(CNN) — When you travel, few things offer more comfort than a friendly place to lay your head.

For lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travelers, a welcoming place to stay is perhaps the single-most important element of planning a trip. After all, nobody wants to plan a relaxing vacation only to have their bliss diminished by feeling unwelcome or unsafe.

So with both Pride and summer-travel seasons ahead, we've rounded up this list of the world's top LGBT-friendly accommodations (or cities) around the world.

This roster focuses on gay and lesbian-owned properties, hotels with out team members, major LGBT destinations and hotel brands that expressly support the LGBT community. With every diverse traveler, the world grows a little bit more tolerant, more empathetic and more welcoming. Read more via CNN