In recent decades, many parts of the world have become more accommodating to GLBT travel. In the Western Hemisphere, Canada, Mexico, and Argentina now all permit gay unions and host flourishing GLBT communities. Larger cities in these countries, like Buenos Aires and Montreal, often have GLBT-client based hotels, nightlife scenes, special events, and trips. Similarly in the Eastern Hemisphere, many Western European countries, including Sweden, Spain, and Iceland, have legalized gay unions. In fact despite varying statuses on the legalization of same-sex unions, many Western European countries have worked to develop GLBT resources, venues, and events. Madrid, Spain hosts an annual gay pride parade to raise awareness of gay rights and pride. Several cities, like Antwerp, Belgium, have annual GLBT sports tournaments, and Zurich, Switzerland hosts ski weeks for GLBT travelers. Many of these cities, like Paris and its fourth Arrondissement Marais, have GLBT-centered neighborhoods that are home to GLBT communities, bars, cafes, and shops.

Although Central and Eastern Europe lag behind Western Europe overall, select cities do much to accommodate GLBT travelers. Berlin, Germany is home to a vibrant GLBT community and provides an inviting space both as a home and as a travel venue. With GLBT-specific hostels and hotels and events like parades and party weeks, Berlin has become a hotspot for GLBT travel. Berlin publicizes many of its events with GLBT-specific newspapers with events and happenings in the city, and provides support hotlines in case of emergency. Prague, Czech Republic, allows same-sex partnerships and has many of the same kind of GLBT-based events and venues as Berlin other European cities. Budapest, Hungary is also known for being relatively GLBT friendly with gay bars and other venues.

Despite the increasing acceptance of GLBT travelers and members of the community, caution should still be taken when traveling. Even in the most accepting cities, some neighborhoods are not as welcoming as others. Also, many countries have yet to readily accept GLBT life and culture into their communities. In contrast to Europe, Middle Eastern countries like Morocco lack GLBT-specific clubs or venues despite increases in modernism and tourism. Many cities in the United States and Latin American countries also lack public GLBT events and meeting places. Some Asian countries, like Thailand and Japan, work with their GLBT communities without actively accepting them, while other countries have more underground GLBT scenes due to lack of government and community support. However, many of these places are still quite safe to travel in. Even with ranging support for the GLBT community across the globe, acceptance and the rise of GLBT travel opportunities is generally upward.

There are numerous pilgrimage sights in Chiang Mai dedicated to the city’s founder, King Mengrai of the Lanna kingdom.

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Travelers making regular visits to wats, especially in Southern Thailand, will notice the numerous framed photographs of the round bespectacled face of Ajahn Buddhadasa Bikkhu, the founder of Wat Suan Mokkha Phalaram. A revered Buddhist monk, Buddhadasa was also well-known social activist.

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Though Thailand is in many ways a budget traveler’s dream, when it comes to nightlife, Thai prices are comparable to those in the West. A fun night out, especially for travelers in Bangkok, can come with a price tag of astronomical proportions; even if you’re not splurging on the fanciest bars and clubs, the covers (usually 200-400?) and drinks (120+ for beer, 180+ for mixed drinks) will add up. But nightlife in Bangkokis a sight unto itself and one that can’t be missed. You’ll rarely see a meeting of East and West as palpable as dancing to the latest American hip hop hits with hundreds of young Thais. So, if you’re looking for a way to party as if the exchange rate was a lot more favorable, make your way to Bangkok's Club 808 on a Friday night, when you can’t spend more than 500?—the price of the cover to Open Bar Night. The club will be understandably packed, but the bartenders work quickly and the resident DJ spins great music to keep the crowd moving. Your liver might not thank you, but your bank account certainly will.

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