas has options for public transport that include bus routes, as well as a monorail. These can be a good affordable option for getting around on and off the strip. There’s more information here!

Is anyone else in love with Las Vegas? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Las Vegas, Nevada appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Explore Casco Viejo

Visiting Panama City’s old town is definitely a must-do. The historic district offers many interesting sights including beautiful churches and cathedrals, the residence of the Panamanian President, as well as plazas, museums, and historical landmarks. It’s worth wandering around to admire the architecture, and discover the many wonderful cafes and restaurants in the area. We also recommend heading down to the waterfront to enjoy lovely views of downtown Panama City. Don’t miss wonderful Casco Viejo!

See the Panama Canal

When visiting Panama, seeing the Panama Canal needs to be on your list. About 15 minutes outside Panama City are the Miraflores Locks, where you can see the canal up close! There is a visitor centre with exhibits explaining the fascinating history of the canal, as well as observation decks where you can watch the ships passing through the locks. There is a $20USD admission fee, but it’s well worth it to see the famous canal in action. It’s easy to take a taxi or an Uber here from the city.

Visit the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

Located in the Soberania National Park, the Panamanian Rainforest is a tropical ecosystem of more than fifty thousand acres, and home to some incredible wildlife. It sits at the meeting of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, allowing for some truly unique experiences. There are beautiful accommodations on the reserve, or you can opt for a day trip from Panama City, with plenty of time to do tours of the rainforest, the canal, and the incredible animal sanctuaries. This was a huge highlight of our trip and we highly recommend it! Read more about the Gamboa Reserve here.

Enjoy the San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands (also known as Guna Yala), are an archipelago made up of more than 350 islands off the Caribbean Coast of Panama. They are home to indigenous Panamanians known as the Guna people, and the islands remain mostly untouched. They are very remote and secluded, and it is quite a journey to get to them from Panama City. However, it is doable and entirely worth it! There are several tour companies that offer day tours, or you can opt for an Airbnb Experience like we did. It’s a full day of swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the islands, and it is truly unforgettable.

Discover More Islands

While the San Blas Islands are well known for being a bucket list destination in Panama, there are other beautiful islands off the Pacific Coast that are much easier to get to. With easy ferry service from Panama City, you can explore Taboga, Contadora, Saboga, and more. Some of these islands are more developed than others, but all of them offer a wonderful break from the city!

Where to Stay

In our opinion, the best spot to stay in Panama City is definitely in historic Case Viejo! In the heart of the old town you will find plenty of accommodation options including boutique hotels and Airbnb apartments. It’s a very charming area, and is central to many of the main sights in the city. It’s a great spot to be close to the action, and can also be quite lively! Expect it to be busy with lots of locals and other travellers. There are also plenty of accommodation options in the downtown area of Panama City, such as the Obarrio and El Cangrejo neighbourhoods. Here you will find more luxury and upscale options, as well as many reputable hotel chains. This area is the financial district of the city, and it has a vibrant nightlife scene and is busy with tourists. If you’re looking to book hotel accommodations in these areas, our favourite tool is Hotels.com. It’s easy to search within a certain price range, and filter for the amenities that you like. They also have a great reward system – for every ten nights you book, you receive one night free. The other option for accommodations in Panama City is Airbnb. There are listings all over the city, including some in the historic old town. We opted to stay in the heart of Case Viejo, in an Airbnb apartment right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. It was walking distance to all of the sights we wanted to see in the city, and it was a convenient spot for all of the day trips we did. If you enjoy using Airbnb like we do, it’s definitely worth taking a look to see what’s available! If you’ve never used Airbnb before, click here to set up a profile and save on your first stay!

Where to Eat & Drink

Panama City has a diverse food scene offering plenty of local and international cuisines. With everything from street food to fine dining, there are plenty of options to satisfy any traveller! We found some really great cafes and restaurants in the Casco Viejo area. Our favourite was Mahalo, a casual eatery that was started by two Canadian sisters, and they just recently opened a second location. Both offer a vegan-friendly, but well-rounded menu, as well as a cozy patio. Also in Casco Viejo is Dodo, a must-visit restaurant near the waterfront. It’s also very vegan-friendly, and offers all day breakfast! If you don’t have any dietary restrictions, be sure to check out Las Clementinas, another popular spot in the old town. For traditional Panamanian food, head to El Trapiche in the San Francisco neighbourhood. If you’re looking for upscale dining, make a reservation at Donde Jose. They update their set menu every couple of months, focusing on local Panamanian ingredients. If you’re looking for seafood, add Mercado de Mariscos to your list. The fish market is a great spot for lunch and a truly unique experience. For drinks, you can’t leave Panama City without enjoying a rooftop beverage! The city is packed with trendy rooftop bars offering gorgeous views. In Casco Viejo, be sure to check out Tantalo, Casa Casco, Salvaje, or Capital Bistro. In downtown Panama City there’s the AC Hotel rooftop, The Roof at the Best Western, and Bits Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel. Enjoy!

Lesbian Friendly

Panama is currently in a transition period, with some big changes to LGBTQ+ rights currently pending. Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but there is no recognition for same-sex partnerships at this time, and no discrimination protection for members of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2018, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled that all Latin American countries (including Panama) must recognize same-sex marriages, and the Panamanian Government has “welcomed the decision”. The ruling should mean that same-sex marriage will become legal in Panama soon, and hopefully some anti-discrimination laws will follow. You can check out our full post on how lesbian friendly Panama is here. Panama is still considered to be a fairly conservative country, with the biggest opposition to the LGBTQ+ rights movement being the Roman Catholic Church. But there are advocacy groups helping to shift the conversation, and more recently there has been open support from the Panamanian government. While we would consider Panama to be a fairly safe destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, it’s best to use your personal judgement to stay safe while visiting. We held hands in public and showed affection to one another, and didn’t run into any issues. We were open about our relationship and weren’t met with any hostility from the locals, even though we were told that not everyone in Panama is ‘cool’ with it. We never felt the need to hide our relationship, but we always did our best to read each situation and keep our safety in mind. Panama City doesn’t have much of a gay scene, but it certainly does offer some incredible and unique travel experiences. We really enjoyed our time there and would definitely recommend it!

How to Get Around

Walk

The downtown area and the old town of Panama City are both very walkable, and it’s easy to see these parts of the city on foot. If you’re able, it can be a great way to discover all of the main sights as well as some hidden gems!

Taxi/Rideshare

Uber is available in Panama City, and there always seemed to be plenty of cars available. We used Uber to get up to the Miraflores Locks, as well as to the Gamboa Rainforest, and to the airport. The rates were very reasonable and it was always easy to find a vehicle. There are also plenty of regular taxis in Panama City that you can hail from the street. It’s a great way to get around the city if you need a break from walking, or if you’re heading to a location outside the city centre. Taxis in Panama are not metered, and the rates are based on standard fares measured by zone. Be sure to look up the fare for where you are going, and discuss the rate with the driver before departing. If you don’t speak any Spanish and are worried about being taken advantage of as a tourist, opt for Uber instead!

Ferry

There are several islands off the Pacific Coast of Panama that are easy to access by ferry. Isla Toboga is only a 30 minute ferry ride from Amador Causeway, and the Pearl Islands are about 1.5 hours by ferry from the Flamenco Marina.

Has anyone else fallen in love with Panama City? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Panama City, Panama appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Panama is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

Some big changes to LGBTQ+ rights in Panama are currently pending, and we will hopefully see some positive transformation in the coming years. The current LGBTQ+ laws in Panama are moderately progressive, but there is certainly room for improvement. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 2008, making Panama the last Spanish speaking country to legalize it. They also declassified homosexuality as a mental illness at that time. Same-sex marriage is not currently legal in Panama, but since 2016 there has been a push to legalize it following several lawsuits. In 2018, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled that all Latin American countries (including Panama) must recognize same-sex marriages, and the Panamanian Government has “welcomed the decision”. The ruling should mean that same-sex marriage and hopefully adoption by same-sex couples will become legal in Panama soon! Artificial insemination and IVF is already legally available to lesbian couples. The next step in Panama will hopefully be anti-discrimination laws, as there are currently no legal protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community. An anti-discrimination bill was proposed in 2015 but has yet to advance. Panama seems to currently be in a transition period, and hopefully we will be seeing some big advancements in the near future.

Social Climate

Historically, it seems that homosexuality was accepted among the indigenous Panamanians. The Guna tribe even recognized a third gender. After Spain colonized the country, sexuality was suppressed and anti-sodomy laws were introduced, shaping the social climate for LGBTQ+ people in Panama. In recent years, LGBTQ+ issues have been discussed and debated in the country, with the biggest opposition to LGBTQ+ rights being from the Roman Catholic Church. There are several advocacy groups in Panama that are petitioning for equal rights and helping to shift the conversation. More recently there has been open support from the government, such as when the First Lady opted to participate in the Pride Parade in Panama City in 2017. Panama ranks 55th on the Gay Happiness Index, and public opinion polls still show fairly low levels of support for issues such as same-sex marriage. Hopefully changes in the laws will help to shift the country toward a more accepting and inclusive society. All of this considered, Panama can still be considered a fairly safe destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, but it’s always important to keep your personal safety and comfort level in mind.

Gaybourhoods

The most prominent LGBTQ+ scene in Panama can definitely be found in Panama City, but because the country is more conservative, the gay scene isn’t very out in the open. There is no designated gay neighbourhood or area in Panama City, and many of the LGBTQ+ establishments move and/or close down quite regularly. The places they do have are geared more toward men, and most of the spots are in the Casco Viejo area (the old town). The community definitely seems to be growing as the culture in Panama changes. There has been a Pride Parade annually since 2005, and a growing support for LGBTQ+ people and travellers. If you’re interested in connecting with the local community, there is a company that offers LGBTQ+ tours and experiences all over the country called Eco Circuitos Panama. They also have a lot of other useful information on their website! For a Central American country, overall Panama can be considered quite welcoming. Of course, be sure to consider your comfort level and stay safe while visiting this destination and enjoying everything it has to offer.

Our Experience

We visited Panama together on a trip to Central America in the Fall of 2019! Panama was our third country in Central America after travelling to Costa Rica and Nicaragua in 2017, and we were completely blown away by it’s unique beauty. We based ourselves in Panama City and took day trips up to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, as well as the beautiful San Blas Islands off the Caribbean Coast. It always feels a bit hard to arrive in a country that doesn’t legally recognize our marriage, but we knew that Panama is in a transition period and we were interested to experience it. While we certainly put our safety first, we were also open when we felt it was safe to do so. We held hands in public, showed affection to one another, and didn’t lie about our relationship. We were never met with any hostility, and found the locals in Panama to be quite kind and welcoming. We did have one conversation with a Panamanian man, who upon learning we were married, let us know that he was fine with same-sex couples, but many people in Panama do still have a problem with it. He also suggested that two women together are more easily accepted when they are more feminine like us, which is similar to what we were told in Costa Rica. We could tell that it will still take some time for same-sex couples to be normalized in Panama and for all members of the LGBTQ+ community to be accepted, but we personally never felt unsafe during our visit. We enjoyed exploring the city, and had an incredible time up in the Rainforest. The Gamboa Reserve is an absolute must-do if you visit Panama! Our visit to San Blas was also one of the most unforgettable experiences we’ve ever had on our travels. The islands are the most remote and secluded destination we’ve ever visited, and we were so grateful to be able to include a visit on this trip. Panama is a lovely country, and we’re so glad we chose to experience it. We would love to return one day and explore the entire country more extensively. We would recommend Panama as a mostly lesbian friendly travel destination for women and couples, but as always we encourage you to do your own research. It’s important that you feel safe and comfortable during your visit.

If you’re interested in travelling to Panama, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Panama City!

Have you been to Panama? Share your experience in the comments below!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Panama appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Enjoy the Beautiful Beaches

There are so many gorgeous beaches on Aruba, you may not even have time to visit them all! All of the beaches on the island are public, and they have the most incredible soft white sand and turquoise waters. Some spots to definitely check out are Palm Beach and Eagle Beach on the West side of the island, Arashi Beach and Catalina Beach further North, Divi Beach, Drulf Beach, and Surfside Beach near Oranjestad, and Baby Beach, Rodger’s Beach, and Boca Grandi on the East side. Enjoy!

Explore the Desert

Aruba’s desert landscape makes it an incredibly unique island. It’s definitely worth taking a break from the beaches to head to the centre of the island to explore some of it’s interesting desert terrain. We recommend visiting the Ayo Rock Formation, as well as the Casibari Rock Formations, which are huge rock clusters in the middle of Aruba. There are trails going through the formations as well as beautiful viewpoints, and they are definitely worth a visit. In the same area there is Hooiberg, a dormant volcanic formation that sits 165 metres high. You can hike up to the top and enjoy the stunning 360 degree view of the island.

Visit the Capital City of Oranjestad

The capital of Aruba is called Oranjestad, and sits about halfway down the island on the South coast. It’s a charming town with a beautiful marina and seafront. It also acts as a cruise ship port and has many shops and boutiques, as well as waterfront restaurants and eateries. Be sure to spend some time exploring the area!

Discover the National Park

The Arikok National Park takes up nearly one fifth of the island, and is home to plenty of unique attractions. Plan a visit here if you would like to see caves, cultural heritage sites, a natural pool, secluded bays, and different rock formations. There is a small entrance fee to the park that goes toward conservation and educational programs, but there is definitely plenty to see! Be sure to have a vehicle that is up to the task if you plan to drive yourself. You can also take guided tours of the park, and some areas have very rough terrain and can only be accessed by a 4X4.

See the California Lighthouse

A major attraction on the island of Aruba is the California lighthouse. Sitting at the Northwest tip of the island, the lighthouse was named after a ship that crashed nearby in the late 1800’s. It’s a gorgeous place to watch the sunset, or just take in the incredible views.

Go Snorkelling

Aruba is a great place to go snorkelling and appreciate the sea life in the clear blue waters. There are plenty of snorkelling tours on the island, or if you have your own gear, you can snorkel off of several beaches on your own. Be sure to keep your safety in mind, as the water can be quite rough with strong currents in some places. Some of the best beaches for snorkelling are Arashi Beach, Boca Catalina, and Malmok Beach.

Where to Stay

There are some great options for accommodations on Aruba! If you’re interested in staying in a hotel or resort, most of them are located in the Palm Beach area on the Northern coast of the island. This is an excellent spot to stay if you’re looking to be right on the water, with easy access to some of the most beautiful stretches of beach. There are also some hotels in the capital city of Oranjestad which is close to all of the shopping, as well as many cafes and restaurants. You can expect both of these areas to be pretty lively! They would be great choices if you like to be near all the action. If you’re looking to book hotel accommodations in these areas, our favourite tool is Hotels.com. It’s easy to search within a certain price range, and filter for the amenities that you like. They also have a great reward system – for every ten nights you book, you receive one night free. The other option for accommodations in Aruba is Airbnb. Many of the listings are also in the Palm Beach area as well as Oranjestad, but offer some very affordable alternatives to the big hotels and resorts. If you’re wanting an Airbnb in more of a local neighbourhood, a great spot to look is Noord. It’s close to Palm Beach but much quieter, and easy driving distance to everywhere you will want to go. There are also some Airbnb listings in the more remote areas of the island, if you’re looking to be somewhere more secluded. If you plan to rent a vehicle, Airbnb can be a great option as it allows you to stay outside of the busier tourist areas. We stayed in a beautiful apartment in Noord, because we wanted a local experience. It was a short drive to all of the beaches we wanted to visit, and very central to everywhere that we planned to explore. If you enjoy using Airbnb like we do, it’s definitely worth taking a look to see what’s available! Our one bedroom apartment had a full kitchen, and an adorable backyard patio for only $45US/night in the low season. If you’ve never used Airbnb before, click here to set up a profile and save on your first stay!

Where to Eat & Drink

We were incredibly impressed with Aruba’s food scene! Not only does it have plenty of adorable beach shacks, cafes, and healthy daytime eateries, it also has some truly amazing fine dining. We were especially impressed with how many diverse cuisines were offered, and plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. If you have any food sensitivities or eat a plant-based diet like we do, Aruba is extremely accommodating! Our favourite spot for breakfast or lunch was Eduardo’s Beach Shack on Palm Beach. Be sure to stop by for beautifully crafted smoothie bowls, as well as plenty of baked goods and healthy lunch options! Another great casual daytime option is One Happy Bowl in Oranjestad. Some other spots that really impressed us were Fishes & More in Palm Beach, and Papillon a French/Caribbean restaurant in the same area. Elements at Eagle Beach does an incredible lunch and dinner, and also offers beautiful beach views. Faro Blanco is an Italian restaurant located next to the California Lighthouse and is a must-do for the best sunset on the island! Hadicurari offers great beachside ambiance, and Ike’s Bistro is a wonderful choice for a romantic meal. We also loved Yemanja and Cuba’s Cookin, both in the capital city. Be sure to try as many cafes and restaurants as you can, as well as have a drink at one of the many beachside bars. There is so much to discover in Aruba, and there is truly something for everyone. Enjoy!

Lesbian Friendly

Aruba has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ laws in the Caribbean, making it a great travel destination for lesbian women and couples. Same-sex sexual activity is legal, and there have been discrimination protections in place since 2012. The island doesn’t yet recognize same-sex marriage, but same-sex registered partnerships have been legally recognized since 2016 (the Aruban parliament being the first in the Caribbean to legalize same-sex unions). You can check out our full post on how lesbian friendly Aruba is here. The public’s attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community has come a long way, and now the official Aruba tourism website excitedly welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers, claiming that the island celebrates diversity. We had a very positive experience visiting Aruba as a married lesbian couple, and had no issues being open around the locals and other travellers. We held hands, showed affection, and kissed in public without anyone giving us a second glance. We also booked an Airbnb apartment with a local host as an open lesbian couple, and he welcomed us warmly. We really enjoyed our time on the island and would highly recommend it as a lesbian friendly destination in the Caribbean. While there isn’t a lot of gay culture, all hotels, bars, and other establishments call themselves LGBTQ+ friendly. There is a designated gay bar in the capital city of Oranjestad called 7 Club Lounge, and everywhere on the island feels safe and welcoming. When speaking with some locals, we were told that other same-sex couples and members of the community have no issues living on the island and going out with their partners. We got the impression that it’s quite an inclusive culture in Aruba!

How to Get Around

Walk

Different parts of the island are quite walkable, such as the capital city of Oranjestad as well as the Palm Beach area. If you’re staying in one spot during your trip, you won’t have any trouble getting around on foot. If you do plan to do more exploring, you’ll want to look into additional modes of transportation.

Rent a Vehicle

If you want to have the freedom to explore the entire island during your stay, we highly recommend renting a vehicle! We rented a car for our week long stay, and we’re so glad we did. It gave us the opportunity to explore the busier tourist areas, as well as the more remote locations on Aruba. We drove into the desert, along the entire South coast, and all the way to the beaches on the East side of the island. If you plan to stay on the paved roads and just visit the main sights, a regular car is all you’ll need. If you want to drive into the national park and on the dirt roads up on the North part of the island, you’ll need a 4X4 or ATV.

We rented our car from Tropic Car Rental and had an amazing experience. The owner, Hans made the process as easy as possible. He sent over all the paperwork in advance and had someone waiting to bring us to our car when we arrived at the airport. We highly recommend renting a car with Tropic!

Taxi

There is no ride sharing in Aruba, so taxis are your only option if you’re looking for car service on the island. The taxis in Aruba are fairy expensive, with a starting rate of $6 USD, and on Sundays and holidays there is an additional surcharge of $3 USD. The taxis don’t have meters, so be sure to ask for the fixed rate before your journey. Hotels and restaurants in the resort areas and in Oranjestad are always happy to call you a cab, and taxis are easy to hail in the busy areas.

Public Transportation

The public bus, Arubus is a great way to get around if you’re sticking to the resort areas and the capital city. Buses run from 5:45am to 11:30pm daily, and service is every 15 minutes until 6pm and every 40 minutes from 6pm-11:30pm. Rates are affordable at $5 USD for a round trip and day passes are available for $10 USD.

How to Stay Connected

Roaming charges on your cell phone can really add up while travelling. One thing we like to do when we visit a new country, is buy a local SIM card. The pay-as-you-go mobile plans from local service providers are typically much less expensive than roaming plans and travel SIM cards. In Aruba, it’s very simple to get a SIM card and get connected right away. If you fly into the Queen Beatrix International Airport, you will find a kiosk for the national service provider Digicel when you exit the baggage claim area. Bring your passport and phone to the kiosk and select the plan you want. The customer service representative will get you all set up, and you’ll be connected immediately. We got week long unlimited talk, text and data plans for $28 USD.

Has anyone else fallen in love with Aruba? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Aruba appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Aruba is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The LGBTQ+ laws in Aruba are some of the best in the Caribbean, with fairly progressive legislation for LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Aruba, and there have been discrimination protections in place since 2012. The Aruba criminal code prohibits “unfair discrimination and incitement to hatred and violence” on various grounds and includes people of homosexual orientation. Same-sex marriage is not yet legal on the island, but because Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba does recognize same-sex marriages from the Netherlands and other “Caribbean Netherlands” islands such as Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. Since 2016, same-sex registered partnerships have been legally recognized in Aruba, and hopefully same-sex marriage will be the next step! At this time there are no adoption rights or access to IVF for same-sex couples, as well as no legal protection for transgender individuals. Hopefully we will continue to see steps toward full equality and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in Aruba.

Social Climate

Aruba, along with the rest of the “ABC Islands”, is generally considered to be one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in the Caribbean. The Aruban parliament was the first in the Caribbean to legalize same-sex civil unions back in 2016, despite opposition from the Roman Catholic Church. While the public opinion is certainly not as positive as in the Netherlands, things have certainly come a long way in the past ten years. There are several LGBTQ+ rights advocacy groups and associations on the island, and there are various establishments that advertise as being LGBTQ+ friendly including hotels, resorts, and eateries. The official Aruba tourism website states that they “welcome LGBTQ+ travellers with open minds and hearts”, and proudly claims that the island celebrates diversity. It goes on to say that all resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs on the island are LGBTQ+ friendly. All this considered, Aruba can definitely be considered a LGBTQ+ friendly island to visit!

Gaybourhoods

The LGBTQ+ community in Aruba seems small and there isn’t a designated “gaybourhood”. That being said, there is a gay club in the capital city of Oranjestad called 7 Club Lounge that offers drag shows, karaoke, and bingo nights! It’s fairly quiet on weeknights but tends to be busy on Fridays and Saturdays. Other nightclubs appear to be quite inclusive, and the entire island calls itself LGBTQ+ friendly. There are even some LGBTQ+ events like the annual “Rainbow Night” hosted by T.H. Palm & Company. Many businesses on the island openly show their support, like the Aruba Marriott resort which lit up their palm trees with the rainbow flag to celebrate Pride Month. Overall, Aruba is definitely a Caribbean destination where you can feel welcome as a same-sex couple or LGBTQ+ individual.

Our Experience

We visited Aruba together on a trip to the Caribbean in the Fall of 2019 and completely fell in love with it! We stayed for one week at the beginning of October (which is considered Aruba’s low season), and the island was very peaceful and quiet during our time. We stayed in an Airbnb apartment in the Noord neighbourhood, which is nearby the Palm Beach area, and rented a car to explore as much of the island as we could! We had an incredible visit. We felt safe knowing that Aruba openly welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers and that the country has anti-discrimination laws that protect us. We had no issues at all with safety, and felt completely comfortable being out and open. Our Airbnb host was local to the island and greeted us warmly as a married lesbian couple. Everyone we met throughout the week was kind and respectful when we mentioned we were spouses, and we never felt the need to hide our relationship. We spent the week relaxing on the gorgeous beaches, exploring the desert, and eating at all of the incredible restaurants we found. Aruba is a beautiful and unique little island, and we’re so happy we visited! We would love to return one day and continue eating our way through all the vegan restaurant menus. We definitely recommend Aruba as a lesbian friendly travel destination for gay women and same-sex couples!

If you’re interested in travelling to Aruba, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Aruba! 

Have you been to Aruba? Share your experience in the comments below!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Aruba appeared first on Lez See the World.