As a travel advisor, it’s your job to ensure your clients can travel with confidence and peace of mind, no matter their gender identity. And, while it’s true you can’t predict every hiccup they might encounter along the way, you can educate yourself on the safety challenges and barriers vacationers might face while away from home, especially those who identify as trans or gender diverse. It’s a big responsibility, but you don’t have to go at it alone. Instead, turn to the Trans & Gender Diverse Travel Guide: A Roadmap for Safe and Enjoyable Travel.
A new resource from The IGLTA Foundation — the foundation associated with The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ welcoming travel businesses through leadership, research and education — created in tandem with its Gender Diverse Travel Advisory Group (GTAG) — a volunteer-led initiative to address the challenges specific to travel and tourism for trans and gender diverse people — the Trans & Gender Diverse Travel Guide was created to provide travel pros with practical advice for navigating a turbulent world.
“Travel is a form of freedom, and for trans and gender diverse travelers, it’s also an act of visibility and courage,” said Gabrielle Claiborne (she/her), GTAG chair and CEO of Transformation Journeys Worldwide at the 2025 IGLTA Global Convention in Palm Springs. “This guide supports those journeys, but the work doesn’t end here. More tools, policies, education and industry-wide support are needed so that, one day, every traveler can move through the world safely as their most authentic self without fear and trepidation.”
According to IGLTA, the guide provides actionable advice on topics like researching local laws, customs and safety considerations; ensuring travelers’ identification aligns with their gender identity on travel documents and visas; traveling with hormones, prosthetics and other medical necessities; navigating border crossings by air, sea and land; and more.
Dr. Bella Vongvisitsin (she/her), assistant professor in tourism management at Hong Kong Metropolitan University and implementation sub-committee chair for GTAG, said the inspiration behind the guide came as an answer to requests from IGLTA members for more resources aimed at supporting their trans and gender diverse clients.
“This Travel Guide is especially timely and important because current global conditions have heightened the risks that trans and gender-diverse travelers face, with identities increasingly politicized and targeted by changing laws, policies, and public sentiment,” said Vongvisitsin. “In many regions, travel is not only a means of leisure but an essential lifeline—a way for trans and gender-diverse people to access safer environments, connect with supportive friends, families, and communities, pursue healthcare including medical transition, and momentarily escape hostile circumstances.”
How Advisors Can Support Trans and Gender Diverse Travelers
When asked what travel advisors can do to support trans and gender diverse clients, in addition to familiarizing themselves with the guide, Vongvisitsin said it’s important for travel pros to be open to adjusting their internal workflow and processes. “Some recommendations (in the guide) may require amendments to the inquiry form, programme functions, or pre-departure guidance typically provided to clients.” As for which questions advisors might consider asking, Vongvisitsin recommended the following. “The questions you ask trans and gender-diverse clients may include their gender marker and name as stated on their ID or passport, their gender identity and chosen name, their pronouns, and any medical necessities during travel. Allow clients to complete the form privately and include a disclaimer explaining the purpose, ensuring a smooth and inclusive travel experience.”
In addition to respecting privacy, advocacy is a key element to working with trans and gender diverse clients, and advisors should be prepared to go to bat for their clients in situations where travel doesn’t go smoothly. “If you receive inquiries expressing concerns or observations about inconsistencies between gender markers in legal documents and lived experiences, act as their advocate by communicating with suppliers or relevant authorities as needed. Prepare necessary arrangements in advance without disclosing personal information,” said Vongvisitsin. “To facilitate a smooth immigration process, consider offering additional support by preparing a comprehensive document package that includes complete itineraries, confirmation of hotel bookings, and transportation details. Having all documentation ready is important, as you will not be permitted to represent clients during immigration interviews.”
Demonstrating Care and Kindness
When asked if there’s anything else she wants travel advisors to know about working with and supporting trans and gender diverse people, Vongvisitsin said it’s important to demonstrate care and kindness by asking questions in private, not making assumptions and not disclosing others’ identities without their consent.
“You may have clients who are still exploring their identities, proudly embracing who they are without meeting others’ expectations, or choosing to express themselves within normative binary gender systems … Recognize that not all trans and gender-diverse clients identify with or conform to the binary gender system,” she said. “Not all of them choose to undergo medical transition procedures or have gendered physical characteristics that align with societal expectations. Neither they nor anyone else should feel pressured to ‘pass’ as stereotypically masculine or feminine in order to be seen as valid or beautiful.”
Click Here To Download the Trans and Gender Diverse Travel Guide
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