Planning a vacation usually means comparing hotel prices, finding the best restaurants, and figuring out how many pairs of shoes can fit into one suitcase. For many transgender Americans, there is now another item on the checklist: Is this state safe to visit?

That question is becoming more common as LGBTQ+ advocacy groups continue updating transgender travel advisories across the United States. These advisories are not official government travel warnings. Instead, they are guides created by civil rights organizations to help transgender people understand how changing state laws could affect their travel plans.

Why are travel advisories being updated?

The updates come after another year of state legislatures passing laws that affect transgender people in different ways. Some laws focus on access to bathrooms in government buildings. Others involve identity documents, health care, or legal recognition of gender identity.

Because these laws vary from state to state, advocacy organizations say it can be difficult for travelers to know what to expect before crossing a state line. Their goal is to give people clear information before they leave home, not after they arrive.

Several organizations now publish interactive maps that rate states according to legal and policy risks. These ratings are updated whenever major legislation or court decisions change the legal landscape.

Which states are drawing the most concern?

Recent updates have placed several states in the highest-risk category for transgender travelers. According to one widely followed legal risk assessment, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, and Texas currently carry “Do Not Travel” recommendations because of combinations of laws affecting public accommodations, identity documents, and other legal protections.

That does not mean transgender people cannot visit those states. Instead, advocacy groups say travelers should understand local laws, prepare documentation, and consider how certain policies could affect everyday situations during their trip.

What should transgender travelers do before traveling?

Preparation is becoming just as important as packing.

Advocacy organizations recommend checking whether identification documents are current and ensuring travelers understand local laws before arriving. They also suggest researching hospitals, LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations, and community resources in case unexpected situations arise.

Many experts also encourage travelers to:

• Review state laws before booking a trip.
• Carry valid identification and important medical information.
• Know where LGBTQ+ community centers are located.
• Share travel plans with trusted family or friends.
• Stay informed about any legal changes before departure.

These are precautions many travelers already take for international travel. Increasingly, some transgender Americans say they are using the same approach for domestic trips.

A changing travel landscape

The conversation about transgender travel is no longer limited to advocacy organizations.

Earlier this year, more than 120 civil rights organizations released a broader travel advisory tied to human rights concerns in the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup, citing issues that could affect LGBTQ+ travelers and other marginalized groups.

Several foreign governments have also updated their travel guidance for transgender and nonbinary citizens visiting the United States, encouraging travelers to review entry requirements and local laws before departure.

The bigger picture

Supporters of these travel advisories argue that information helps people make informed decisions. Critics argue the maps can overstate risk or discourage travel to states where many local communities remain welcoming.

Regardless of where people stand politically, one fact is becoming harder to ignore: transgender travelers are paying closer attention to state laws than ever before.

For many, choosing a destination is no longer just about beaches, concerts, or amusement parks. It is also about knowing whether the laws in that state could affect something as ordinary as using a restroom, showing an ID, or accessing medical care.

As legislation continues to evolve, advocacy groups say their maps will continue evolving too. For transgender travelers, staying informed has become just another part of planning the journey.