Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips.

You’re strolling a romantic beach in a faraway land at sunset. You reach for your partner’s hand, but suddenly notice a few sideways glances directed your way. LGBTQIA travel has come a long way, and travelers of all orientations and identities are now welcomed with open arms in far more places than they were even just a few decades ago. But traveling as a queer couple still comes with worries of homophobia, discrimination and discomfort. Given the many unique challenges same-sex couples may face, here are some common concerns and tips for how to best manage them while traveling.

 RELATED: Visit our LGBTQIA travel hub for welcoming hotels, the ultimate queer events calendar, inspiration, and more!

You’re worried you won’t feel safe

In more than 70 countries, “homosexual activity” is still illegal, so before you book, visit the State Department‘s web site to learn about LGBTQIA laws and policies for each country, as well as general travel advice for queer travelers. The State Department also offers the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that sends you real-time travel advisories and alerts about your destination. It may also be helpful to download an app like GayCities, which includes maps of queer bars, restaurants, shops and hotels in hundreds of cities worldwide. These maps can help you determine where each city’s so-called “gayborhoods” are located.

The hotel clerk appears confused when you request a room with one bed

This is a common source of frustration for same-sex couples. One of the best ways to remedy it is to book a property you’re certain is LGBTQIA-welcoming. Orbitz curates a list of hotels on its LGBTQIA Pride page that have signed a pledge of inclusivity.

Other hotel guests stare, or make you uncomfortable

Sometimes it’s the other guests that make you feel less than welcome. (If you’re a couple of guys accustomed to wearing Speedos poolside, for example, you’re probably used to sideways looks.) In this case, opt for an LGBTQIA-owned hotel or a vacation rental where you’ll have the space to yourself. You can find many LGBTQIA-owned hotels right here on Orbitz, as well as vacation rentals around the country.

ALSO: Be sure to check out the Orbitz “Travel with Pride” hub for additional tips, gay-friendly hotels, and more!

You’re not sure if you should come out to new friends you meet abroad

For LGBTQIA couples, it can sometimes feel daunting to make friends while traveling because you don’t always know who is gay-friendly or accepting. Should we hold hands? Should we say we are just friends? It can feel scary to present your authentic self to the world when you don’t know how you will be received. Always keep your safety top priority. It may be safer to avoid the topic or lie. That said, you may be surprised by the people you meet and find an even deeper connection by being honest. One option is to book a gay walking tour. Dozens of destinations offer them and they’re a great way to connect with other travelers on the tour, plus meet queer locals via the assistance of your tour guide.

People you meet assume you’re friends or siblings

If you are traveling from a country where it is common to see LGBTQIA couples, you may be surprised when you’re asked if you are siblings or friends while abroad. In some countries, LGBTQIA relationships are considered inappropriate or taboo. This leads to many assumptions that you are traveling as friends or siblings. If it is safe to do so, feel free to use humor or diversion tactics in your response to prying questions.

You’re uncomfortable displaying public affection

Travel offers couples an opportunity to rekindle romance, but many LGBTQIA couples fear retribution for displaying public affection when traveling to certain parts of the country or world. When deciding on your vacation destination, consider the legal and social protections for LGBTQIA people and travel to destinations with a stellar track record for LGBTQIA friendliness such as Sweden, Canada, Thailand, Germany, Portugal and Holland. Of course, there are also progressive U.S. cities like San Francisco, LA and New York, among others, as well as numerous queer vacation meccas like Provincetown, Key West, Palm Springs, South Beach, Fire Island and Fort Lauderdale—all places where no one will bat an eyelash.

You have to prove your family is your family

Unfortunately, LGBTQIA couples may be asked to show additional documentation to show they are married and that their children are actually their children. Same-sex couples should bring important legal and health documents that include things like health care directives, just in case of emergency, while gay families who have gone through second-parent adoptions should travel with those documents, as well as birth certificates.

You’re looking for an LGBTQIA-friendly travel insurance policy

When shopping around for travel insurance, look for a company that knows and respects LGBTQIA travelers (Orbitz’s insurance partner, AIG Travel, is LGBTQIA-friendly and has even consulted with advocacy group ManAboutWorld to develop a downloadable travel guide for queer travelers). But avoiding assumptions or judgments isn’t the only reason to seek out an LGBTQIA-friendly travel insurance provider: You’ll want to look for a policy that recognizes Civil Unions and domestic partnerships, just in case, for example, a medical evacuation is necessary.

Tagged: Feature, LGBTQIA