Laura shares why LGBTQ+ inclusion matters, what we’re doing to support our clients year-round.
Travel has always been about more than just the places you go. It’s about how those places – and the experiences you have there – make you feel. I’ve been lucky enough to feel incredibly welcome in all of the countries I’ve visited so far. But the reality is, not everyone gets that privilege.
That’s why, for me, it’s so important that Far & Wild supports our LGBTQ+ clients in real, tangible ways, not just by saying the right things in the right month, but by backing them up with meaningful action year-round.
This Pride, I’m genuinely proud to share that Far & Wild has officially become a member of IGLTA – the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association. As the world’s leading network of LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism businesses, IGLTA reflects something Far & Wild has always believed: that inclusive, ethical travel builds understanding, broadens horizons, and brings people closer together. It also holds us visibly accountable, ensuring we’re not just talking about being welcoming, but building it into every part of how we work, inside and out.
Far & Wild’s goal has always been to create special holidays – journeys that connect you with the world in ways that feel personal and powerful. But we also recognise that not everyone has felt safe or welcome in every corner of the world, or even in their own country, and we want to play a small part in changing that.
As a business, we’ve been working to take practical steps to be more thoughtful in how we communicate with each other and with our clients. We’re using more inclusive language, making space in our booking process for preferred names and pronouns, and training our team to be more confident when it comes to talking about gender identity and relationships.
We’re also thinking more carefully about the stories we tell, ensuring our marketing reflects a more diverse mix of clients and spotlighting destinations and properties that are genuinely welcoming.
One of those destinations is South Africa – one of the most progressive countries in Africa when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. It was the first in the world to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in its constitution, and the first in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage. Cities like Cape Town are celebrated not only for their natural beauty and rich culture, but also for being especially safe and inclusive.
The Liz McGrath Collection of hotels in South Africa – which includes The Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town, The Marine in Hermanus, and The Plettenberg Hotel in Plettenberg Bay – truly embodies this spirit. As fellow IGLTA members, their properties go beyond luxury, offering hospitality that’s second to none, and the same warm welcome no matter who you are. With a long-standing reputation for elegance and attention to detail, they’re a perfect fit for LGBTQ+ clients seeking a luxurious stay along South Africa’s iconic Garden Route.
But inclusive travel doesn’t stop at one country. There are so many other destinations where our LGBTQ+ clients can feel safe and relaxed. Thailand has long been known for its openness and cultural acceptance of gender diversity, and in Latin America, Chile is making exciting progress too. It legalised same-sex marriage in 2022, and cities like Santiago and Valparaíso are not just vibrant and full of life, but genuinely LGBTQ+ friendly (you can read more in our blog: Chile: A Safe and Vibrant LGBTQ+ Destination).
Even in countries still on the path to full equality, like Namibia, there are real signs of change. While same-sex marriage and adoption remain illegal, both laws and social attitudes are slowly evolving. Windhoek, the capital, is a calm and increasingly open-minded city, where a small but growing queer community is carving out space to live and love more freely.
At the heart of all this is something really simple: we want everyone who travels with us to feel safe, respected, and free to be themselves. We want our clients to feel seen and supported, and to know they can always ask our knowledgeable travel experts questions about comfort or safety, knowing we genuinely care.
Travel can be a powerful force for good. By becoming members of IGLTA, Far & Wild are making a public commitment to ensure it’s a force for inclusion, too.
Happy Pride,
Laura
Communications & Operations Director, Far & Wild
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