Going it alone

Leaving Australia to backpack around Europe filled 21-year-old me with excitement and my mother with dread. She was less than thrilled at her daughter travelling throughout foreign countries alone, so far from home. My parents tried to convince me to get a backpacking buddy but when none of my friends were able to come along, I was determined to still go.

With security advice from my folks ringing in my ears, I departed Australia and arrived in Switzerland. My year-long trip also involved