Melissa Mason
Freelance writer
Melissa Mason is a freelancer writer and contributor to The Age.
Opinion
Real life
Our new home came with a fresh start, and a house guest who refused to leave
When we moved to a remote community in the Northern Territory, we were excited for change. Then we started hearing noises coming from under the verandah.
- by Melissa Mason
No bookings required: The coolest place to eat in New York
Unlike Australia’s most talked-about restaurants, you don’t book a table at Dimes Square’s establishments. It’s good, but it’s chaotic good.
- by Melissa Mason
Opinion
Travel tips
I’m tired of hostels. Here’s how I avoid loneliness while travelling solo
In my mid-30s I realised that, while I no longer financially needed hostels, I sorely missed the social aspect of them.
- by Melissa Mason
Opinion
Friendship
I’m obsessed with sending voice notes. That doesn’t make me a narcissist
My record is 25 minutes and 13 seconds, while my average is around three minutes. But while I’ve embraced voice messages, it’s clear not everyone loves them.
- by Melissa Mason
I tried to get into Europe’s most notorious nightclub (and failed)
People queue for up to six hours to get into Berghain. As I hit the front of the queue, I make an unforgivable mistake.
- by Melissa Mason
Opinion
Sex & relationships
Hate your partner after going on holiday? Don’t worry, you’re not alone
Between the Insta-perfect selfies and unforgettable meals, there’s also the moments where you scream about wrong directions or ignore each other for hours on end.
- by Melissa Mason
Opinion
Parenting
Why do we still care what mothers do when they’re off-duty?
It’s always been socially acceptable for men with children to continue living as they did, but women with children are expected to settle down to the point of having an entire identity overhaul.
- by Melissa Mason
Opinion
Mental health
The stigma of antidepressants made me hide for years. But now I feel free
There was a sense of shame around medication, as though it’s a band-aid rather than a solution and that by turning to antidepressants, I just wasn’t trying hard enough.
- by Melissa Mason
Opinion
Holidays
I’m going on the trip of a lifetime without my boyfriend. All anyone asks is how he’ll survive without me
Instead of asking about my island hopping in Greece, people seem more interested in how my partner will feed himself.
- by Melissa Mason
Inside the notorious outback bar that inspired a Chili Peppers song
Animal Bar, on the Gulf of Carpentaria, has a storied past and a mean reputation.
- by Melissa Mason
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/by/melissa-mason-p536z8