The idea of traveling soon after a divorce might seem strange. Perhaps you feel you’re too sad or exhausted to board a plane; maybe you’ve never traveled solo before. But traveling right after a divorce can be therapeutic, and can put problems into perspective. And who knows? Maybe romantic sparks could fly while you’re away.
These ten locales hold special appeal to the newly-divorced:
1. Costa Rica
If your recent divorce has been straining your savings, you’ll appreciate how inexpensive Costa Rican restaurants and hotels are. Plus, spending time alone with nature refreshes the spirit — and in this nation, the rainforests, jungles, beaches, and volcanoes are awe-inspiring.
2. St. Barths
If you believe you deserve the utmost in luxury as a reward for surviving a marital breakup, then the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy, better known as St. Barths, is the place to go. A stay here isn’t cheap, but surely the gourmet restaurants, shops, spas, and beaches will take your mind off your ex.
3. New York City
If you feel especially self-conscious about traveling by yourself, it’s New York for you. In the Big Apple, it’s easy to slip unnoticed into the throngs; no New Yorker would think twice about seeing someone eating, shopping, or riding the subway alone. While in the city, visit Tiffany’s, the store where Holly Golightly from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” went whenever she was feeling down.
4. Ireland
Sometimes after a divorce, people have an urge to meet lots of new people. There’s no place better for socializing than Ireland, where people are exceptionally outgoing. Drown your sorrows at a pub and share your heartbreak with fellow patrons. Everyone will be willing to hear your story, especially if you buy them a pint first. What’s more, Ireland’s beaches are highly underrated.
5. New Orleans
An excursion to New Orleans for a recent divorcee might go something like this: You visit a blues club your first night, where the music matches your mood if you’re feeling sad. The next day, you splurge on beignets and tour the magnificent gardens. Soon enough your spirits rise, and you’re ready to celebrate by attending lively jazz concerts or by dancing the night away in the French Quarter.
6. Thailand
Thailand is an ideal place to rid yourself of lingering post-divorce anxiety. You can eat, shop, and receive massages throughout Bangkok at very affordable rates. A jaunt to one of Thailand’s hundreds of islands, meanwhile, lets you sit on the beach, cocktail in hand, and take in the sunset.
7. San Francisco
Perhaps you feel ready to meet someone special. If that’s the case, head to San Francisco. In the City by the Bay, approximately 44 percent of the adult population is single, so you’ll be in good company. And the romantic opportunities in San Francisco, from cable car rides to bike trips across the Golden Gate Bridge, are unparalleled.
8. The Bahamas
Kamalame Cay is a luxury resort situated on a private island in the Bahamas – an island boasting plenty of white-sand beaches. Even better, Kamalame Cay offers a special package for divorced people called “Le Divorce.” Among the activities included in this deal are a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial, and snorkeling session.
9. Rome
Visiting ancient Roman ruins often helps people realize how fleeting our time on this planet is, and how important it is to make the most of every day, no matter what troubles we’ve been through. Not to mention, the cuisine throughout the city is mind-blowingly delicious. If you’re superstitious, local legend says that if you throw two coins into Trevi Fountain, you’ll find romance in Rome.
10. Burgundy, France
The Burgundy region of central France is truly lovely, boasting one splendid vineyard after another. Additionally, the renowned travel company Abercrombie & Kent offers cabins for single people on their deluxe Burgundy riverboat tours.
