As we go about our day-to-day lives, we are often reminded of how we are, as lesbians, in a very small minority among the global population. Research polls suggest that only about 5% of all women identify as lesbian, and that figure doesn’t change when traveling. In a sea of straight couples on their journeys, we’ve discovered that there are actually some distinct advantages we have traveling as a lesbian couple.
Transportation
Women-Only Train Cars in Kuala Lumpur
We were in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on a platform at the train station waiting for our train to the Batu Caves. When the train pulled up, we noticed one of its cars was decorated in bright pink, and upon further inspection, realized that it was designated for women only.
Comparing the loud, cramped quarters of the mixed-gender train cars, it was a no-brainer for us to opt for the quiet and comfortable space of the female only car. The stress of not being able to sit together or the worry of a seat facing the opposite direction of travel and the motion-sickness havoc that would wreak, dissipated immediately.
MEN are not allowed
Sleeper Buses
It’s not often that 14 hours on an overnight bus is considered an option, when the alternative of flying the same distance would take about a tenth of the time. The prospect of sharing a bed on a sleeper bus AND that it was much cheaper made the decision a more difficult one, as on our trip to the Philippines, our itinerary was extremely time-limited.
On this particular occasion, we took the flight. However, we look forward to the next opportunity to travel overland and enjoy sharing an actual mattress on an overnight bus. These buses allow two people on each mattress, but to avoid sexual misconduct and molestation, they have a strict rule that mattresses must be shared by two people of the same sex. Lesbian win!
Security Lines
At the airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, the advantage of traveling as a lesbian couple was two-fold. First, there are separate security lines for men and women, and when we saw how the vast majority of travelers were men, we were happy to breeze right through. Second, once we passed through the metal detector and picked up our carry-on luggage from the x-ray belt, we didn’t have to wait for our male travel companions, like so many of the other women travelers.
With huge smiles and a jump in our step, we gave each other a big high five, and proceeded to our gate to await our flight to south-eastern China.
Bathrooms
There are times when we travel that it is vital to arrange or re-arrange items in our bags, or safely separate the money we just received from an exchange booth. It’s obvious that we don’t want anyone to know exactly where we keep our valuables, so as a lesbian couple we go to the one place we’re guaranteed to have privacy: a stall in a women’s restroom.
Bathrooms in the Al Khatem desert, United Arab Emirates
We can take all the time we need. Perhaps we’ll discuss how much we’re willing to pay for a taxi, or what area of the city we need to go. It’s the perfect place to talk, and not have the target on our backs exclaiming, “Hey! We’re tourists!”
Spas
Enjoying the Turkish Bath
We have been lucky enough to enjoy some luxurious spa experiences on our travels around the world. Two of these stand out as being advantageous for lesbian couples. They were in Baden-Baden, Germany and Istanbul, Turkey. In both of these places, we witnessed several straight couples saying goodbye to each other in the lobby saying, “Have a good time.”
We, on the other hand, got to enjoy each and every moment together, turning an average spa experience into a romantic one.
Can you think of other advantages of traveling as a lesbian couple?
Lesbian couple makes it to Everest!
Allen
ICE SKATING IN TEHERAN
Although Iran banned ice skating after the 79 revolution, it is now legal and they have a nice big rink for the public, also used for olympic training, including figure skating. But men and women cannot be on the rink at the same time. So no couples skating possible, unless you are a gay couple! Remember next time in Iran you two can go ice skating together!
Mindy & Ligeia
Wow Allen,
This sounds great!!! We’ll definitely have to remember this when we go to Iran. Thanks for the tip! 🙂
Helga Leidel
Interesting – and I am glad for the advantages you can have these ways. Rule like with everything: “Whatever works for you!” xo Oma 🙂
Mindy & Ligeia
That’s true Oma, you’ve got to enjoy everything you can in life! We couldn’t agree more. 🙂
Pauline Oliveros
Sounds wonderful! You two are making the world a better place with your insights and travels. Thanks for the tips. Lovely to know that you are working and living in Thailand.
with love,
PO
Mindy & Ligeia
Thanks for the compliment PO! We are indeed living and working in Thailand and like it very much. You should come over for a visit sometime. 🙂
Diana Edelman
I had no idea there were things like what you mentioned above. Good to know for straight women traveling together, too!
Mindy & Ligeia
Hi Diana,
That’s true that some of these advantages (like the security lines and the lady-only cars) could be beneficial for female friends traveling together as well. Still, the overnight buses would be much more enjoyable with a sweetheart to snuggle up with. 🙂
Giselle and Cody
Ha! Great blog you two! And by the way you two are Adorable in your towels! We can’t think of any other advantages at the moment, but how lucky are we all to be living in this age. So happy that you you both found each other and can freely share your lives together! XO
Alex
I wouldn’t have thought of these great advantages, though I love always looking for the positives in life! Happy New Year, you two!
Mindy & Ligeia
Hi Alex,
We think looking for the positive in the world is a great way to live too! 🙂
Erica
I may have giggled a little too loudly with your “Lesbian WIN!” quote. Good lord.
Cat
Hi Mindy and Ligeia,
Great to read your stories! Catch up soon…Leaving Heatrow London airport now…Back to Chiang Mai! Cat
Mei & Kerstin
Oh you are sooo right about the bathrooms! 😀 We both love going out without carrying a bag. So sometimes we only carry one bag and each of us carry it for a while. Once a friend of us wondered what we would do if we needed something while being in the bathroom. That question really surprised us… we had never thought about this “problem” since we always go to same-sex toilets! 😀
Jen of ChasingTheUnknown.com
Another advantage of traveling as a lesbian couple – Japanese onsens (public baths)! They are separated according to sex, many of them are quite relaxing and luxurious and everybody is nude. No problem being naked in front of your spouse (or girlfriend)! It’s especially nice when you have the entire place to yourself – romantic!
Bounding Over Our Steps
Hi Jen,
Nice! We will definitely have to make sure to enjoy the onsens when we go to Japan! We’ll also hope we’re the only ones there. 🙂 Thanks for the tip.