Why does Alderton travel to New York City in the memoir, Everything I Know About Love?

Alderton travels to New York City when she feels trapped by her life in London. She hopes that the American metropolis will help her to feel free from self-hatred, anxiety, and sorrow but discovers that she cannot run away from herself. After meeting Adam in New York, she is tempted to accept his offer to move in with him. However she returns to London to face her insecurities and work on her personal growth.