10 Things All Gay Travelers Need To Pack!

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Sim Local. As always, all opinions are our own.

Ready to sashay away on your next gay adventure?

Whether you’re prancing through Maspalomas Pride or twerking at Barcelona Circuit, you need to ensure you've packed all the necessary items!

Ditch the boring travel essentials you'll read about in every other generic TikTok post…'cause this isn't any ordinary travel packing guide. This is the ultimate GAY travel packing guide, one that is as extra as you are!

From staying connected to ensuring you've packed the appropriate attire, and inspired by Stefan's recent Instagram Reel on the subject, here’s your ultimate packing list that guarantees more fun than a surprise upgrade and a minibar that's been fully stocked for your next chillout(!)

Trust me, you won’t want to miss these must-haves. Let’s dive in and make your suitcase as fabulous as your Instagram feed!

1. eSIM for Grindr and meet *friends*

What's the first thing every gay does as soon as the plane hits the tarmac? Hit up Grindr that's what! Yeah, we see you gurrl…

Nothing beats the convenience of being able to get connected upon arrival at your destination. With a global eSIM like Sim Local, you can instantly get online without worrying about costly roaming rates. We also love it because it's instant and doesn't involve having to dig out those annoying pin things that you have to press into the side of your phone to open your SIM tray. Instead, the eSIM is downloaded from the Sim Local app once a bundle is selected.

As a bonus, claim a 10% discount using our NOMADICBOYS code, or hit up this Sim Local link.

2. Obligatory harness

No gay travel packing list is complete without the ultimate statement piece: the harness. Whether we’re hitting the dance floor at a circuit party in gay Barcelona or just want to feel that extra bit of fierce, a harness is like basic gay clothing 101… Every other gay will be wearing one – and for good reason. They look hot!

But it’s not just about looking sexy. It’s about feeling confident, powerful, and ready to take on the world. Choose one that reflects your personality, whether it’s sleek leather, colorful neoprene, or adorned with studs and chains! Plus, it’s versatile: pair it with jean shorts for a more casual look, or wear it solo for a bold statement.

So, get ready to own the dance floor, because with the right harness, you’re not just attending the party: you ARE the party!

3. Ear cleaner(!)

Alright, let’s talk about the not-so-secret weapon every savvy gay traveler swears by: the ear cleaner – also known as a douche, enema, or clyster…

Now, we all know what this handy little item is really for. But hey, who said we can't have a bit of fun with it? Wink, wink.

Packing your trusty “ear cleaner” is about more than just hygiene. It's about confidence! Nothing ruins a night faster than worrying about feeling less than pristine. With this trusty tool in your travel arsenal, you can focus on what's really important: dancing until dawn, making new friends, and maybe even getting a bit closer to that cutie you met on the dance floor.

Trust us, your future self will thank you. Remember, a well-prepared queen is a happy queen!

4. Appropriate attire

Nothing too conservative but nothing too revealing either(!) Who are we kidding? You know half our suitcase is going to be bursting with the entire Addicted Speedo Summer edition (link?) along with a few athletic supporters 🙂

Whether it's lounging by the pool, dancing at a Miami Beach gay party, or making a grand entrance at a rooftop soirée, those tight speedos and jockstraps aren't just swimwear, they're a statement! A declaration that you're here to turn heads, catch eyes, and maybe even steal a few hearts.

We always ensure we carry a variety of different colors and styles to match our every mood and event. After all, in the world of gay travel, a well-packed suitcase is one that's ready for anything, and everything…

5. Protection and Lubrication

Whether or not you're on PrEP, we always advise carrying sufficient protection. Condoms are a must for basic safety. In some countries, they may not stock the right size for you so carrying a packet or two from back home will ensure you have what you need. Silicone and water-based lube are a must for lube to use on condoms.

Avoid oil-based lube if using condoms. Otherwise, a lube like Boy Butter is your friend. Just make sure to always carry some even in a small case. Trust me, you don't ever want to risk having a fissure down there!

If you're opting to forego condoms make sure you have adequate PrEP, have booked tests for when you're back, and have also done your groundwork on DoxyPep. Also consider getting vaccinated against MonkeyPox, Hepatitis, and HPV.

6. The Gay Aid Kit

Forget the First Aid Kit. This is the Gay Aid Kit!

As mentioned above, PrEP and your doxycycline ‘morning after' pills are a must. Consider downloading an app like My PrEP to help schedule a daily reminder to take them. For DoxyPep, whilst it's still not available everywhere as commonly as PrEP is, it is very easy to order it online, or simply ask your local doctor for malaria preventative medication, for which Doxocycline is usually prescribed.

Other items that may find themselves in the Gay Aid Kit could (ahem!) include Sildenafil, Cialis, and Jeligra (liquid form). We'll just leave that idea with you to mull on. Just remember never to mix these with alcohol or poppers!

And, don't forget to pack Paracetamol and Nurofen in the Gay Aid Kit. Nothing is more annoying than waking up on a Sunday in gay Berlin trying to find a local pharmacy to nurse a hangover or other pain.

7. Tension rings!

Let's talk about tension rings, a cocky essential we always make room for, guaranteed to add a bit of spice to our adventures.

Packing a few stylish and reliable cock rings ensures we’re always ready to elevate the experience, whether we’re dancing the night away at a circuit party or enjoying a private moment. These rings are perfect for adding a bit of flair and excitement, making every encounter memorable.

So, don’t underestimate the power of a good tension ring. Slip a couple into your travel bag, and you’ll be prepared for those spontaneous moments of passion. Stay adventurous, stay excited, and always be ready to add a little tension to your travels! You'll also want to hit up our excellent guide on how to travel safely with your sex toys.

8. Supplements!

Naturally, don't forget to pack any health supplements you incorporate as part of your daily regimen. In our case, we swear by Magnesium Glycinate to enhance. Others will keep their Vitamins to hand. But let's be real, guys—staying fabulous on the go often requires a little extra help, and that's another trusty supplement that comes into play: fiber tablets. Whether it's psyllium husk or a branded pill like Pure for Men, they're a great way to ensure everything runs smoothly and if you get it right, it even makes item #3 above redundant!

Just pop a couple of these bad boys daily, and you can say goodbye to any worries about digestive drama cramping your style. Stay smooth, stay confident, and let those adventures roll without a hitch…cause you don't gotta get ready if you stay ready 🙂

9. THE Ultimate Gay Guidebook

Oh, you think we were going to publish an article like this without plugging our fabulous gay travel book?

Out in the World is not only our gay guide to some of the best gay destinations, but it also includes useful travel tips along with invaluable advice for LGBTQ travelers.

What makes our book unique is that it is written from our first-hand perspective and includes stories from our travels like that one time we got blacklisted in (and banned from) Lebanon for being gay, chasing the northern lights in Iceland, learning to swim like mermaids in Boracay, the Philippines or the story of how I proposed to Seby during our trip in Cartagena in Colombia.

Click on the image to order your copy today:

10. Confidence and Sass!

The final item is the most important.

Never ever leave home without confidence and a whole lot of sass. As the great Queen Ru Paul herself said:

‘If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”

For more inspiration:

• Make sure you read our guide on how to use gay dating apps safely while traveling
• Read why it's so important for gay couples to get travel insurance
• These top tips for gay couples traveling together will ensure you don't strangle your other half on the road!
• When it comes to gay events, we LOVE going to Maspalomas Pride in Gran Canaria every May
• Another favorite gay Pride event we love is London Pride held every June/July.