Travel Essays

Stories about place, people and what happens when we let the world change us


CAPE COD | PERSONAL ESSAY

On Swimming and Staying

By Rebecca Mahoney

It is a cool, foggy day on Cape Cod when I arrive at Millway Beach. It’s almost seven a.m. on a Sunday, so it’s just me and a few roosting seagulls. Their eyes follow me as I make my way to the shoreline, perhaps wondering, as I am, if I really want to swim on this chilly morning. 



Scotland |  series

The Kindness of strangers: Skye

By Rebecca Mahoney

When you need reassurance that people are good, look to the Isle of Skye.

It was July 2019 and I was halfway into a two-week solo road trip through the Scottish Highlands. Visiting Skye, with its craggy peaks, tumbling waterfalls and mystical fairy pools, was high on my must-see Scottish bucket list. But things started to go wrong almost as soon as I crossed the bridge from mainland Scotland.


LONDON | PERSONAL ESSAY

Learning to be elsewhere

By Rebecca Mahoney

Whenever I’m in London, I make time for a walk in Regent’s Park. It doesn’t matter if I’m in town for work or pleasure, staying a week or passing through. Without fail, I take the Underground to Baker Street, cross the bridge into the park and follow the path that traces the boating lake. There are prettier areas of the park, but I’m not there for the beauty. I’m there to reunite with my 20-year-old self.



I publish additional travel essays on Substack, including new work that doesn’t appear on this site.