Pride month is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community held in June that takes place in cities around the U.S. Similar festivities have extended around the world, but aren’t always celebrated in June (turns out this time of year is quite cold on large parts of the planet).
Whether you’re attending Pride at home or traveling somewhere new, there are a number of ways to ensure you save time and money — and hopefully won’t leave you or your wallet feeling spent at the end.
1. Plan your activities in advance
Check out your destination’s official Pride website to explore any scheduled or ticketed events. You may be able to jump on special deals, like discounted packages that cover multiple experiences.
“It’s essential to plan, so arrive early for popular events and consider purchasing tickets in advance to avoid disappointment,” Justin Davison, a Sydney, Australia, resident who has been to over 20 Pride events around the world, said in a text.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Reach out to area locals who may also know the scoop on “unofficial Pride events,” like the Juanita MOORE! Pride party in San Francisco, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024.
If you’re traveling to celebrate Pride with a group of friends, make sure everyone knows the plan by creating a shared itinerary. This can help you easily find your friends if you’re going to separate events.
2. Explore beyond Pride
While you might easily be able to fill up your schedule completely with Pride events, it’s still worth setting aside some time to explore the city outside of the Pride parade and celebrations.
And it doesn’t have to cost money either. For instance, if you’re traveling to San Francisco Pride, consider taking an afternoon to walk around the Haight-Ashbury district, venture to the Pacific coast or take a selfie on the Golden Gate Bridge. You could also picnic at Golden Gate Park — it’s free to visit, and has more than 1,000 acres to explore.
3. Book accommodations near the Pride festivities
Securing lodging near where you’ll be spending most of your time can save time and money on transportation to and from the main events.
As a bonus, having a hotel or vacation rental near Pride festivities is convenient. It’ll make it easier for you to go back to your room if you need to change your clothes, take a nap or decompress.
If you’re not sure where to stay, check the destination’s Pride website for recommendations. Some hotels may even offer discounts or special packages for Pride.
4. Stay safe
Some Pride events attract more than a million people. In 2023, about 2 million celebrated NYC Pride, according to NYC Pride’s co-chair Sue Doster.
As with any crowded gathering, you want to make sure that you take steps to ensure that you stay safe.
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Share your location with your friends and let them know your intended whereabouts after the events.
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Never leave your drink unattended and moderate your alcohol consumption.
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Bring an anti-theft bag or wallet to help prevent being pickpocketed.
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Stay aware of your surroundings.
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Pack sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, a water bottle and a portable phone charger.
Celebrate Pride
Seasoned Pride attendees know to book accommodations near the festivities and to snag tickets to certain events in advance. Budget for your lodging and activities — you can use points and miles or other hotel perks to save on stays. Visiting free attractions or parks in the area can stretch your travel budget further.
Stay safe amidst the crowds and take care of yourself. Taking steps to ensure your wellbeing can be the difference between having a great or a lousy Pride experience.
