The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide centers around people, not just places, with LGBTQ+ locals in each place offering personal portraits, in their own words, of what makes their destination sparkle.

Queer community members from different backgrounds and walks of life offer honest, helpful insights for LGBTQ+ travelers planning to visit their city, along with inspiration for armchair travelers around the world.

The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide includes:

• 50+ LGBTQ+ travel destinations around the world where the queer community can thrive outside of just Pride parades in the USA, Europe, Africa, South America, Asia, Canada, Australia, and more
• Insider recommendations and travel tips from LGBTQ+ locals and tastemakers highlighting queer-owned businesses and queer-friendly experiences and excursions throughout
• Stunning photography and beautifully illustrated maps for each destination, featuring color-coded points of interest
• Intimate interviews that bring the reader into LGBTQ+ communities in a personal way with honest, helpful insights for queer travelers planning to visit their city, along with inspiration for armchair travelers around the world

Packed with practical information on what to see and do, and sprinkled with dozens of insider travel tips and inspiration, The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide is for readers who don’t let their gender expression or sexual orientation hold them back from seeing all the beauty in the world.

To reserve a copy of The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide (Lonely Planet, March 18, 2025, hardcover, $30), write to us at contact@bgsqd.com with “please reserve The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide for April 23rd event” in the subject line.

Thank you for supporting the Bureau by purchasing books from us!

The Q&A will run from 7:30-8:15 p.m. Guests are welcome to arrive from 7 p.m., and there will be time after the chat for a book signing from 8:15-9 p.m.

This event will take place in person at the Bureau of General Services—Queer Division, on the second floor (room 210) of The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St., NYC, 10011.

Registration is not required. Seating is first come, first served.

The Bureau will solicit donations at the beginning of the event—we especially encourage donations from those who do not plan to purchase any books.

All are welcome to attend, with or without a donation.

We will pass a bag for donations at the start of the event, but we can also take credit card donations at the register or on Venmo @BGSQD

About the speakers:

Alicia Valenski (she/her) is an American travel writer and the author of The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide with Lonely Planet. With a journalism degree from Penn State, Alicia cut her teeth as a writer and editor at the Charlotte Observer before rising to the lofty heights of senior editor at theSkimm. Now, she’s navigating life in the Netherlands with her partner, their dog, and a GPS that’s forever confused by the country’s endless bike paths. You can find her on Substack at aliciavalenski.substack.com or on social media at @aliciavalenski.

Ed Salvato is a leading LGBTQ travel expert whose work for over 25 years has centered on the safety, concerns, and evolving needs of LGBTQ travelers. As former editor-in-chief of OUT Traveler and ManAboutWorld, and editor of the groundbreaking Out & About gay travel newsletter, Ed has long provided vital information and insights for queer travelers navigating a complex world. He co-authored The Handbook of LGBT Tourism & Hospitality, and has advised destinations, hotels, travel advisors and travel brands on creating truly inclusive and welcoming experiences. He served for six years on the board of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), including five years as Treasurer.