4 min read

Expedia Serves Up Destination Dupes for Pride Month

June marks the start of Pride celebrations across the globe, with parades, festivals and events taking place throughout the summer. The LGBTQ+ community and their allies come together to celebrate their unique identities and history while promoting LGBTQ+ activism and awareness.

Travel expert Expedia has revealed the trending ‘destination dupes’ for Pride celebrations this summer. The Pride ‘dupes’ are budget-friendly, less-crowded alternatives that offer a similar vibe.

While New York, São Paulo, Madrid, Toronto and London put on some of the biggest Pride events in the world, Expedia has uncovered some lesser-known celebrations that could be worth checking out this summer.

Hamburg Pride is seeing a boost in interest with travel searches on Expedia up 155% compared to last year. Valencia (+40%), Copenhagen (+ 25%) and Manchester (+10%) are also trending destinations for Pride, seeing double digit increases in demand.

Seven Pride events to check out this summer:

1. Valencia (as an alternative to Madrid), June 23 – 30 Madrid hosts one of the most famous Pride festivals in Europe but its Spanish little sister Valencia is also a great destination to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, with its parade and festival. Explore the Old Town's historic streets and landmarks like Valencia Cathedral, then unwind on La Malvarrosa or El Cabanyal beaches.  Stay at Vincci Mercat Hotel, where you can take part in the parade and festival in the city and soak up the rays at the hotel’s swim up bar afterwards. From £282 per night on Hotels.com.

2. Bogotá (as an alternative to São Paulo), June 29 - 30 Bogotá kicks off Pride (Orgullo Gay) on June 29 and the Pride Parade happens on June 30. Tour the vibrant street art in the La Candelaria neighborhood, visit the Gold Museum, and hike up Monserrate for panoramic views of the city.  Stay at Casa Legado is the perfect somewhere to relax, where you can kick back in the serene garden after enjoying the panoramic views of the city. From £145 per night on Hotels.com.

3. Chicago (as an alternative to New York), June 30 The Chicago Pride Fest takes place on June 22 – 23, with the city’s iconic parade that takes over the city happening on June 20. During the month of June, the city is filled with street festivals, concerts, and parties. Don't miss deep-dish pizza, the Bean at Millennium Park, and boat tours on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River.  Stay at The Viceroy Chicago, one of Hotels.com’s ‘Perfect Somewheres’ winners** and lounge by the rooftop pool, or sample one of the incredible on-site restaurants. From £383 per night on Hotels.com.

4. Vancouver (as an alternative to Toronto), August 3 – 4 Vancouver Pride features events like VanPrideFest and the Vancouver Pride Parade, along with a brand-new Queer Rights Summit. A visit to the city wouldn’t be complete without a stroll around the famous Stanley Park scenic seawall, or alternatively visit the Vancouver Aquarium or Science World. Stay at OPUS Hotel Vancouver, a Hotels.com VIP access property, which is located close to the beach and offers not only private dining but private picnics for those out and about enjoying the Pride Parade. From £395 per night on Hotels.com.

5. Hamburg (as an alternative to Berlin), July 27 - August 4 The Hamburg Pride is a weeklong celebration that begins with Pride Night, an opening gala, a parade and a street festival. Explore Hamburg's Speicherstadt, head out on a harbor boat tour, or sample the fresh seafood at the Fish Market.  Stay at the Crowne Plaza Hamburg, is the perfect somewhere for travellers to recover after Pride Night at the hotel spa, ahead of a day exploring the markets and street festivals. From £149 per night on Hotels.com.

6. Copenhagen (as an alternative to Amsterdam), August 10 - 18   Copenhagen Pride is a 9-day celebration of the LGBTQ+ community Rådhuspladsen transforming into ‘Pride Square’ with stages, booths, food, and entertainment.  Travelers can also check out the colourful facades of Nyhavn Harbor, head to Rosenborg Castle or enjoy Tivoli Gardens, the world class theme park in the city.  Stay at Villa Copenhagen, one of Hotels.com’s ‘Perfect Somewheres’ winners**, and enjoy a rooftop swim and poolside bar, which will be much needed after a busy 9-day Pride celebration. From £351 per night on Hotels.com.

7. Manchester (as an alternative to London), August 23 - 26  Manchester is known as ‘the Gay Capital of the North’ with its iconic Canal Street. If you’re looking for a more exclusive take on Pride, the headline ticketed event of the weekend is the Gay Village Party which this year is being headlined by Jessie J and Eurovision winner, Loreen. Outside of pride visit the city’s artistic Northern Quarter or delve into the city’s sporting heritage with tours of England’s National Football Museum or Old Trafford stadium.   Stay at Moxy Manchester City, one of Hotels.com’s ‘Perfect Somewheres’ winners**, located in the city centre so you will never be far from the action. From £207 per night on Hotels.com.