Fixing a broken heart is no easy task, and it requires a lot of time, new people, and experiences to heal. However, there is one thing in life that can help you take a step aside from your current situation, look at it from a fresh perspective, come to terms with yourself, and eventually make you feel better – that’s travelling.
Moreover, solo travel is always a transformative experience, and, according to experts from SurviveDivorce, it can be the best possible choice to recover after such a life-changing decision as divorce.
Perhaps you’ve already thought of taking Elizabeth Gilbert’s route across Italy, India, and Bali when thinking about which destination to choose – it makes sense. However, you should also understand that each person’s experience is unique, and what worked for her might not resonate with you – so don’t force it if you don’t feel like going there.
Below, you will find several alternative destinations you can travel to after a divorce, including Nepal, Australia, Norway, Costa Rica, Peru, the Burgundy region in France, Ireland, and more. Read on and choose something that will work best for you!
Visit Machu Picchu, Peru
Peru is a top destination for all types of travellers, and Machu Picchu is its most famous landmark. When you step inside this ancient Incan citadel, which was once the home of the Inca’s sacred city, you will feel like stepping into another world – it’s that powerful! The site is made up of ruins and artefacts, including temples and plazas, as well as agricultural terraces – and it will certainly give you a sense of peace and wonder.
It’s a wondrous country whose natural beauty will leave you in awe. Visit Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire, and do some trekking in nearby mountains, but also take a trip to one of the many natural hot springs or visit the historic city of Arequipa.
Go trekking in Nepal
Nepal has a long history of Buddhism and Hinduism, which has left its mark on the land. Visit Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and explore a local market; take a hike in the Himalayas, including in the Annapurna Conservation Area, and witness the stunning views of Manaslu; visit one of the many Buddhist monasteries, including Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa.
The list goes on, and it’s up to you to choose what best aligns with your interests.
Explore Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise on Earth with many natural attractions – from volcanos to rain forests to beaches. Go hiking at Poás Volcano National Park, observe some rays at Manuel Antonio National Park and Playa Nancite, hike through Arenal National Park, visit Carara National Park and go swimming in La Fortuna Waterfall, or go hiking in Tortuguero National Park and see some toucans, monkeys, sloths, and crocodiles. Of course, there are many other things you can do here!
Tour France’s most famous wine region, Burgundy
The Burgundy region in France is famous for its delicious wines – and that’s not all. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful villages in France, including Vézelay, where you can visit the ruins of a 12th-century basilica.
You can also go wine tasting in Beaune and visit the famous vineyards of Chablis and Côte de Nuits – just make sure to schedule your visits accordingly, because they might be closed during the week. If you want to see something even more exciting, you can go wine tasting in an underground cave.
Soak in the culture of the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a small country with a long history, and it has left an incredible impression on the land. To experience it best, visit Amsterdam and see the city’s different districts: Amsterdam Centre, West, Oost, Noord, Zuid, Nieuw-West, and Zuidoost.
Make sure to check out Anne Frank’s house and wander around the red light district at night to look at the historic buildings. Then, visit the smaller city of Utrecht and admire the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.
Visit Norway’s coastal islands
Norway is a country in Northern Europe that has a lot to offer. Go hiking in Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second-longest fjord, where you can see the waterfalls, or just drive the long tunnel from Bergen to Voss or go skiing there during winter. You can also visit Oslo and look at the architecture in the city centre.
Take a trip to Lofoten Islands and explore the Lofotr Viking Museum, as well as Trollstigen, the famous winding mountain road that connects the Norwegian mainland with the islands. The same road offers an incredible view of the landscape.
Breath in some fresh mountain air in Canada
Canada is a country with beautiful nature and friendly people – and it’s not too hard to get there! Visit Quebec City, where you can admire the French influence on the architecture, visit Parc des Champs de Bataille (a UNESCO World Heritage site), or check out Montmorency Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada. If you want to see some wildlife, visit Jasper National Park, home to many animals, including grizzly bears.
Go Outback in Australia
Australia is a place with a rich history and incredible nature. Visit Sydney, the city that has inspired many writers and artists, or see the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living organism in the world. You can even go diving there! If you want to see some wildlife, visit Kangaroo Island in South Australia – where you can observe kangaroos in their natural habitat.
If you have a lot of energy and are looking for something adventurous and exciting, you should definitely try hiking through the Australian Outback. Take a look at Ayers Rock, the famous red rock formation that rises like an island from the desert, explore Uluru (the actual name for the rock), hike through the Kata Tjuta National Park in Alice Springs, and sleep under the stars at one of the campsites along your way. If you want to see some wildlife, you can travel to Kakadu National Park, home to large crocodiles and hundreds of birds.
Step back in time in Greece
Greece has a long history of art, architecture, and philosophy. Visit Athens and see the Acropolis and the Parthenon, also known as the Temple of Athena. It’s one of the oldest and most famous monuments in the world. Explore the city of Thessaloniki, where you can admire the White Tower, an ancient Byzantine fortification, or visit Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive monasteries built on top of huge rocks.
Conclusion
Divorce is never an easy decision, but it also never comes without a silver lining. For example, it can change your perspective on life and make you realize that you can’t always wait for things to happen to you. Similarly, it can wake you up from a dreamy state and help you understand that you are responsible for your happiness.
Divorce can also be a wake-up call that changes your life for the better. Travelling is one of the best ways to start a new chapter of your life – and we hope these locations will help you find your way!