Chicago may supposedly have the best gay neighborhood in the world, but that won't stop most LGBT Chicagoans from wanting to head out of town to celebrate once they've tied the knot.
When planning your honeymoon, it's always a good idea to research how LGBT-friendly your destination is. Your considerations should go beyond whether or not your marriage is recognized; also think about whether there are laws in place protecting LGBT folks from discrimination, or local histories of violence against them. Go someplace you'll feel comfortable travelling as a couple, without stares from local residents or confusion from the hotel clerk when you ask for one bed. Sadly, that can apply in certain regions of the U.S. just as much as it does foreign countries.
The good news is that you'll have no trouble finding a destination ready to cater to your whims—even Disney World has hosted commitment ceremonies since 2007. All that matters is how much time you've got, what you want to do, and how much you want to spend.
San Francisco, California
www.sanfrancisco.travel/lgbt
Mere mortals might not be able to afford to live there anymore, but San Francisco still is a mecca of sorts for LGBT visitors. The Castro is still a central neighborhood for the gay community, but other areas such as the Mission, Haight-Ashbury and SoMa contain much to do and see as well.
What's gay: Even the library is gay here—the San Francisco Public Library is home to the James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center. The Gay and Lesbian Film Festival takes place at the historic Castro Theater in June. Leather aficionados won't want to miss the Folsom Street Fair in August.
Las Vegas, Nevada
www.lasvegas.com/planning-tools/
lgbt-travel/out-and-about/
Sure, this ranks up there with Niagara Falls as a cliché American honeymoon spot, but many gays and lesbians are into roulette and blackjack just as much as their straight brethren. Besides, this is where many of our community's reining divas—think Cher or Bette Midler—go to enjoy the twilights of their careers.
What's gay: Many hotels, among them the Luxor, the Encore and Mandalay Bay, have programming and packages for LGBT visitors. "The Loop"—or "Paradise Fruit Loop," to locals—is the hub of gay life. Just remember that this is a car-centric town, so many of the gay bars are located in strip malls.
Maui, Hawaii
http://gogayhawaii.com/maui/
Hawaii was one of the first states to ignite the gay marriage debate back in the mid-1990s, but it was only late in 2013 that marriage equality became the law of the land. Nevertheless, the 50th state has long played host to LGBT travelers. Maui, the second largest island, is fairly quiet—don't go there expecting much of a nightlife—but it does offer great beaches, whale watching, and Mt. Haleakala, Hawaii's highest peak.
What's gay: Little Beach, located in Makena State Park ( and clothing optional ) is where gay locals and travelers often hang out.
Vancouver, British Columbia
www.tourismvancouver.com/vancouver/gay-friendly-vancouver/
Western Canada's most photogenic city is also one of its most diverse. Widespread immigration to Vancouver over the course of the 20th century resulted in it becoming a city of several distinctively flavored neighborhoods. If much of Vancouver seems rather familiar, even though you've never been there, it's been widely used as a location for films and movies, among them The X Files and The L Word.
What's gay: Much of the gay life in Vancouver is centered in the West End and Yaletown areas. Winter sports fans will likely want to head to Whistler, about 80 miles away, for the WinterPride Gay and Lesbian Ski Week, usually beginning in late January.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
www.visitpuertovallarta.com/travel-guide/lgbt-friendly
It seems like much of gay Chicago empties out in January and heads down to Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's west coast. Besides a low-key, if sometimes crowded, beach scene, it's known for sunsets, whale watching, and numerous gay and gay-friendly bars and restaurants. Interestingly, Puerto Vallarta got one of its first jolts of notoriety when Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor caroused there while filming the movie version of Tennessee Williams' play Night of the Iguana.
What's gay: Diana's Gay Cruise is just one of the myriad boat tours geared towards lesbian and gay travelers.
Paris, France
www.gayparis.com, www.paris-gay.com
Okay, this is just as much a honeymoon cliché for Europe as Vegas is for the states, but there's no denying that a few days in Paris can turn the most jaded travelers into heartfelt romantics. Whether you are on a budget or can afford to go on the 1-percenter's plan, you'll surely find more unforgettable culture, cuisine, shopping and people-watching than in any other city in the world. Just remember to avoid the month of August, when the city empties out for vacation ... many of the city's attractions will be closed.
What's gay: Le Marais, in the 4th arrondissement, is the main gay 'hood, featuring numerous bars and gay-friendly restaurants.
Barcelona, Spain
www.gaybarcelona4u.com
www.gaybarcelona.com
The Mediterranean climate of Barcelona, Spain's second largest city, makes for pleasant weather for most of the year. Famous in large part for Antonio Gaudi's architecture—particularly his still-unfinished La Sagrada Fam�lia cathedral—the city is also somewhat infamous for its nightlife.
What's gay: The popular Axel Hotel bills itself as being "straight-friendly." Also, Barcelona is about 20 miles from Sitges and its world-renowned gay beaches. The BEARcelona celebration takes place in April.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.welcomeargentina.com/
ciudadbuenosaires/outings.html
Argentina is one of the more progressive South American nations when it comes to LGBT rights; gay marriage has been legal there since 2010. Buenos Aires combines the flavors of South America with the some of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe; a friend once said it had become "more like Madrid than Madrid is." There isn't a particular standout gay neighborhood, but gays and lesbians are well integrated into the fabric of the city.
What's gay: There's no better time to Tango than when in Buenos Aires. Since 2005 same-sex couples have been gathering for Tango Queer, a weekly party for gay couples.
