Vacationer of the Week: Alyssa McCuistion

Our Vacationer of the Week is Alyssa McCuistion! She’s a content creator and photographer who enjoys the best of whatever the destination she’s visiting has to offer. No matter where the out 29-year-old traveler is heading next, you can probably bet that her fiancée Megan is tagging along, too! In fact, the couple is planning to tie the knot next year in Italy.

McCuistion was born in Tucson, Arizona, and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She and Megan live in Phoenix, and she caught our eye on Instagram, which is why most of you may know her. We connect with McCuistion and get to know her as she reveals a passion to travel and explore other cultures and religions different from her own. So, it’s not a big surprise to know that she’s not always looking for the next LGBTQ+-friendly destinations but enjoys stepping outside her comfort zone to genuinely connect with others, wherever her feet land. 

Vacationer Magazine: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip? 

Alyssa McCuistion: I had a passport at a young age, but my first most memorable trip was to Taiwan! I had the opportunity in college to travel to Taiwan to study the culture and language and it changed my life. 

What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel? 

Taiwan definitely kicked off my desire to travel. It showed me a different type of lifestyle I had never seen before. I experienced a culture that valued its morals and ethics. I found a monk that had been kneeling in the temple for weeks trying to sort out a conflict in his life. The dedication to peace and love in life was inspirational. 

What inspires you to travel? 

Immersing myself in the local culture and traditions inspires me. We grow up in a country and are surrounded by their beliefs and understandings. Sometimes we forget there are other ways of living and thinking. I felt as though my life was based on a desire to be something or someone to boast about. I was a pre-med student and I wanted it for materialist things and or thought it was something I needed to feel accomplished. As I traveled the world, I found people that were driven by adventure and passion. The wealth and status didn’t matter. I wanted to make an impact on people’s lives instead of feeling satisfied with my title. 

Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Tell us if how you identify influences the way your travel.

I came out as a lesbian years ago and I feel that lesbian alone is a spectrum – from super girly lipstick lesbians to tomboy butch lesbians. I fall somewhere in the middle. I love to feel like a woman some days and show my feminine attributes, while other days rock a very masculine vibe. I want people to feel comfortable in their skin no matter what labels exist. Don’t get trapped in a label, just be you. I represent this while traveling by the way I dress and by being myself and respecting the culture wherever I’m visiting. 

Is there a travel destination that most queer travelers would think isn’t safe to visit, but you’ve visited and enjoyed it? If so, where? What made it a memorable experience? 

Absolutely! I was very nervous to visit Egypt because I knew the culture didn’t really support the community. I wanted to be myself while also being respectful. I think if you can be both and be open-minded, they will also respond in the same way. I had the most amazing time, and everyone was so kind. It is okay for people to not live the same lifestyle if we all respect each other. We are raised in different environments and cultures. It’s not our job to change the beliefs of others but rather show them that we all can respect each other. We can all show love and support. 

How long have you and Megan been traveling together? What was your first trip together? 

We have been traveling for two years and our favorite trip so far is Belize. We had an amazing time. The locals were so inviting and accepting. I would recommend it to LGBTQ travelers. 

How would you describe your travel style in three words? 

Spontaneous, curious, daring. 

What are three things LGBTQ+ travelers should do when visiting your current hometown or where you currently live? 

Visit Charlie’s (a country-themed gay hangout), hike the mountains with friends, and enjoy downtown Scottsdale for an all-day pool party.  (Note: Scottsdale hotels, such as the W Scottsdale, host pool parties during the summer. The summer is commonly known as Scottsdale’s pool party season.)

What are your top three favorite places to visit? Why? 

Cambodia, Egypt, and Italy. I love diving into cultures that are different or misunderstood. Every single person I have met has become a part of me. I love learning from other’s cultures to learn and understand the world around me. I think we need to step out of our comfort zone and travel to places we don’t understand. Live with people that eat on mats on the floor, spend the nights watching over their elephants, or find food off the land around them. 

What three places are on your bucket list to visit? Why? 

Vietnam, Madagascar, and Bolivia. These all represent completely different cultures and religions. I want to better understand their views on the world. 

What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase? 

My camera 

You’re going on a road trip. What singer or band is always on your playlist?

Sam Smith. His message just speaks to me.