What does it really mean to feel seen, safe, and celebrated as an LGBTQ+ traveler? How can understanding other people’s travel experiences help us feel more connected, wherever we go? Alicia Valenski is an American writer, editor, speaker, and author of the groundbreaking new LGBTQ+ travel guide with Lonely Planet that explores 50 of the most queer-friendly destinations around the globe. Now living as an expat in the Netherlands, Alicia brings a unique and deeply personal lens to her work as an autistic, bisexual woman and passionate advocate for inclusive travel. In this episode, Alicia shares her top seven LGBTQ+ destinations. We talk about what it means to feel truly comfortable in a place and why inclusive travel benefits everyone.  Alicia talks about growing up in a small town, navigating cultural expectations, and finding the courage to live differently. Her journey shows how traveling with intention can change not just your perspective but your life. The insights she shares about creating safe spaces for the most marginalized groups offer a powerful reminder: when a place works for those often overlooked, it works better for everyone, including solo travelers, women, and anyone who's ever felt out of place. Have you ever visited somewhere you immediately felt like you belonged? Where was it, and what made it feel that way? I'd love to hear about it, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn:  Why Alicia and her partner chose the Netherlands as their home base, and what makes Dutch culture feel “just right”  How growing up in a conservative area shaped Alicia’s perspective on travel, identity, and chosen family  Why moving abroad was both a logistical challenge and an act of self-acceptance  Why travel is different for LGBTQ+ folks, and how “feeling welcome” can’t always be assumed  Advice for queer travelers who are new to travel and how to stay safe while still being yourself  The story behind her LGBTQ+ travel book, and why it centers diverse voices within the community  Her top 7 queer-friendly cities   Tips for navigating sensory overload while traveling as a neurodivergent person  And so much more Resources:  Sign up for our FREE newsletter  Visit Alicia’s website  Grab the Lonely Planet LGBTQ+ Travel Guide  Alicia’s article in Attitude Magazine  Everywhere is Queer app  transequality.org  ILGA world maps  Equaldex  Moonlight experiences   Quouch Want More?  LGBTQ+ Travel and Making A Difference with Ravi Roth  Travel on the Spectrum: Embracing Autism + Neurodivergence with Dan Bird  Getting off the Beaten Path With Travel Writing Legend Joe Cummings Thanks To Our Sponsors  Booking.com - Book your next stay and find exactly what you’re looking for on booking.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices