I can directly trace my interest in birds back to the incredibly vibrant and spirited species that call Victoria home. Australia gave me many marvelous opportunities to explore entirely new-to-me ecosystems and wildlife; I’ve been able to spend time on the incredible Ningaloo Reef, snorkel with cuttlefish, fly over humpback whales, sit quietly with quokkas, and explore the world with plenty of new friends. Australia was my first foray into solo international travel, and it was a great reminder that traveling by myself does not have to mean traveling alone.