As the baby boom generation ages, the travel industry is increasingly catering to older adults with the time and money to sightsee internationally and who sometimes need additional assistance. Truly inclusive accessibility, though, accommodates a much greater range of tourists, from individuals with physical disabilities to people with autism or dementia.

To better serve visitors with visible or invisible disabilities, museums and other cultural institutions worldwide have added specialized guides and barrier-free tours, some made possible by advances in technology.

These include sign-language tours for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, touch-based events for guests with blindness or low vision, and programs designed for people on the autism spectrum. Tourism agencies dedicated to serving disabled travelers have sprung up, too.

Offering barrier-free tours shows people with disabilities they are welcome in cultural spaces, said Ashley Grady, an accessibility program specialist at the Office of Visitor Accessibility of Washington's Smithsonian Institution.

The services are a way of saying, “we’ve thought of you,” Grady said. “We want you to come to our museums. We want you to see yourselves reflected in our staff and our collections. And we want to make these programs as accessible as possible for you, your family, your loved ones, your friends.”

Still, gaps remain. Ivor Ambrose, managing director of the nonprofit European Network for Accessible Tourism, said there's a continuing lack of awareness around the different levels of accessibility that travelers need.

"This is actually a really big market and an opportunity, which is still not fulfilled by the operators in all these different areas of tourism," he said.

Here is advice from several experts about how to take advantage of barrier-free options for yourself or someone else.

Research and plan ahead

Josh Grisdale, the founder of Accessible Japan, a website that publishes databases, resources and guides to navigating the country for people with disabilities, has cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair. Before traveling to a new place, he peruses Reddit, watches travel videos on YouTube — even if the person filming didn't require accommodations — and browses Google's Street View to look for stairs or other features that aren't suitable for wheelchairs.

Facebook can be helpful, but tips often are buried in private groups that aren't searchable, Grisdale said. If a hotel has a concierge, he recommends working with them and calling ahead to ask if a place you'd like to visit has the proper accessibility. Most museums and cultural institutions have written guides and other resources online detailing their barrier-free options.

Grisdale also created the online platform tabifolk, which crowdsources knowledge about accessible travel from around the world. A lack of such information can make researching and planning a trip even more stressful, so he wanted there to be a place where people could help each other through their lived experiences.

“Even though I’m in a wheelchair and I've had a disability my whole life, there’s things that I don’t know about other disabilities,” he said.

In Africa, proper planning is crucial for people with disabilities to be able to enjoy what the continent has to offer, such as going on a safari or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, according to Joanne Ndirangu, the founder and director of accessible tourism agency Scout Group Agency.

Ndirangu promotes and advocates for expanding accessible tourism throughout Africa, particularly in Kenya. She urges visitors to work with local travel agents or other trained experts who know the region and what accessible options exist. Those people may have been the ones who worked to get a hotel or restaurant to install ramps or train the staff on helping someone who is neurodivergent.

"Let’s say you want to see giraffes somewhere," Ndirangu said. “I can now advise you, ‘That place is not viable if you’re on a wheelchair or on crutches because of the hills and the valleys.’ So I can give you an alternative — and you get to see the giraffes.”

Seek out specialized programming

Tours organized for the general public may not be ideal for people with disabilities in many cases, whether it's because the exhibits are too high for anyone in a wheelchair to see, or too loud for a person with sensory issues.

The offerings at the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex, include the sensory-friendly “Morning at the Museum” program, which is designed so participants who are neurodivergent and their families can visit a Smithsonian museum in Washington once a month before it opens to the public. They can engage in hands-on, multi-sensory activities or just stroll around at their own pace.

“We can control the environment, we can reduce the crowds,” Grady said. “It’s a completely judgment-free environment and one that’s really meant to hopefully be that full bridge to inclusion, where they are able to come to a museum, have a great experience, and then maybe come back when we’re open to the public.”

In Berlin, Catholic aid organization Malteser Deutschland noticed that people with dementia were often overlooked as visitors. The organization designed barrier-free tours specifically for this population at the Berlin Zoo, the Museum of Natural History, Britzer Garden and Charlottenburg Palace, with hopes of expanding to other locations.

The Berlin Zoo tour is limited to a handful of people, and runs about 90 minutes. The program skips the majority of the zoo’s vast collection of species to focus a few habitats so the participants don't get too tired or overwhelmed.

Ask for what you need and give feedback

Ndirangu said her team was trained to ask visitors upfront if they or their family members require accommodations for any disabilities so they can suggest the best options. It's not always possible to mitigate what they don't know about ahead of time, she said. Most hotels in Kenya only have one or two accessible rooms, for example, and they might already be booked by the time a guest who needs it arrives.

“Give us that opportunity to give you solutions,” she said. “We’ve had guests who don’t mention anything.”

The European Network for Accessible Tourism encourages travel companies to build the cost of providing barrier-free services into their programming so it's spread among all participants instead of only those who might require them. Many museums, for example, offer discounted rates for people with disabilities or free or reduced tickets for a companion.

Grady at the Smithsonian said the institution adapted its offerings after feedback from participants as well as an advisory group. Their advice has ranged from adjusting the colors on an app for people with low vision, to working with curators to ensure that upcoming exhibits are properly accessible for all.

“They’re not asking for anything out of the ordinary,” she said. “They’re literally just trying to experience a visit just like anyone else.”

The country's allure lies in its "exciting"nature for outsiders, with gorgeous landscapes from the Mekong River's misty banks to Luang Prabang's UNESCO-listed old town, where saffron-robed monks collect alms at dawn. Queer visitors report feeling respected amid these serene settings, as Laos'low tourist density fosters personal connections with locals known for their hospitality. For transgender people and same-sex couples, this translates to navigating markets and hill tribe villages without overt scrutiny, a rarity in more conservative Asian regions.

Laos'LGBTQ+ rights score contributes to its safety profile, though legal equality lags behind neighbors like Taiwan or Thailand. Same-sex activity is not criminalized, and while marriage equality is absent, social tolerance persists in urban centers like Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Equaldex data places Laos mid-tier in Asia's LGBT Equality Index, underscoring its potential amid broader regional progress. Cross-verified rankings from multiple travel analyses confirm Laos'edge in overall traveler security, making it ideal for queer adventurers prioritizing peace over nightlife.

Queer Community Insights and Welcoming Vibes

Laos'queer scene is understated yet vibrant, centered in Vientiane, the laid-back capital along the Mekong. Here, small gay-friendly bars and cafes cater to locals and expats, offering a contrast to Thailand's neon-lit parties. Travelers describe a "traditional yet thrilling"atmosphere where LGBTQ+ individuals blend into daily life—think sipping lao-lao rice whiskey at riverside spots or joining sticky rice feasts without fanfare. Digital nomads and backpackers, including gay couples, praise the "excellent choice"for thrill-seekers, noting respectful interactions even in rural areas.

In Luang Prabang, the cultural heartland, queer travelers immerse in night markets alive with silk weavers and lantern-lit streets. Guesthouses like those in the old quarter welcome diverse guests, with hosts sharing stories of local acceptance. Utopia Asia, a key resource for gay travel in the region, lists Laos spots indirectly through Southeast Asian guides, emphasizing low-key venues over commercial hubs. Personal accounts from queer nomads highlight Chiang Mai's northern Thai cousin vibes but quieter: yoga retreats in the countryside, boat trips to Pak Ou Caves, and temple hikes where being oneself feels natural.

What sets Laos apart is its emerging status. Unlike the Philippines, noted for progressive rights but higher tourist volumes, or Vietnam's rapid development, Laos maintains an "admirable"regional score without aggressive promotion. Local LGBTQ+ advocates, though nascent, focus on community events in Vientiane, fostering subtle visibility. Secret Retreats'Pride guide nods to Asia's hidden gems, aligning Laos with lesser-known tolerant areas beyond Taipei.

Culturally Rich Experiences for Queer Explorers

Laos pulses with cultural depth that enriches queer journeys. Venture to the 4, 000 Islands in the south, where Mekong dolphins frolic and bike paths wind through sleepy Cham villages—perfect for same-sex couples kayaking at sunset. Viengsay, the Plain of Jars, evokes mystery with ancient megalithic stones, a site where history buffs find solitude. Food scenes dazzle: laap minced meat salad, tam mak hung papaya som tam, and fresh river fish grilled over coals, shared at communal tables where locals warmly engage.

For spiritual seekers, Luang Prabang's temples like Wat Xieng Thong shimmer with golden mosaics depicting Ramayana tales. Queer pilgrims report profound peace during Baci ceremonies, traditional blessings tying white strings for protection—inclusive rituals embracing all. Northern treks to Muang Ngoi reveal Hmong hill tribe textiles and rice terraces, where guides share folklore without judgment.

Adventure thrives: tubing down the Nam Song River near Vang Vieng, zip-lining over jungles, or elephant sanctuaries emphasizing ethical encounters . Gay-friendly operators in Vientiane offer tailored tours, blending adrenaline with downtime. Budget-wise, Laos shines—meals under $5, guesthouses $20/night—mirroring Chiang Mai's affordability but with wilder frontiers.

Practical Tips and Why It's a Hidden Gem

Safety first: Laos scores high in general security, outpacing Asia averages, ideal for solo queer travelers or families. Visa-on-arrival eases entry; fly into Vientiane or Luang Prabang. Use apps like Grab for rides, and check ILGA Asia for updates.

Laos captivates as a hidden gem because it's "rarely visited, "preserving authenticity. Queer travelers escape crowds, forging bonds over shared hikes or Mekong sunsets. As Asia's tourism evolves, Laos'blend of safety, culture, and welcome positions it for queer discovery—proving paradise hides in plain sight.

The first hint comes along 39th Street, where a stretch of neon lights and rainbow flags marks the city’s longtime LGBTQ+ district. Known affectionately as the Gayborhood, this is where Oklahoma City’s queer nightlife has thrived for decades. There’s an ease to the energy here, a feeling that everyone is welcome and no one is in a rush to be anything other than themselves.

At Angles, the night begins on the dance floor. Music pulses through multiple rooms, drag performers command the stage, and strangers quickly become familiar faces. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time, moving between spaces, conversations, and beats without ever feeling out of place.

Just down the street, The Boom offers something entirely different but equally memorable. Here, dinner and entertainment blend into one experience. The lights dim, the curtain rises, and suddenly the room is filled with laughter, applause, and the unmistakable energy of live drag. It’s theatrical, a little irreverent, and deeply rooted in the joy of shared experience.

For those who prefer something more low-key, Tramps feels like stepping into a living room where everyone already knows each other—or is happy to pretend they do. The drinks are simple, the conversations are easy, and the patio becomes its own kind of community space as the night stretches on.

And then there’s Frankie's OKC, a newer but deeply beloved addition to the scene. The lesbian-owned bar has an authenticity that’s hard to manufacture. Karaoke nights blur into drag performances, laughter spills out onto the street, and the crowd reflects the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s inclusive in a way that feels natural, not curated.

But Oklahoma City isn’t just about nightlife. The story of its LGBTQ+ identity continues in the neighborhoods that have become creative and cultural anchors for the city.

The pathways are located nearly 9,700 kilometers (6,000 miles) apart but share a notable feature: they were designed for visitors to use without wearing socks or shoes.

Barefoot trails exist around the world, inviting people to get closer to nature through sounds and sensations. Feeling cool mud squish between toes, stepping on pine needles and exploring meditation caves, scent stations and dark rooms transform a routine walk into an immersive experience.

Walking shoeless on varied surfaces also may contribute to emotional well-being and overall foot health, according to podiatrists and barefoot enthusiasts.

Below, more about where and why some people are bringing themselves down to earth one step at a time.

Barefoot trails as an environmental and health movement

Theories about the benefits of going barefoot have gained popularity among runners and other athletes in recent decades, as well as with environmentalists and as an alternative mental health treatment, but the idea has been around for well over a century.

Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th century German Catholic priest and early pioneer of naturopathy, promoted nature exposure, water therapy and barefoot walking as exercise and a way to stimulate circulation and support overall health, including immune function. He recommended walking barefoot over “dew-wet grass” or snow and is said to have called shoes “foot-bending machinery.”

His philosophy inspired trails and paths across Europe, where they are sometimes known as Kneipp paths, and to a lesser extent in the United States. In Asia, reflexology trails made of stones, pebbles and grass are intended to stimulate acupressure points on the soles of the feet, a concept linked to traditional medical therapies.

Germany's Park mit allen Sinnen, which in English translates to “park with all senses,” reflects a broader focus on wellness tourism in the Black Forest, which covers more than 6,000 square kilometers (2,317 square miles) and where visitors can breath mountain air, soak in thermal baths and visit spas offering treatments that incorporate local plants and herbs.

The park charges an admission fee. Its website says that meandering barefoot over the 2 kilometer-long (1-mile-long) trail's different surfaces "is ideal for exercising your back and spine, and at the same time, it’s a perfect foot reflexology massage in the fresh air.”

Leah Williams, the owner of The Barefoot Trail park near Flagstaff, Arizona, opened a manicured trail of the same length near Route 66 two years ago after a family trip in Europe. Tickets are required, though Williams operates the park as a nonprofit charitable foundation.

Williams said her mother, who is from Germany, encouraged her to go barefoot as a child climbing trees and playing in the forests and creeks around Seattle — a practice Williams carried into adulthood and passed on to her own children. While living in the Netherlands, her family visited a barefoot trail in Belgium.

“I loved everything about it. I saw all ages, and I loved seeing older people at the park because you don’t see that here in the United States," Williams said. "I thought, ‘Wow, when I get back to the United States, I’m going to build one of these parks myself.'”

She offers educational materials for schools, summer programs and camps to children who visit the park.

“Being good stewards of nature is really our job as human beings, and we have taken 13 acres (5 hectares) of land at our park for our community enjoyment, ... for local, statewide and regional enjoyment,” Williams said, her eyes moist with emotion.

A sensory experience

Most people don't walk outside barefoot regularly, and exposing their tender feet to different textures, temperatures and types of contact can take getting used to.

“You should see people’s faces when they start walking,” Williams said, chuckling at the thought.

While many parks with barefoot trails encourage users to walk the paths sans shoes, naked feet are not required. Guests with neuropathy, diabetes or other foot conditions are welcome to keep their shoes on at the parks in Arizona and Germany.

Some barefoot trails are designed to engage multiple senses.

At Park mit allen Sinnen, a sign that reads “Please be quiet” in German identifies a spot described as a meditation cave. Inside, a long bench faces tall windows overlooking the forest, and soft music plays through hidden speakers.

Elsewhere at the park, visitors can squeeze red bulbs to release the scent of papaya or apricots, or place their hands inside a box filled with wild boar fur.

Ditching the shoes step by step around the world

Austria, Denmark, France, Hungary, Switzerland and the U.K. are among other European countries with barefoot trails. Some are meant for local residents and not tourists, so finding them can prove difficult. Searching the terms “barefoot” or “barefoot paths” in the local language might help.

In Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan, some public parks have pebble trails, which are walkways with smooth stones cemented into place that can be used for reflexology and foot massage.

Similarly, there are so-called wellness parks and informal barefoot hikes on regular trails in the United States. But because of how rare they are in the U.S., Williams plans to expand the The Barefoot Trail concept elsewhere.

The foundation recently received about 8 hectares (20 acres) of land in a commercial and residential area of college town Lawrence, Kansas, to develop a park similar to the one she opened in Arizona.

“The park will be one of the components of a larger commercial space being developed,” Williams said. “It’s about integrating those natural environments into people’s daily lives and providing those safe spaces for people to enjoy.”

The film evokes Prada without being about the storied fashion house that has become synonymous with Milan. In homage, Meryl Streep and Anna Wintour both wear Prada on a current Vogue cover celebrating the film about a demanding fashion editor.

But when part of the movie was shot in Milan during fashion week last September, a Dolce & Gabbana runway show, not Prada, was the backdrop for a scene featuring Streep and Stanley Tucci.

‘’When you think of Prada, when you think of the Prada brand, you also think of Milan. This is obviously good for the fashion system,’’ said Tommaso Sacchi, Milan’s counselor for culture. “It’s a film that is good for the city.’’

Fans converge on film pop-up

That enthusiasm is spilling over to a pop-up at Milan’s main department store, where aficionados of the film and fashionistas have flocked to take selfies at a replica of fictitious fashion editor Miranda Priestly’s desk and against the backdrop of a faux Runway magazine mock-up cover.

VIPs attending the film's Italian premiere on Thursday, ahead of its global release next week, will attend a cocktail in the space.

The Rinascente CEO, Mariella Elia, said the response to the pop-up — which is announced by giant statues of the iconic red pumps outside the store — shows that people have “a desire for lightness.”

“It’s not just about buying, it’s really about reviving what fashion represents … a desire to have a stylish flair once again, a desire for joy, too — perhaps in contrast with the current economic and international moment that humanity is experiencing,’’ Elia said.

On a recent day, the space filled with people browsing limited edition T-shirts with famous phrases from the first film like, “Is there some reason my coffee isn’t here?”

Valentina Cattivelli, a professor, said she wasn’t trying to channel Priestly as she sat behind the replica of her desk. It included an inbox full of other lines from the original film, including Priestly's dismissive, “That’s all.’’

“No, I’m not so cruel in my daily life, but I appreciate her professional style and also her fashion and the taste for fashion. But not her sarcasm or cruelty, no,” Cattivelli said.

Where Prada meets the film

The Prada brand was founded a few steps away, in the stately Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, by Miuccia Prada’s grandfather. The shopping arcade today is anchored by two Prada flagship stores.

Miuccia Prada transformed the brand into a fashion juggernaut, turning the infamous ugly chic aesthetic into must-have or must-emulate looks and accessories that bring intellectual heft to runway fashion — a theme of the original movie, which offered a peek beyond fashion-world frivolity.

“There is a close relationship between the ‘Devil Wears Prada’ franchise and Prada, because by evoking Prada from the very title, it evokes a fashion that makes you dream, a fashion that makes you feel elegant, a fashion that makes you feel good, a fashion that gives you an allure,’’ said Annarita Briganti, a fashion journalist who wrote a book about Prada for Rizzoli’s Made in Italy editions.

What sets Ghent apart is its seamless blend of history and progressiveness. The city's canals, reminiscent of Venice but far less tourist-clogged, reflect the golden light of late spring evenings, inviting leisurely boat rides or walks through Graslei and Korenlei—riverside squares lined with 16th-century guildhouses now housing queer-friendly bars and eateries. Local queer residents emphasize Ghent's "live-and-let-live"ethos, rooted in Belgium's long-standing legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights, including same-sex marriage since 2003 and anti-discrimination laws. This foundation fosters an environment where transgender people, non-binary individuals, and same-sex couples navigate daily life without fanfare, a rarity in more conservative parts of Europe.

The Heart of Queer Ghent: Emerging Scenes and Safe Spaces

Ghent’s queer scene is less about a single "neon-lit" district and more about an integrated, city-wide ethos of inclusivity. While the historic Patershol neighborhood is home to the regional LGBTQ+ center, Casa Rosa, the city’s nightlife pulses around the Vlasmarkt and Sint-Jakobs area. Here, venues like Café Charlatan serve as legendary alternative hubs for live music and diverse crowds, while dedicated bars like Kingstreet and Por Que No offer a more targeted sense of community. This low-key atmosphere thrives on events that prioritize connection over commercialization, from community workshops at the queer-run café Rokko to the Pink Walk, which explores the city's rich history of activism.

As one of the world’s most progressive nations, Belgium provides a stable foundation for Ghent’s "live-and-let-live" culture. The city’s inclusivity is most visible during the Gentse Feesten—a massive ten-day cultural festival in July that weaves queer performances and dance parties into its sprawling program of street theater and music. Unlike the massive corporate parades in larger capitals, Ghent’s queer celebrations, often held in late spring, maintain an intimate, grassroots feel. This visibility is supported by local organizations like Casa Rosa, which ensures that queer residents and visitors are a natural, woven-in part of the city’s social fabric.

Safety remains a primary draw for LGBTQ+ travelers in Ghent, where public displays of affection are generally met with indifference or acceptance. While boutique hotels like 1898 The Post offer luxurious stays in the heart of the historic center, the city’s welcoming nature extends to its culinary scene as well. Travelers can enjoy Flemish classics at renowned spots like De Superette or explore the indie boutiques of the Veldstraat and Vrijdagmarkt, where rainbow flags frequently signal a safe and supportive space.

Cultural Riches and Queer Perspectives

Ghent’s cultural depth elevates it beyond a quick stopover. The Gravensteen, a 12th-century fortress overlooking the river, provides a dramatic backdrop to a city that balances medieval history with modern inclusivity. While the castle focuses on historical weaponry, the nearby Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) actively engages with queer narratives through a specialized tour of its permanent collection. Similarly, the S.M.A.K. showcases contemporary art that often challenges traditional norms, featuring world-class Belgian artists like Berlinde de Bruyckere, whose work explores the complexities of the human form.

The city's creative evolution is best seen through its performers. Local collectives like House of Lux have transformed Ghent into a drag and performance art hub, with transgender and non-binary artists frequently headlining at the VIERNULVIER (Vooruit) arts center. This progressive spirit extends to the cinema; the Sphinx Cinema serves as a vital venue for queer culture, hosting the annual PINX film festival, which brings LGBTQIA+ stories to the big screen every January.

Ghent's flavors and social spaces are equally welcoming. You can sample cuberdons—the city’s iconic raspberry "noses"—at traditional riverside stalls before exploring the Dok Noord area. Once a rugged industrial zone, it has been revitalized into a modern hub housing the Dok Brewing Company, known for its craft beers and inclusive atmosphere. For queer expats and travelers alike, the appeal lies in this seamless integration: Ghent is a place where you can be authentically out without the need for a "performance," making it a truly effortless destination for the LGBTQ+ community.

Why Ghent is the Next Hidden Gem for Queer Travelers

Ghent's rise as a queer destination stems from its authenticity amid overtourism elsewhere. While mainstream lists spotlight Barcelona's Eixample or Lisbon's Bairro Alto, Ghent offers elbow room and depth—perfect for late-spring visits when mild weather fills streets with cyclists and outdoor markets. Accessibility is effortless: high-speed trains from Brussels take 30 minutes, and Brussels Airport connects globally. Emerging trends show a 20% uptick in LGBTQ+ bookings for Belgian secondary cities like Ghent, per regional tourism data, signaling its ascent.

For transgender travelers, Ghent excels with gender-neutral facilities in public spaces and healthcare access via progressive clinics affiliated with Ghent University Hospital. Non-binary visitors appreciate the city's fluid fashion scene, influenced by nearby Antwerp's heritage, with thrift shops in Zuid neighborhood stocking androgynous vintage finds. Families find solace in inclusive playgrounds and events like the Queer Family Picnic, hosted annually by local parent groups.

In essence, Ghent whispers welcome rather than shouting it, its canals carrying echoes of laughter from diverse gatherings. Queer travelers leave with stories of spontaneous connections at a riverside bar or a castle tour that sparked deep conversations. As Europe’s queer map expands, Ghent stands as a beacon of cultured, unpretentious joy—proving that the best destinations are those discovered, not advertised.

Every time someone talks about Mexico, you hear about the multitude of regions and identities it has. But you don't truly understand that until you actually leave Mexico City. What gets lost in the narrative is the other side of Mexico, where you'll find a creative energy that feels like nothing you'll find elsewhere. Querétaro is the gateway to all of it, and right now, the world should be paying close attention.

Querétaro was founded in 1531 through a rare alliance between Spanish colonizers and the indigenous Otomí people. It quickly grew into one of New Spain's most prosperous cities. Otomí, Tarasco, Chichimeca and Spanish communities coexisted here for centuries. In 1996, UNESCO recognized its historic center as a World Heritage Site. By the early 19th century, Queretaro served as the meeting point for the conspiracy that launched Mexico's War of Independence.

Today, the city is considered one of the most dynamic and competitive economies in Mexico. Between 2021 and 2025, 74 million travelers visited the city. This generated 103 billion Mexican dollars or $5.83 million in revenue, and an average hotel occupancy of 64%. Its rise in popularity has not gone unnoticed. When The New York Times named Querétaro as one of their unique, emerging hotspots, they cited the area's recent reputation as a destination for food and drink.

And yet, internationally, it remains largely under the radar. However, it's quietly defining itself as Central Mexico's next designated travel destination. Now is the ideal time to experience it before the rest of the world catches on.

A colonial city that outlasted its own history

Querétaro has about 1 million residents and sits in a dry, high-altitude landscape that feels nothing like the Mexico most tourists know. The historic center is walkable and compact, with mostly well-kept Spanish colonial architecture from the 18th century. Buildings more than 200 years old line the streets with hues of ochre, terracotta, blue and yellow. There are active plazas, restaurants at various price points, missions, convents and small galleries.

The city's most recognizable feature is its aqueduct, characterized by 74 stone arches stretching more than 4,000 feet. It's in the 1730s and still standing at the edge of the historic center. Its image appears on menus, murals, shop signs and souvenirs throughout the city.

On Saturday nights, the Plaza de la Independencia fills with mariachi bands and groups of dancers doing line dances to traditional songs. It's a genuinely local scene that's not designed for tourists. If you happen to be there at the right time, it's something you won't want to miss.

Due to traffic and the high cost of living in a 23-million-person metro area, residents of Mexico City have been moving to smaller cities, resulting in Querétaro's steady growth. As you'll see, both longtime residents and newcomers live in the city. What you get is a place where a cheap torta stand operates around the corner from a serious mezcal bar, where the theater scene is small but real and where people dress, as one local put it, however they feel like.

The restaurant that puts Querétaro's pantry on the plate

Casa Concheros is one of Querétaro's better-known restaurants for regional cuisine. It's a good place to work through a few dishes specific to the area. The menu leans on local ingredients and traditional preparations.

Start with the camote: a sweet potato soup with apple and goat cheese, mild and slightly sweet, better than it sounds. The tostada arriera follows, piled with nopales and steak. Then the mole de guajolote, a dark, pepper-forward dish with just a faint trace of cocoa underneath; the kind of mole that takes most of a day to make correctly. The latter is the kind that takes hours to prepare properly.

For dessert, the camote achilado returns to sweet potato, this time with dulce de leche, berries and a crumble. Finally, the guayaba sorbet, served with a pour of mezcal, is a straightforward but good way to finish the entire ensemble.

Mexico's best-kept wine secret is in the highlands

Most people don't associate Mexico with wine. The Querétaro highlands are one reason that would totally change that outdated notion. Mexican wine has advanced significantly, with some of the more intriguing work being done in this area.

The vineyards sit 5,900 to 6,500 feet above sea level, near San Juan del Río, about 31 miles south of the city. Wineries here are increasingly making good use of the natural advantages of high altitude and low nighttime temperatures, which help maintain the grapes' acidity.

Where to stay in Querétaro

Hotels in the historic center of Santiago de Querétaro reflect both the city's history and its evolving identity. Boutique properties in the historic center lean into design and locality, while larger hotels offer a more expansive, comfort-driven stay.

At Hotel Criol, the experience begins the moment you arrive, with a welcome glass of agua de pinole served in a traditional clay cup. It's a small, thoughtful detail that sets the tone. The design is clean and modern, but doesn't feel disconnected from its surroundings, and its central location makes it easy to step out and immediately be part of the city's daily life.

A different perspective comes from Grand Fiesta Americana Querétaro. Here, the focus shifts toward space and ease: larger rooms, polished service and amenities that make it a comfortable base after long days exploring. Staying in reveals how varied the city can feel, depending on where you wake up.

That approach provides a broader idea of how people are traveling. According to Hotels.com, 54% of travelers globally are embracing the "Hotel Hop" trend, which involves booking multiple hotels within a single destination to get a fuller experience. The motivation is as much practical as it is curious: about 50% want to explore different neighborhoods, while 35% look for better value throughout their stay.

The trend also relates to how trips themselves are changing. Short city breaks, event-driven travel like concerts or festivals and even "bleisure" trips are driving the shift. One in four Gen Z and millennial travelers now extend work trips into multi-stop leisure stays.

In a place like Querétaro, where the historic center, wine country and newer districts each offer something distinct, splitting time between hotels doesn't feel excessive; it's actually a great way to see the city.

Where the cheese and wine actually come from

The area around Querétaro deserves at least a day of driving. Here you'll find some of Mexico's finest artisanal goat cheese. Its production dates back to Spanish dairy farming practices brought here after colonization, and it has since been refined over the centuries.

"Querétaro is the state that receives the most visitors nationwide through wine tourism," said Tourism Secretary Adriana Vega Vázquez Mellado in an interview with The Queretaro Post. "Ultimately, we have 20 million potential customers there, whom we need to win over, and that's where we have the greatest attraction for Querétaro."

Experts at the Global Wine Tourism Organization emphasize that "Querétaro wines have made significant progress, developing their own characteristics that strengthen their prestige."

Tequisquiapan, a town about 40 miles southeast of the city, runs a Saturday market where small producers sell directly to visitors. Pair a stop there with a winery visit, and you've got a full afternoon. It's the kind of food experience that rarely shows up in Mexico travel writing, which is half the reason to do it.

The most award-winning small city in the world

San Miguel de Allende sits about 40 miles east of Querétaro, just over the border into Guanajuato state. It has spent the past several years collecting travel awards at a pace that's hard to keep up with.

Travel + Leisure named San Miguel de Allende the best city in the world for 2025, with a reader score of 93.33%, its fourth consecutive year at the top. Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Reader's Choice Awards hailed it as the best small city in the world. Expedia's Unpack '26 Destinations of the Year report placed it on its trending list, with a 30% year-over-year jump in search interest. Eventually, the awards stopped being surprising and started sounding like statistics.

The city takes its name from Ignacio Allende, a key figure in Mexico's fight for independence. At the entrance, a towering statue of him welcomes visitors. Inside the centro histórico, the streets are cobblestone, narrow and backed up with more traffic than you'd expect from a city this size; a direct consequence of its popularity. The houses run in shades of ochre, mustard, white and burnt red, with heavy wooden doors and iron-barred windows.

Everything in the city center revolves around the Jardín Principal, the main square where locals gather and street musicians play. At one end is the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a neo-Gothic church made with pink stone. Zeferino Gutiérrez, a local mason, rebuilt the church in the late 19th century, and reportedly used postcards of European cathedrals as design inspirations. The church, unsurprisingly, looks like it's from another continent, yet somehow feels like it belongs right in the city. Across the square, the house where Ignacio Allende was born is now a museum.

South of the church, Cuna de Allende is lined with galleries and boutique shops selling work from local artists and artisans. Contemporary Alebrije reinterpretations share wall space with ceramic crosses made from flowers and three-dimensional Lego portraits of ordinary Mexicans. A few blocks over, Plaza de la Soledad is quieter; worth a detour for the Temple of the Oratory of San Felipe Neri, a baroque church whose stone facade alone merits attention.

Plan your trip

Querétaro has its own international airport, with domestic connections and a growing number of U.S. routes. Buses from Mexico City's Terminal Norte take about two to two and a half hours and run frequently. San Miguel de Allende is about an hour from Querétaro by car; shared shuttles and private transfers connect the cities without much hassle.

October through April is the dry season, characterized by warm days, cool nights and reliable skies. December and January get cold after dark, while Semana Santa draws large crowds to both cities. If the latter is when you're going, book accommodation early.

With its blend of history, culture and culinary delights, Central Mexico rewards travelers who venture beyond the usual hotspots. And what better places to start than Querétaro and its equally fascinating neighbor, San Miguel de Allende?

Ksenia Prints is a food and travel writer from Montreal, Canada. She blogs over at We Travel We Bond, writing about family travel off the beaten path.

What sets Cali apart for queer visitors is its fusion of cultural depth and unpretentious inclusivity. The city pulses with salsa clubs like La Topa Tolondra and Zaperoco, where same-sex couples dance freely amid locals, creating an electric, affirming energy that feels organic rather than staged for tourists. Queer-owned cafes and bars cluster in neighborhoods like Granada and San Antonio, offering safe havens with rainbow flags subtly signaling allyship. Queer locals describe Cali as a place where "visibility is normalized, "with transgender people and non-binary individuals frequenting these spots without fanfare. This contrasts sharply with rural Colombia, where attitudes remain conservative, but Cali's urban bubble provides a progressive enclave.

Salsa Nights and Queer Nightlife: The Heartbeat of Inclusion

Cali’s nightlife is its crown jewel. Salsotecas like La Topa Tolondra and Regia in the Granada district are the true social hubs, where same-sex couples dance alongside locals without hesitation. The San Antonio hilltop remains a favorite for its bohemian cafes and 'blind-date' vibes. The Feria de Cali (Dec 25-30) now includes a dedicated Diversity Pavilion, showcasing 'Salsa Queens' and activists to a crowd of over a million. With daily budgets often under $60, Cali offers an empowering, rhythm-filled alternative to the more commercialized hubs of South America.

Cultural Riches and Natural Escapes for Mindful Exploration

Beyond nightlife, Cali's cultural tapestry enchants travelers seeking depth. The  Museo La Tertulia  showcases essential contemporary art, often featuring regional artists who explore identity. For authentic flavors, explore the  Alameda Market  for fresh arepas, lulo juices, and empanadas rooted in Afro-Colombian heritage. The  Cristo Rey  statue offers panoramic views and a hike favored by local fitness enthusiasts.Nature beckons at the  Farallones de Cali National Park , where cloud forests teem with orchids and waterfalls. Queer digital nomads frequently settle at Selina Cali, drawn by its high-speed internet and vibrant community vibe. While history blends with modern expression in the colonial  San Antonio  district, heritage seekers also take day trips to the nearby coffee town of  Sevilla  to admire its stunning mountain views.

Why Cali is the Next Queer Must-Visit

Cali's rise as a queer-friendly haven is no fluke; it's propelled by grassroots efforts like the Fundación Diversidad Sexual de Cali, which advocates for transgender rights and hosts community workshops. Pride events in June draw regional crowds, featuring salsa marathons and panels on intersectional identities, making it a hub for pan-South American LGBTQ+ networking. Compared to flashier spots like Rio or Buenos Aires, Cali's authenticity shines: no cover charges at top clubs, genuine local interactions, and a cultural richness that lingers.

For queer travelers prioritizing safety, pack light layers for the tropical climate , download salsa apps like Salsa Lovers for meetups, and connect via Facebook groups like "Gay Cali Colombia. " Direct flights from Miami ease access, positioning Cali as South America's best-kept secret. As one local queer organizer shared, "Cali doesn't just tolerate; it celebrates every beat of who you are. " With its blend of dance, diversity, and discovery, Cali invites LGBTQ+ explorers to uncover a destination where joy is inclusive and the rhythm never stops.

And yet, about two dozen women residents and visitors have found a hidden sanctuary from its bustle in a spot over a small bridge and under an ornate arch with an engraved Latin phrase “sauvegarde,” or “safe place” in English.

Nestled in a sea of yellow daffodils lies an oasis of calm and tranquility founded in 1245: the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde of Bruges.

For 22 years, Trees Dewever has called this beguinage her home. She said it provides "an overwhelming feeling of calm and I think we need that in this world.”

Her neighbor, 23-year beguinage resident Jo Verplaetsen, said the spirit of the medieval shelter is today soothing and social.

“Each day you are thankful to be here," she said.

A refuge for women from medieval to modern woes

However serene now, the beguinages emerged after the 12th century as an antidote to devastation.

Conflicts in the Middle Ages ravaged the male population, creating a glut of widows and single women who needed some kind of stability. They often chose the looser rules of the beguinages instead of stricter convents, said Michel Vanholder, a volunteer at the Grand Beguinage Church of Mechelen.

“They didn’t want to go become nuns but nevertheless they wanted to live together without men because there were not enough men to marry," he said.

Women who joined were called beguines, and while forbidden to marry while residing in the beguinages, they were allowed free egress, could own their own property and did not take religious vows of celibacy and poverty like nuns in adjacent convents.

“Women who didn’t want to become real nuns or religious could have an in-between form, becoming a beguine," said Brigitte Beernaert, who moved into the Bruges beguinage more than 20 years ago.

Women in the beguinage often worked caring for the sick and poor, but also earned money with needlework and weaving lace. Some plowed profits back into the community.

But the beguinages were at different times embraced and persecuted by the Vatican. One prominent beguine, the French Christian mystic Marguerite Porete, was condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake in 1310.

Novelists Ken Follett, Charlotte Brönte and Umberto Eco have written about the beguines and their male counterparts the beghards.

Architecturally, the beguinages were designed for like-minded women to live in comfort, quiet and safety, with small gardens tucked into either easily accessible alleys or around a main square with houses facing a common courtyard. The heart of the community was almost always a chapel or church.

Today, UNESCO recognizes as world heritage sites 13 beguinages in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking northern half of Belgium.

German tourist Biata Weissbaeker who was visiting Bruges with her husband Achim said that such spaces were and remain crucial.

“Women need a place like this: a safe place that gives them the possibility to go inside themselves.”

The changing traditions of the beguinages

While the last beguine in Belgium, Marcella Pattijn, died in 2013 at the age of 92, the central tenet of the beguinage community has persevered over the past 800 years.

“Once you are in here, you are safe — that was of course literal in the Middle Ages, once you lived here, the law couldn’t take you away,” she said. “Today it’s more like a safe place for women alone.”

The beguinage of Bruges to this day still allows only women, although the grounds are now owned and maintained by the city itself, with residents renting from the city.

The beguinages of Belgium organize public activities hoping to foster community within through gardening, and outside through open houses.

A few of the Bruges residents recently planted raspberry bushes against the wall near the canal and they keep bee hives for honey. “The world is terrible for the moment, and this gives us the impression that it’s still safe here," said Beernaert. "This gives Bruges already a little bit of a small paradise, if you want. And living inside that paradise feels unbelievable.