Traveling as an LGBTQ+ person

At EF Ultimate Break, we understand that gender and sexuality are deeply personal. We also recognize that cultural norms and legal protections can vary widely around the world. Our goal is to help you feel confident and prepared, so you can enjoy your experience to the fullest.

Preparing for tour

If this is your first time traveling with EF Ultimate Break, we recommend setting up a time to chat with us after you book. We can take this time to understand your travel history, give you a high level overview about what to expect in your specific destination, and answer any questions you may have about what to expect on tour.

Rooming on tour

We have two types of tours at Ultimate Break - Essential and Plus. On Essential tours, we are only able to provide rooming separated by Male and Female gender. You will need to indicate which room you would be most comfortable in for the duration of the tour. We recognize that this binary allocation might not work for everyone. We suggest you reach out to us so that we can walk you through some options, like traveling on a Plus tour or upgrading to a single room. 

Should rooming become an issue on your tour, we will work with individuals to find an option that is safest and most comfortable for them to continue the tour. 

LGBTQ+ travel considerations

Attitudes and laws regarding LGBTQ+ identities vary by country. Before your trip, we recommend:

• Researching local customs, cultural norms, and legal protections in the places you’ll visit
• Exploring the IGLTA LGBTQ+ Safety Guide for up-to-date guidance on traveling internationally as an LGBTQIA+ individual
• Research and note the location of a U.S. Embassy in the destinations you’re visiting

Knowing what to expect can help you make informed choices and travel with peace of mind.

While on tour

If something affects your mental well-being while you’re on tour:

• Talk to your Tour Director. They’re there to support you and can help you navigate the situation or access additional resources.
• Make space for self-care. That might mean journaling, resting, meditating, or taking a short break from group activities - it’s okay to give yourself what you need.

Understanding gender & sexuality

Gender and sexuality are often grouped together, but they’re distinct and multifaceted parts of identity. Whether you’re looking to better understand inclusive language or just want a refresher, the Human Rights Campaign’s glossary of terms is a great place to start.

We encourage all travelers, regardless of how they identify, to read and reflect. Travel is a chance to learn about others and ourselves, and respectful curiosity goes a long way.

We’re here to support you. If you have questions or would like to discuss anything related to gender or sexuality before your tour, send us a message and a specialist will be in touch.