In this list of Useful mobile apps for a gay traveler, you’ll discover apps created to make life and traveling more effortless for the LGBT+ community in every corner of the world.
Let’s begin, shall we?
Note: Our related article about gay travel resources contains additional and helpful information on gay travel. If you want further inspiration on where to travel safely as an LGBT+ traveler, please read our article about Europe’s safest destinations.
Misterbnb
If you’re a little on the wall about using Airbnb because you don’t want to deal with the risk that a host might give you the boot for being gay, then Misterbnb is perfect for you. This app and its website offer lodging just like Airbnb but primarily to gay men. That means if you book accommodation through Misterbnb, your hosts know you are LGBT+. Hence, you will not get kicked out or have your reservation canceled for being gay. Most importantly, Misterb&B helps you create the perfect gay vacation.
Spartacus
Spartacus is an app full of information about safety and ways to have fun. Furthermore, it displays an LGBT+ tolerance rating for each country.
You can even see information on the history of LGBT+ rights and anti-discriminatory laws and protections for each country.
Even more impressive is that the app uses your location to find events and friendly areas nearby for going out and having fun. But that’s not all; on the start page is a calendar of LGBT+ pride parades worldwide.
Finally, this app lets you save places and events you want to visit in a favorites list. There is some paid content, so don’t be surprised when you see a premium guide offered.
Noonlight
Safety is essential, especially when traveling alone. Noonlight features a panic button, which you press and hold if you feel uneasy. Once you feel safe, release the button and enter your PIN. If you release but don’t enter your pin, local police will be notified. Hence, they will come to your rescue. That’s not all; the app allows users to connect their Tinder (you can enter backup details before your date) and Uber accounts (so police can locate you if something goes wrong during your ride or date).
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ManAboutWorld
The ManAboutWorld app and website provide comprehensive information about gay traveling. And while travel has inherent risks for everyone, LGBT+ people face additional risks. That’s why they have gathered the most reliable and current online resources and recommendations to help you travel more safely, comfortably, confidently, productively, and enjoyably. Most importantly, their contributors are among the most influential voices in the LGBT+ business and travel worlds: leaders in LGBTQ rights, nationally acclaimed journalists, CEOs, and other influencers in the political, business, and travel worlds who bring their decades of experience traveling around the globe to inspire all of us to be safer, better connected, and more engaged with local cultures in a way that feels personal, politically and culturally sound. Most importantly, this app is handy when searching for local gay bars and clubs, for example.
Google maps
Explore the world faster and more efficiently with Google Maps—more than 220 countries and territories on the map with hundreds of millions of businesses and cities. Get real-time GPS navigation, traffic, and public transport information. Because you know where you can get food and drink and where you can go, you can also explore local neighborhoods – no matter where you are.
Grindr
Grindr has become the most prominent gay hookup site and social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer men. The application was among the first networking apps to use location-based technology, and it became well-known as the first central app in the LGBT+ community. Grindr is used globally and has millions of daily users in nearly every country. Furthermore, Grindr also has a video platform called INTO, and they publish LGBT+ content on their YouTube channel and other online and social media outlets. It is also an excellent app to see who’s around and willing to meet up. You can also use it to meet other gay travelers and perhaps grab a beer together on your gay travel adventure.
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Scruff
Scruff is another social application for gay, bi, trans, and queer men on iOS and Android devices. It allows users to upload profiles and photos and search for other members by location and shared interests. Scruff also has a feature called Venture, designed explicitly for gay travelers. The feature lets you connect with locals and ask for tips before your trip. You can publish your travel agenda on your profile, letting guys in your destination city know that you’ll be visiting. You can even volunteer to be a Scruff Ambassador to help out guys visiting your home city. Like all Grindr and Hornet, they also offer free and paid versions. The paid version provides enhanced features and eliminates ads.
Netflix
The Netflix app has completely changed our lives when traveling, particularly when delayed on a long plane journey or stuck in an endless immigration line. The app lets you pre-download your favorite series to watch offline. Alternatively, if you fancy a night in at your hotel, you can tune in to one of the many films in the Netflix library to watch on your phone or tablet.
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The Conclusion of the Useful Mobile Apps for every Gay Traveler post
We know we have met many (like Instagram, for instance). However, we selected only those we have been using in a flood of apps. Lastly, it is now your turn. Share information about which apps you have been using and which you recommend.
Note: You can find more helpful articles like this on our sites, Gay Travel resources, or Travel resources.
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