A group of local writers contributed to a collection of literary travel essays, Destinations & Discoveries, which was released earlier this month. Meghan O’Neill edited the collection.

“The goal in collecting these essays was to show a trip, be it a vacation or business assignment, can offer unexpected and life altering lessons,” said O’Neill, who lives in Potomac. “Writing about your travels forces you to be reflective and focused.”

This collection explores the joys, challenges and insights travel can bring. “Destinations & Discoveries” enables readers to take vicarious journeys without leaving the comfort of their reading chair.

“I spent time biking through Ireland with my wife a 13-year-old daughter,” said essayist Derek Perkins of Centreville. “What started out as a ‘forced fun’ trip for my daughter turned into a family vacation, albeit chilly and wet, that brought our family closer and created memories that we will always cherish.”

O’Neill selected eight literary travel essays that are varied in both style and geography. The settings range from a Mexican fishing trip to rural Ireland, a western Canadian beach, a Tuscan kitchen, a snowy day in the Blue Ridge mountains, and a memorable study abroad experience in Paris.

There are essays that share cherished family traditions. “There is a wizardry to the art of packing, and in it Mary Poppins has nothing on my grandmother,” said essayist Bonnie Foote of Alexandria.

“Destinations & Discoveries: A Short Collection of Literary Travel Essays” can be found on Amazon.com and in local bookstores.