Alyssa's solo adventure kicked off in May 2016. After months of saving, she headed to Melbourne to explore Australia and work alongside a friend. But plans unraveled quickly—the duo clashed from day one, and her companion bailed for France. Refusing to let it derail her, Alyssa pressed on alone. New Zealand, Bali, Cambodia, Thailand—her travels brimmed with unexpected discoveries.
Her first stop was Byron Bay, the laid-back surf haven on Australia's east coast she'd long dreamed of. Locals were welcoming, smiles everywhere, and the vibe was electric. She spent a fulfilling month working and soaking it in before flying to New Zealand. There, winter's chill brought challenges: snowy landscapes were magical, but youth hostels stood empty. Stages blurred into a rush, fatigue set in, and loneliness crept up. 'I don't regret seeing it all, but I'd take more time next round,' she shared with Nouvel Obs. 'I feared it might be my last chance for each place, so I pushed hard. But skimping on food and sleep while racing around killed the joy.' Solo travel highlights the highs, but lows like these are real too. Still, Alyssa's hooked—her next trip is already on the calendar.
