Navigating Travel as a Trans Person: Tips and Experiences

Traveling while trans isn’t always easy — but it is possible, and you deserve to explore safely, fully, and with joy.

At FLAVNT, we know firsthand that travel can be freeing and affirming — but for many transgender and nonbinary folks, it also comes with extra layers of stress: airport security, bathroom access, ID mismatches, unsafe destinations. What should be an adventure can quickly become a source of anxiety.

This guide shares practical tips, emotional support, and real-world experiences to help make travel safer and more accessible for the trans community — whether you're planning a solo trip, navigating TSA as a binder-wearer, or figuring out what countries are safe for trans travelers.

1. Plan with Your Safety in Mind

Before you book a trip, research the political and cultural climate of your destination — even if it’s domestic. Consider:

• Local laws: Are there anti-trans or anti-LGBTQ+ laws?

• Bathroom access: Will you be able to use public restrooms safely?

• Healthcare availability: Is emergency or gender-affirming care accessible?

• Cultural cues: How is gender expression perceived?

Resources to check out:

• Equaldex.com — interactive map of LGBTQ+ rights worldwide

• The U.S. State Department's LGBTQ+ travel info

• Trans-friendly travel blogs like "Trans Travel Guide" and Nomadic Boys

Remember: passing privilege, race, and presentation all affect how trans folks are treated. Your comfort and safety are more important than “ticking off” a destination.

2. Dealing with Airport Security (TSA Tips)

Airport security can be one of the most stressful parts of traveling while trans — especially for those wearing binders or having ID that doesn’t match gender presentation.

Tips for getting through TSA:

• Pack light and plan ahead. TSA’s body scanners are gendered, so agents push a "male" or "female" button based on appearance. This can flag false anomalies.

• If you're wearing a binder, you may get flagged during the body scan. You have the right to:

  • Request a private screening

  • Be searched by someone of your preferred gender (or ask for a non-gendered pat-down if available)

  • Bring a TSA Notification Card or doctor’s note (not required but may help)

Extra tip: Pack your binder in your carry-on if you need to remove it after a flight — compression + altitude + stress can be a tough combo.

3. Travel Documents & ID Tips

If your legal ID doesn’t match your gender expression or name, you may face extra scrutiny. Here’s how to prepare:

• Bring multiple forms of ID (passport, license, student ID, etc.)

• If you use a different name than what’s on your ID, consider booking under your legal name but using your preferred name on luggage tags, hotel notes, or email confirmations.

• If possible, update your passport

4. Packing: Gender-Affirming & Practical

Here’s what we recommend for a smooth, gender-affirming trip:

• Your Bareskin Binder (or two) — stick to breathable ones for long days

• Comfy, affirming clothes for layering

• Hydration + skincare — dysphoria can worsen when you feel run-down

• Medicine & HRT — always pack in original containers with prescription labels

• Snacks + sensory items — travel can be dysregulating, especially for neurodivergent or anxious folks

• A plan to decompress after flights, security, or long travel days

Don’t forget comfort clothes for downtime. (No shame in packing your favorite hoodie — trust us.)

5. Navigating Bathrooms & Public Spaces

Unfortunately, not all countries — or even U.S. cities — have safe, accessible gender-neutral bathrooms. Before you go:

• Use apps like Refuge Restroom to find safe public bathrooms

• Scope out your hotel, airport, or Airbnb to see what’s available

• Have a buddy system if you’re traveling in a group

• Don’t feel obligated to “educate” strangers — you’re allowed to prioritize safety

6. Mental Health on the Road

Travel dysphoria is real. It can show up through:

• Heightened anxiety or irritability

• Feeling invisible or hyper-visible

• Discomfort in your body or clothing

• Avoidance of social situations

Combat this with:

• Pre-trip affirmations or journaling

• Listening to queer podcasts or music

• Staying connected to your support network via FaceTime, group chats, or social media

• Wearing clothes that feel like you, even if they don’t match local norms

7. Where to Travel (Relatively) Safely

Some of the more trans-affirming destinations include:

• Canada (especially Toronto, Vancouver)

• Portugal & Spain

• Berlin, Germany

• Costa Rica

• Iceland

• New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Austin

Always do your own research, as experiences vary based on race, gender expression, and other factors.

Final Thought: You Deserve to Take Up Space — Wherever You Go

Traveling as a trans or nonbinary person isn’t always easy, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. You deserve rest. You deserve joy. You deserve to experience the world — on your terms.

Whether you’re hopping on a plane or taking a weekend road trip, FLAVNT is cheering you on. And we’ll keep making gear — like binders, affirming tees, and comfy hats — to help you feel like yourself no matter where you land.