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Four Great Vacations for LGBT Families

If you and your partner are planning a quick family escape before the holiday rush, -- or are thinking ahead (kudos!) for outings between next year’s school breaks -- we've come up with four great vacation ideas to offer you a little inspiration. Whether your family wants fun in the sun, a bit of culture, or just a change of scenery, we’ve found the best LGBT family getaways for all types. And as with any good family-friendly destination, these trips have a little something extra for parents to enjoy after the kiddies have gone to bed.

In Search Of: Culture

Destination: Toronto

Tagged as “New York run by the Swiss,” Toronto is a massive (and clean!) cultural hub, with a reputation for being both family- and gay-friendly. Canada’s biggest city also has world-renowned restaurants, shopping, and theaters, with quick and easy transportation to take you there. The Fairmont Royal York is one of the Toronto’s premier hotels with its elegant, old world charm, and a prime location blocks from the shopping and attractions of Yonge Street. After a day of sight-seeing on Yonge or in the nearby Entertainment District, parents can cozy up for an intimate evening at the Library Bar, or one of the hotel's award-winning restaurants, such as the locally-focused Epic.

In Search Of: Adventure

Destination: Geneva

With its famously gorgeous Swiss Alps backdrop and neutral culture, Switzerland is a great adventure destination for LGBT travelers. Whether you and the gang want to hit the beaches or the slopes (depending on the time of year, of course), Geneva is a quiet (but still adventure-packed) alternative to larger European cities. Sitting right on Lake Geneva and overlooking the mountains, Hotel President Wilson is not only family-friendly, but is within easy distance of countless adventure activities. Several beaches and parks are within walking distance of the hotel, and the ski mountains are just outside of the city limits. After a day of exploring the city with the little ones, you and your partner can unwind at the hotel's stunning spa or cozy caviar bar.

In Search Of: Quality Family Time

Destination: Orlando

It goes without saying that Orlando is one the most family-friendly destinations in the world, as home to spots such as Disney World, Universal, and Sea World. And though it’s not officially sanctioned, "Gay Days" is celebrated at Disney and other Orlando parks on the second Saturday of every June. Most hotels in the area have no problem pleasing kids, but others -- such as Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa -- boast amenities that appeal to adults, as well. In addition to a top-notch spa, the resort features two pools, boat rentals, and the fancy-schmancy Victoria and Albert’s, the only restaurant at the resort that doesn’t offer a kids’ menu. And best of all, the Grand Floridian has a supervised kids’ club so the adults can actually take advantage of the couples’ perks.

In Search Of: Quality (Grown) Family Time

Destination: Palm Springs

For LGBT families with grown kids, Palm Springs is sure to please all generations

Once a celebrity haven, Palm Springs has transformed into a retirement-age community for leisure-loving West Coasters -- but it's still got a lively kick in its step. The area is surrounded by natural beauty, with mountains on all sides, and is one of the most popular LGBT resort towns thanks to its long cultural history and welcoming gay scene. For modern families looking to reconnect with their grown children, Palm Springs has plenty to please every generation. The charming Movie Colony boutique hotel could serve as the perfect setting for your reunion, with its free breakfast, proximity to downtown, Old Hollywood history, and free wine hours by the fire pit.