With queer travel on the rise but information still scarce for LGBTQ+ explorers, Lonely Planet is stepping in with a game-changing new release. On March 18, the iconic travel publisher launched its first-ever print guide dedicated entirely to LGBTQ+ travel: Lonely Planet’s LGBTQ+ Travel Guide: Interviews, Itineraries, & Inspiration from Queer Insiders in 50 Proud Places Around the Globe.
More than just a list of friendly places, the book is a rich collection of personal stories and travel wisdom from queer locals across six continents. Written by Alicia Valenski — a queer, neurodivergent travel writer recently named a “Travel Trailblazer” by Attitude Magazine — the guide offers an authentic, inclusive and intersectional look at destinations where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel safe, celebrated and fully themselves.
“This book is about connection,” said Valenski. “It’s about finding joy, community, and safety wherever you go — and hearing directly from those who live and love in these destinations every day.”
A Personal and Practical Guide to the World
At over 300 pages, Lonely Planet’s LGBTQ+ Travel Guide serves as both a beautifully designed coffee table book and a resource-packed manual. It covers more than 50 destinations — from São Paulo’s vibrant gayborhoods to Melbourne’s artsy alleyways — and features interviews with queer locals, curated itineraries, and cultural insights meant to empower travelers to go beyond the usual Pride parades.
Each chapter includes “Know Before You Go” boxes highlighting essential information such as local languages, currency, legal rights, Pride events, and seasonal travel tips. Whether you’re planning an island escape, a high-adrenaline adventure, or a family-friendly retreat, there’s a section tailored to your travel style and identity.
Valenski brings her own lived experience to the pages, offering tips for navigating the unique challenges that queer and neurodivergent travelers often face — from avoiding discrimination to understanding unfamiliar social norms and accessing emergency support abroad.
“Exploring the world as a queer person isn’t always as simple as booking a flight,” she said. “This guide was written with the understanding that queer travelers still face hurdles — and that information, safety, and visibility matter.”
Responding to a Growing Demand for Inclusive Travel
The release comes at a critical time. According to travel analytics site Globetrotter, queer travel spending reached $218 billion globally before the COVID-19 pandemic and is projected to soar to $568.5 billion by 2030. Gen Z is leading the charge — a 2021 UK census found that 6.9% of Gen Z respondents identified as LGBTQ+ — yet many still struggle to find destination-specific queer travel information.
In a recent Gay Times survey of 15,000 LGBTQ+ individuals, 65% reported difficulty accessing queer travel advice when planning trips.
“Queer travelers are looking for resources that go beyond rainbow flags,” said Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet’s Senior Director of Trade Sales and Marketing. “We recognized there was a need for something that truly understands our community — not just the fun and freedom of travel, but the realities too. We made sure this book was community-led, informative, and full of surprises.”
And surprising it is. While popular LGBTQ+ hotspots like New York City, Berlin, and Sydney are included, Valenski made a point to spotlight lesser-known gems, from queer-friendly hideaways in South Africa to safe havens in Southeast Asia. The result is a guide that challenges assumptions and widens the map for queer adventurers.
Representation, Visibility, and Safety
One of the most impactful aspects of the guide is its emphasis on storytelling. Contributors — from artists and activists to nightlife hosts and small business owners — offer personal accounts of life in their cities, giving readers a heartfelt connection to each place.
The book also includes practical safety tips, resources for emergency situations, and up-to-date information on local LGBTQ+ rights and laws. For first-time travelers or those navigating identity on the road, it’s an indispensable toolkit.
“There’s a power in being seen,” said Valenski. “This guide is a reminder that no matter where you are in the world, you are not alone. There is a global community waiting to welcome you.”
About the Author
Alicia Valenski is a queer, neurodivergent writer and passionate advocate for inclusive travel. Her work has appeared in outlets like Condé Nast Traveler and Them, and she’s quickly becoming a leading voice in LGBTQ+ travel journalism. She brings both humor and heart to her work, creating spaces where readers can feel seen, safe, and celebrated.
For Valenski, writing the guide was as much a personal journey as a professional one.
“I wanted this book to feel like stepping into a friend’s arms,” she said. “That’s the kind of travel experience every queer person deserves.”
