10 Life-Changing Trips to Take After a Breakup
After a loss or big change, traveling can offer reflection and perspective - just what the mind might need to get back on track.
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Breaking Up Is Hard to Do. But Travel Is an Excellent Remedy
Find a trip where you can visit historical love story locales, meditate in nature or learn a new skill. All of these destinations come with unique design concepts and ideas for you to bring back with you as you enter a new phase in life.
See the Iguazu Falls, Argentina
Gain perspective by seeing awe-inspiring waterfalls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. More than 275 different drops put in perspective how small people are compared to the world’s largest waterfalls system. The Iguazu National Park, seated in the Paranaense Forest, has a train that runs around the park and uses clean combustion so it won’t pollute the surrounding environment.
Museum of Broken Relationships, Zagreb, Croatia
This crowd-sourced museum with ongoing traveling exhibitions displays small items from past relationships from around the world. Ponder the paper cranes from Taiwan, teddy bears from South Africa and bras from Texas and contribute your own relationship relic for others to see.
Jane Austen’s Stomping Grounds in Bath, England
Live in the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy by exploring the spa resort town popular in the 1800s. Visit the baths, take an audio tour and stay where Austen lived while she was there. The Jane Austen Centre and Regency Tea Room have great scones, and the Jane Austen Festival in September features Regency dances, costumes and workshops.
Matchmaking Festival, Lisdoonvarna, Ireland
After a trip to England, take the ferry to Ireland and find one of its smallest towns, where one of the country’s oldest traditional festivals takes place every September. Now more than 150 years old, the Matchmaking Festival attracts more than 60,000 people around the world for music, dancing and fun every year.
Juliet’s House, Verona, Italy
Go back to the beginning with Romeo and Juliet. A 13th-century house in Verona bears a coat of arms with the “Dal Cappello” or “Cappelletti” family name. Stand near the balcony where Romeo pledged his love in Shakespeare’s tragedy, touch Juliet’s statue for good luck and leave a love note on the nearby wall.
Hike the Pacific Crest Trail
Many people think of the Appalachian Trail as the grand hiking challenge, but what about prime views along the West Coast? Hikers often take shorter weekend or weeklong trips to traverse mountains, ridges and lakes across Sierra Nevada, Big Bend, Columbia Gorge and the North Cascades throughout California, Oregon and Washington.
Retreat to Bali, Indonesia
Known for its beaches, coral reefs, forested volcanic mountains and rice paddies, Bali is the spot to find popular resort towns along with temples and iconic yoga retreats. Book several day tours for a mix of experiences or choose one villa to spend an entire week without digital disruptions or reminders of what you left back home.
Singles Cruise, Miami, Florida
Do you need to let loose on open waters? Pick from a variety of options that depart from Miami every month. Choose a theme, such as alluring vistas or the Valentine’s Day cruise, or look for trips targeted for different age groups to find people like you.
Temple Stay, Gwangju, South Korea
A peaceful, meditative retreat may be the key to resetting and connecting with the inner self. Across South Korea, temples open their gates for visitors to experience authentic temple life on its grounds. Attend Buddhist services, tea ceremonies, different meditation practices and conversations with monks. Learn how to make rice cakes, and hike the mountainous terrain around the temples in search of serene Buddha statues.
Learn to Dance, Cook, Hike and More
Choose your own adventure. Sites such as RoadScholar.org, ACIS.com and Explorica.com offer thousands of options that are searchable by interest and location. Learn about the species of the Galapagos Islands, eat along the Mediterranean Sea or explore the best of theater in New York City.