Group of people posing together around a red, wooden outline of a heart on the small wharf of a lake.

LGBTQIA + inclusivity
at Topdeck

LGBTQIA+ x Topdeck

When we say you’ll unpack more on our trips, we mean it in every sense. That includes empowering you to be more yourself on a small group trip that is safe, inclusive and comfortable. To us, it doesn’t matter who you are, how you live, or what’s on your fyp... EVERYONE is welcome.

That starts with inspiring you to join us on an adventure, following you through the booking process all the way to the end of your trip on the road. Every point of contact is attentive to alleviate any shred of discomfort.

Anything other than respect and joy for each other is not tolerated.

What are we doing to make a difference right now?

Topdeck trip leader in a yellow uniform holds a red macaroon in Paris.

Providing a positive group dynamic

Our trips have zero tolerance for disrespect and encourage a fun, positive environment for everyone. How do we do that? All staff and crew – including your on-road Trip Leaders – undergo professional LGBTQIA+ inclusion training complete with real-life scenarios and allyship tools. You can also raise any concerns about safety throughout your trip with your Trip Leader.

Group of people take a selfie wearing all different colours at the pride parade in London.

Adding a non-binary option

We understand the importance of identifying as your true, authentic self – not only in person and online, but at every stage in life, including when you book that unforgettable small group trip! That’s why we’ve added gender marker X to the booking process (the first in the youth group travel business!).

Two people sit together smiling in an egg shaped chair.

Including mixed room accommodation

As the leader in inclusive group travel, and to ensure comfort for all customers, we offer mixed multi-share and twin-share rooms. This rooming preference allows for more inclusivity, choice and integration of all identities whilst aligning with common practice among hostels. Meaning? Comfort for everyone!

Four people laugh together while looking at a photo strip printed from a photobooth.

Trip Leaders bringing people together

“Virginia our Trip Leader was incredible. She was always with us, gave us all the best places to visit and made the trip so fun and inclusive for everyone”

Samuel A., Spain & Portugal: Tapas & Traditions

FAQs

Mixed multi-share or twin-share is an inclusive choice that fosters a more social atmosphere and promotes new friendships with different backgrounds as well as allowing friends and/or couples with different gender identities to room together.

Not for our customers! The change we’ve implemented is Trip Leader training to ensure every Topdeck trip creates an inclusive, supportive and respectful environment for the comfort of all customers.

Not at all. All that we ask is you provide the gender as listed on your passport (required for occasions such as border crossings). Following this, we ask if the gender you identify with is the same as that on your passport. This is an optional field, and you can further describe more detail if you wish to in another optional field.

Our suppliers have confirmed we can allocate privately contracted rooms as we see fit. There is nowhere we currently operate in which would break any country laws surrounding our inclusivity policy and rooming changes. For regions less accepting of LGBTQIA+ customers, such as Egypt and Morocco, we will provide extra information so you can make your own decision on whether to travel.

Feel the love via our blog

Four people smiling together at the pride parade in London.

Staying safe as a LGBTQIA+ traveller

Sneak peek: The experience of international travel as a member of the LGBTIQ+ community is likely to be slightly (or even vastly) different to that of our hetero counterparts. So, here’s a few things I do to stay safe on the road.

Two people sit on the edge of a sail boat smiling.

Topdeck Tales – Turkey: Sail & Swim

Sneak peek: For me, it’s incredibly important to travel with a company that I trust will back me up and stands for LGBTQ+ rights. It adds a layer of protection, so I feel safer. Although Turkey’s attitude to our community needs a lot of improvement, I felt safe over the whole trip, both on shore and at sea.

Rainbow flags held above a crowd at a pride parade.

Pride tracks that hit harder than a glitter cannon

Sneak peek: June = Pride takeover mode activated. Get ready for some of our top tunes to vibe along to during Pride month, whether you’re celebrating on one of our trips or at home.

When

When do you want to travel?

LGBTQIA + inclusivity at Topdeck