Transgender travel guide
Home / travel tourism / Transgender travel guide
Where to Find Updated US Transgender Safety Information
My favorite resources to follow laws and policies impacting transgender people include trans blogger Erin in the Morning, HRC and Movement Advancement Project. I will strive to keep this post accurate in relation to legal challenges in the courts, but you can get the most up to date information from Lamda Legal or the ACLU.
If you live in a country other than the United States, be sure to find your local transgender travel safety resources.
Let’s jump in to finding the top resources to help you have amazing travel experiences!
1.
Look for countries or regions known for their inclusivity and legal protections for non-binary and trans individuals to find welcoming transgender travel destinations.
Tragically, there are still places in the world where being transgendered is illegal so this step is essential. It is between accepting risk in hostile states or channeling our energy and our money toward destinations that value us.
Mississippi’s “SAFER Act” restricts bathroom use in schools. As a mom, coach, and ally, I am strongly committed to supporting queer travelers in not only enjoying incredible trips, but also easily finding trustworthy resources to stay safe and well informed for trips both now– and long into the future!
As much as I value supporting travelers in these communities, as a cis gendered person myself without direct personal experience, I will mostly be sharing resources and communities created and run by those actively traveling as non-binary and trans travelers.
Subscribers also get freebies like LGBTQ travel advice, resource lists, and an LGBTQ travel map.
Navigating U.S. Travel as a Transgender Woman Today
Travel is supposed to be a form of freedom. If you choose to visit one of these countries, do extensive research in advance and prioritize your safety.
It’s best to carry your prescription or a letter from your doctor if possible, to avoid any potential misunderstandings. Then find ways to meet those needs while traveling. Simply put, the experience of being a tourist feels closer to what it should be: freeing, inspiring, and memorable.
RELATED:Safe Weekend Trips for Transgender Travelers in 2025
Traveling Smart in a Patchwork Nation
Even in affirming states, there are strategies that make travel smoother.
I am also a Certified Travel Education Coach and love supporting other curious travelers with transformative trip research.
Whether you’re traveling within the U.S. or heading abroad, this transgender travel guide will help you understand why a travel safety plan is necessary, know the steps to build one, and do so from a place of confidence rather than fear.
What is a Travel Safety Plan?
First things first – what does a travel safety plan mean and who needs one?
And while it is frustrating to think about, there is also wisdom in having contingency plans in case you encounter hostility.
What becomes clear when you travel as a trans person in today’s United States is that the journey is not just physical. Apps and community networks can help locate gender-neutral restrooms or supportive businesses.
These measures are often written with vague or broad enforcement mechanisms, which means institutions, from schools to airports, feel pressure to over-enforce, even when the law does not explicitly require it.
For a transgender traveler, this creates a moving patchwork of risk. In the past I encouraged travelers to update their documentation in advance of travel.
You may not be able to apply for a visa if there’s not a matching gender option on the application
Booking Flights
The name on your flight booking needs to match your Photo ID, as this is what border patrol/airline agents will use to confirm your identity, regardless of what your legal name currently is.
I have an overactive imagination as it is!
A good travel safety plan will minimize risks, give you options in case of emergencies, and leave you feeling prepared and empowered, not scared and fearful. They also provide helpful articles about many destinations with tips on neighborhoods, transportation companies, and more.
If you are concerned about safety at your lodgings, you can consider purchasing door locks, personal alarms, and other additional safety features to keep your room safe.