These queer-affirming neighborhoods are centers of fun and enjoyed by all. [Astrid Taran]( Senior Special Projects Editor Happy Pride Month! June is a magical, uplifting time for the LGBTQ+ community and their alliesâbut itâs more than just [grand parades and raucous parties](. For travelers, Prideâs greatest value comes from generating awareness around the destinations that are putting in those extra steps to be safe, welcoming, and inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community, and to examine the ways that LGBTQ+ travelers can make their mark on the world by being out, proud, and unabashedly themselves. This month, TripSavvy is celebrating this meaningful month with a collection of new stories centered on the perspectives of LGBTQ+ travelers. From a thought-provoking [road trip through Kentucky]( to an examination of the ways [the islands of Tahiti have embraced gender diversity](, these stories are sure to excite you, inspire you, and make you reflect on how far weâve comeâand how much more we can do to ensure that travel is truly for all. On Our Radar [To Complete a Bucket List, I Needed to Go Where Queer Travelers Weren't Welcome]( Kentucky's politics did not embrace me. Would its people be willing to? [The 8 Best Gay Villages Around the World]( These queer-affirming neighborhoods are centers of fun and enjoyed by all. [The Island Paradise That Embraces All Genders]( Many forms of gender identity in French Polynesia predate European contact. Destination of the Day San Francisco The culture of [San Francisco]( is diverse and vibrant, which is all too evident in the cityâs art, music, and food scenes. Experience a stunning example of the cityâs architectural force at City Hall or the San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts. Or, learn a thing or two at the California Academy of Sciences. Sightsee on the cable car and stop at Ghirardelli Square for a hot fudge sundae or take a walk along the Embarcadero in search of barking sea lions. This beautifully historic city is bursting with [unique things to discover]( whether youâre visiting for the first time or have lived there for years. LGBTQ+ Travel Guide While there have been profound changes to San Francisco's landscape and identity since the turn of the century, it remains a haven for LGBTQ visitors and residents alikeâespecially its [Castro District](âand one of the most free-spirited, progressive, and dynamic cities in North America. Whether youâre planning a trip for Pride, which takes place on June 25th and 26th, or visiting any other time of year, follow our [LGBTQ travelerâs guide to SF]( for the top LGBTQ-friendly attractions, [bars]( and restaurants, and hotels. Where to Eat When it comes to California, foodies canât do much better than in San Francisco. Visitors have the opportunity to experience a wide range of cultures and cuisines on a vacation in this dynamic and spirited city. Grab [brunch]( at a French bistro in the morning, authentic [dim sum]( in Chinatown for lunch, and hit up North Beach for dinner at a classic Italian restaurant. Just as many budget-friendly eateries line the cityâs streets as world-class fine dining restaurants, so there is truly [something for everyone](. Where to Stay Like any big city, San Franciscoâs hotels run the gamut from budget-friendly options to high-luxury accommodations. If you plan on spending most of your time in some of the destinationâs touristy areas, like Fishermanâs Wharf and Union Square, choosing a property nearby would be in your best interest. But for those who might want to settle into more of the local mindset [in a quiet neighborhood]( with quaint coffee shops and boutique shops, there are elegant, intimate options thatâll help you do just that. With all of that in mind, weâve chosen [the best places to stay]( based on service, offerings, aesthetics, price, and location. Vacation Like a Pro Tours to Alcatraz are limited, so get yours ahead of time to avoid shelling out big bucks on a more expensive organized tour. [Katherine Gallagher](
Contributing Writer Your Packing List Don't let the moniker âsummerâ fool you. June through August can be some of San Francisco's coldest months, with the city's renowned fog rolling in and quickly dropping temperatures, making layers a must. While SF has a reputation for fog, itâs not unusual for the city to experience hot and sunny weather in the summer. Be sure to pack [sunscreen]( and a pair of [sunglasses]( for times when the UV index soars to 6 or 7. Average humidity isn't all that high compared to other places, but the fog can turn your carefully-smoothed hairstyle into something that looks more like a haystack. If your hair tends to frizz, pack extra products to keep it tamed. Always wear [comfortable shoes]( if you plan on walking. Trending in Travel [We Tested the Best Backpack Coolers to Take Anywhere]( [The US Is Ending Its COVID Testing Requirement for International Travel]( [Alaska Airlines Announced a New Flight Passâand It's Only $49 a Month]( Get Inspired They say that the Wieliczka Salt Mine is [where Krakowians go]( for healthy lungs, and youâll certainly feel the difference in the air. The sheer size of this UNESCO World Heritage siteâ1,073 feet deep and 178 miles longâwill certainly blow your mind. Descending almost 400 stairs (with an elevator ride back up), youâll explore just two percent of the salt labyrinth, including its four chapels and an underground lake. You'll even be offered a chance to taste the salty walls. Got Any Tips? Have a travel tip or feedback on how we can improve?
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