For Gen Z, Pride isn’t just a month-long celebration, it’s a year-round mindset. Whilst June’s festivities draw to a close this weekend with London’s Pride parade, the core values of activism, community, and self-acceptance remain central to Gen Z’s identity, extending far beyond June.
With more young people exploring sober-curious lifestyles, they’re seeking meaningful and inclusive ways to connect, celebrate their identities, and have meaningful experiences that go beyond just hitting the bar – and travel is fast becoming the core way of doing so.
In fact, international travel for Pride is booming, with 75% of LGBTQ+ travellers celebrating outside their hometowns.
In response to this cultural shift, holiday company First Choice has teamed up with award-winning TV presenter, journalist, and inclusive travel advocate Aidy Smith to highlight hidden gems around the world where you can celebrate Pride all year round.
Created for the growing sober-curious Gen Z and LGBTQ+ community, the travel brand has curated a series of trips with specialised itineraries that celebrate Pride year-round through immersive, alcohol-free experiences.
From New York’s iconic queer museums to Berlin’s immersive wellness culture, the itineraries spotlight unique, sober-friendly experiences across top LGBTQ+ friendly destinations – New York, Berlin, Amsterdam and Copenhagen.
Some of the unique experiences and hidden gems include:
- Variete Gaga Show Tickets at Wintergarten, Berlin: A spectacle of drag, circus, acrobatics, and tongue-in-cheek cabaret. It’s high camp, high energy and totally unfiltered.
- Sober partying at Prik, Amsterdam: A bar known as a beacon of queer joy known for pop quizzes, drag bingo, karaoke and DJ sets.
- Queer history tour, New York: For the ultimate ‘know your roots’ moment, wander through the heart of queer history on a NYC Pride walking tour that takes you from Stonewall to secret drag bars.
- Strædet Hidden neighbourhood stroll, Copenhagen: The centre of Copenhagen’s indie soul, with LGBTQ+ bookshops, antique nooks and Pride-friendly coffee corners.
- With trips to Berlin from £214* per person for 3 nights, Amsterdam from £282* per person for 3 nights, Copenhagen from £293* for 3 nights and New York from £706* per person for 5 nights – a sober pride experience could be more affordable than you think,
To bring the itineraries to life, First Choice and Aidy have developed a range of visual city guides which address the increasing demand for meaningful, sober-friendly travel options that celebrate identity and connection beyond traditional alcohol-centric events.
The full range of First Choice & Aidy Smith’s guides feature:
- Curated sober activities for LGBTQIA+ travellers
- First-person insights from Aidy Smith
- Cultural hotspots, inclusive dining, nightlife alternatives and wellbeing recs
- A new look at travel with purpose, identity, and connection
