Lonely Planet X Lighthouse Presents: The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide

In-person spaces are limited - but joining online is limitless!

We have exciting news from Lonely Planet, this March the global travel expert will be releasing its first dedicated LGBTQ+ Travel Guide and will be holding the national UK launch at The Lighthouse bookstore in Edinburgh.

Lonely Planet would like to invite you to attend this special, intimate event on Monday 17th March, please find more details below:

The Lonely Planet LGBTQ+ Travel Guide has been written by author Alicia Valenski, this vibrant and inclusive title is the ultimate resource for LGBTQ+ travellers seeking destinations which feel welcoming and authentic. Providing a unique, community-to-community perspective, it serves as a global queer concierge—connecting readers to places where the community flourishes not only during Pride but throughout the year. Featuring over 50 destinations from Thailand to Scotland and Sweden to Australia, each section is packed with gorgeous photos, easy-to-follow maps, and invaluable tips for seasoned travellers or first-timers, and intimate interviews with local insiders.

Edinburgh is one of the featured destinations and local insider Mairi Oliver, who runs The Lighthouse, shares her personal insight for exploring the city. Which is why Lonely Planet has decided to hold the national book launch at The Lighthouse.

Alicia Valenski is an American travel writer 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.

Alicia writes about the ups, downs, and sideways adventures of being a bisexual, neurodivergent expat, all with a generous dose of honesty, humor, and heart. When she’s not exploring new places or sharing her stories, she’s probably lost in a good book, perfecting her napping skills, or rewatching one of her favorite TV shows for the umpteenth time.

The interview and Q&A will run from 7-8pm.

Guests are welcome to arrive from 6:30pm, and there will be time to meet and mingle from 8-9.