Hi, I’m Alicia

I’m the author of The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide with Lonely Planet and a bisexual, autistic, ADHD, American living in the Netherlands.

I’m a travel writer, editor, and speaker exploring the world through a queer, neurodivergent, immigrant lens. I write, speak, and consult on travel, identity, and belonging.

As seen in

 
 

Lonely Planet’s LGBTQ+ Travel Guide arrives just in time for Pride

The author of “The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide” on the reasons the travel publishing giant chose a coffee-table book and how she picked the people and places to feature. (The New York Times)

‘Travel isn’t just about seeing the world — it’s about changing it’ (EXCLUSIVE)

"Every trip we take is a quiet protest against the norms that attempt to exclude us," says the leader of the Travel category of Attitude 101, empowered by Bentley. (Attitude Magazine)

Queer-friendly travel with neurodivergent travel author Alicia Valenski

On this episode of Stereotypes, Christopher Beale delves into the intersection of neurodivergence and queerness with Alicia Valenski, a bisexual, neurodivergent author, and world traveler. (Stereotypes)

What I do

 

  • Reported essays, service journalism, interviews, and narrative features on travel, queer community, moving out of the U.S. and living abroad, mental health, and identity, grounded in lived experience and journalistic rigor

  • Keynotes, conference talks, brand events, and panels on:

    • LGBTQ+ and bisexual visibility

    • Neurodivergence (autism & ADHD) and travel

    • Inclusive tourism and ethical storytelling

    • Identity, belonging, and life abroad

  • Advising travel brands, media outlets, and organizations on inclusive language, representation, and audience-aware storytelling, especially for queer and neurodivergent communities

  • Authentic collaborations with destinations and brands committed to accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful representation

Let's talk about your project

Why my work is different

 

I don’t believe travel stories are neutral.

I write about travel as it’s actually experienced—through bodies, brains, borders, and identities that don’t always fit neatly into guidebooks or marketing campaigns.

My work centers the people often left out of traditional travel narratives, while still offering practical, engaging, and emotionally resonant storytelling that connects with wide audiences.

Let’s work together

For speaking inquiries, editorial assignments, or collaborations, get in touch here.