travel after breakup

After a Breakup, Travel Is Sometimes the Only Answer

By Megan Spurrell

When her relationship ended in September of last year, Leah Castillo knew she had to get out of San Luis Obispo, California. Her apartment was littered with reminders of a recent string of belly-up relationships—including the woman who, she’d just discovered, had been with someone else. She moved out of her apartment, packed up her Mitsubishi Outlander, and headed to Zion National Park .

“There were reminders of my heartbreak everywhere and I was left pretty broken. I felt extremely undesirable, my self-worth had taken a hit, and I could not escape the insecurity and doubt I had about myself,” says Castillo. “I couldn't stay where I was and heal properly. But I knew that if I was in some desolate canyon in Utah , my past experiences would be nowhere to be found.” She began a two-month journey through the American Southwest , where she camped in national parks , taught herself how to fly fish , and angry-cried as she drove her car across the desert.

Cutting your hair, quitting your job, moving cities—trying to reclaim a sense of control after a break up is a common reaction when life is flipped upside down. It's no wonder, then, that travel has long been an appealing coping mechanism. It offers the separation of routine, new connections, and, importantly, a chance to focus on the self. Love it or loathe it, there’s a reason Eat, Pray, Love struck a chord with so many.

But what role can travel really play in the healing process?

“After a breakup, you're going through withdrawal—the dopamine, the oxytocin, the serotonin, all those hormones that love produces for you are no longer there,” says Kathleen Hendrik Ebbitt, a New York City-based therapist in the Alma network who moved to Mexico City following her own breakup two years ago. “It's a really scary space to be in, to need to acclimate to what the brain is when you're no longer in love. One reason that I think travel can be really great after a breakup is that it can stimulate your brain and encourage new connections within your cerebral matter.”

Those benefits begin before you even leave home, experts say. Not only is there distraction in putting together your great escape, but it offers a more practical reason to stop sifting through the wreckage of the split and begin thinking about what comes next. “When you are in the pain and darkness of a separation, people get very stuck in the past,” says Amy Chan, a former relationship columnist and founder of Renew Breakup Bootcamp retreats, which take place in upstate New York and California . “[People] go into spirals of what should have happened, what shouldn’t have happened, and that’s what really keeps them stuck. Travel can be helpful because you put something in the calendar to look forward to. That shift of focus gives a little bit of hope.”

Florence Williams, author of the forthcoming book HEARTBREAK , which explores the science of a broken heart—a journey she went on following the dissolution of her 25-year-marriage—says that planning allows you to take a breather from your emotions. “Psychologists have shown that [planning] engages your frontal cortex and thinking brain, and you get out of your emotional brain for a little while.”

This switching of gears was a benefit that Castillo noticed right away once she hit the road. “When you're traveling, you can't really go on autopilot like at home,” she says. “I would be crying and then I'd have to stop and think, Okay, where am I sleeping tonight? What happens if my tire blows out in the middle of nowhere? How am I going to get WiFi?”

Anyone who’s sat in the muck of a heartbreak can appreciate that relief—even a momentary release from the grip of unanswered questions and the relentless inspection of memories for answers is precious. But distraction will only get you so far, says Chan, who leaned into yoga retreats following a gut-wrenching breakup of her own before founding Renew: You don’t want to just “procrastinate your pain.” The idea of a whirlwind European train trip that sucks up every minute of your attention, for example, might sound great, but the quiet moments, where you’re left staring out the window and forced to return to your thoughts, are where progress can happen.

“In a breakup it’s important to really ask yourself: Am I using the full capacity of my brain and not just having this knee jerk response to escape a situation which is painful?” says Hendrik Ebbitt. “There’s a lot of romanticism around travel—[instead] think about intention and expectation and really look at travel as a healing tool.”

Maybe that means intentionally taking a trip outside your comfort zone, where the stimulation of newness and the opportunity to make decisions can be empowering. For San Francisco-based Alexa Ford, a breakup at age 21 led her to spontaneously apply for a solo hiking permit on the Nüümü Poyo in California, also known as the John Muir Trail. She hiked it across 13 days—her first backpacking trip , ever. “I had no gear, I had never been backpacking, and I was terrified of mountain lions,” she says. “But it took three months to get ready, which was the best distraction after a hard breakup. And there really is no medicine like walking by yourself for 210 miles with some good tunes and a self-help podcast.”

Some travelers might not be comfortable going it alone, but planning a trip on your own terms, even if it’s closer to home or with friends, can help restore a sense of self-agency and identity often lost during a breakup. “What’s at the core of a heartbreak is that your identity gets shaken up—it profoundly affects your self-esteem and your sense of self,” says Williams. “Who are you without this person, especially if it’s been a long relationship? The power of travel speaks to so many things you need to address in order to feel better. You can have self-agency, you’re not just someone things happen to.”

Laura Kiniry

Blane Bachelor

Stacey Lastoe

Taking a trip that you’ve called the shots on can help you reacquaint yourself with who you are, she says. And if you’re the one who’s done the leaving? It can be a powerful way to remind yourself that you did the right thing, because you have a strong sense of what you want to be doing—and who you want to be doing it with.

© Monique Aimee

For Hendrik Ebbitt, part of what drew her to Mexico City after her relationship ended was wanting to be in a space where she wasn’t speaking English , nor familiar with her environment. “In a lot of ways I wanted to allow my brain to go into a different terrain in order to better focus on healing,” she says. “I also felt proud that I was doing something which seemed brave.”

While this approach worked for Ebbitt, she says many of her patients worry about getting off track. “The primary thing that women going through breakups are experiencing, I think, have to do with identity politics—who they are, who they want to be,” says Hendrik Ebbitt. “Particularly with younger people I work with, people are getting married later, if at all, having children later, if at all. People are grappling with this ideology we’ve been fed as to who we should be as women, so in addition to the grieving process, [you’re thinking about] not having the same capacity to meet those societal benchmarks that we’ve internalized as steps into womanhood.”

Concerns about a breakup, like having to restart aspects of your life, being out of time, somehow falling behind, is what Chan says is the most universal sentiment echoed by women who arrive at her retreats—whether they’re in their 30s or 70s.

“Our culture really reinforces [a perceived] disability of older women, and their sexual lack of viability,” says Williams. “And it’s just this huge amount of bullshit. You’re not too old to have fun, you’re not too old to have adventures, you’re not too old to find deep meaning and beauty and fulfillment in relationships of all flavors.” It’s important to put yourself in situations where you can be reminded of those things, she says.

It should come as no surprise that a post-breakup trip won’t always be pretty. You might, like Castillo, find yourself screaming out of frustration in the privacy of your car, in the middle of nowhere in Utah, only to realize that the windows are cracked and your campsite neighbors definitely heard. Ford, meanwhile, left her fair share of tears on the Nüümü Poyo. But the real beauty is in experiencing these moments, and coming out the other side. Travel is, after all, meant to move us. It can put our everyday lives in perspective, and make our problems, even if just temporarily, feel like drops in the ocean.

“There's nothing like travel to remind us that we live in a big world and we're a small part of it,” says Williams. “No matter which side of heartbreak you’re on, you're going to be dealing with a lot of emotions, like guilt, or rejection. And those emotions are important to feel but it's also important to have some perspective so that they don't take over everything. A loss of ego is really helpful.”

For Castillo, her breakthrough moment came one night in the middle of a thunderstorm in the Gila National Forest, New Mexico, at a dark sky reserve. “I was having a pretty rough day, stuck in my thoughts, and I got caught in this intense storm—thunder was shaking my car, lightning was striking every two seconds, but I was stuck and all I could do was watch,” she recalls. “When the storm finally passed, I stepped outside. The air was electric from the lightning and there was the most insane blanket of stars that I've ever seen in my life. I felt lucky to just be standing there, alive and healthy, and to be able to travel to see things. And I thought, Yeah, I’m going to be okay.”

Here’s How & Why You Should Turn to Travel After a Breakup

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 21st March 2023

Categories Inspiration

Last Updated on 21st March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Close to two years ago, I sat down and wrote ‘ Can travel ever help heal a broken heart? ‘ Twenty-four months later and, while I’m still blogging, I’m almost entirely sure that travel can, indeed, mend a broken heart, albeit not in the way you might imagine. Here’s how and why you should turn to travel after a breaku p (as well as some ideas on where you should venture to!)

Editor’s note: It’s now 2023, and I think everyone will agree with me when I say *what* a past few years we’ve all had. 2020 has made many re-evaluate their lives in a way they never had to before and, ultimately, what they want to do with them, and that includes romantic interests and partners.

I know of more than one couple who broke up after the stress of 2020 and 2021. But with the world opening back up again, it’s once more fair to say that travelling after a breakup (with a job, friend, or partner) is a valid way to renew the way you see the world and get a new perspective on things.

Back in September of 2019, I broke up with my second ever long-term boyfriend. We met merely weeks after my first long-term breakup and while he’s a pretty great guy, things were not meant to be.

We wanted different things out of life, let alone the fact that we literally wanted to live in different countries and had entirely different interests!

Thanks to this blog ( which is also my full-time job ) , I was lucky enough to pack up my things and quite literally move to another country ( I moved to Paris ). With this being said, this is obviously not feasible for most people (never mind the fact that I had quite literally been saving for my move for the two years prior) .

As such, even just a short escape  (such as a day trip or weekend break to a nearby city or town) can be just as healing in of itself. After all as ‘they’ often say “it’s the journey and not the destination that counts” . Well, if you’ve just gone through a breakup, then I feel you!

It’s a long and hard journey ahead, with the ultimate destination unclear. One minute you’re planning on spending your life with the other person, the next you’re facing the unknown alone…

However, whether you plan to jet off to a far-flung destination or simply hop on a train for a short day trip to the next town over (much better for the environment and your bank account!), both are just as valid forms of travel as one another and both will ultimately help you heal.

Planning will give you something to look forward to

You find yourself again, you can give yourself a chance to heal outside of your usual routine, you’ll be pushed out of your comfort zone, a word of warning…, montréal, canada, paris, france, amsterdam, the netherlands, italy (literally anywhere in italy), a south of france adventure, enjoyed reading about how (and why) you should turn to travel after a breakup pin this article now, read it again later:, here’s why you should travel after a breakup.

The worst thing about going through a breakup is undoubtedly the nagging voice in the back of your head. Whether that’s considering whether you ‘should’ have broken up or pondering the ‘what ifs’ of the situation, planning your next adventure will give you something to look forward to, as well as help take your mind off things.

If you’re planning a trip, especially if that voyage is to go it alone, then chances are you’ll start to rediscover what you do/ don’t like outside of the scope of having to consider someone else’s needs and wants.

No matter how much we tell ourselves that we’ll ‘remain ourselves’ throughout the course of a relationship, relationships are undoubtedly about compromise.

Travelling will allow you to discover exactly what you like and dislike, particularly when you’re forced away from your usual routine and automatic decision making processes.

So whether you fancy perusing a museum, simply getting lost together with a camera, or going out on the town with a bunch of new friends, take the time being on your own to discover what you personally want out of life. After all, we only get one shot!

When you’re at home, chances are you’re constantly being reminded of the person you just ended things with. Even the smallest of events/ places can trigger a memory. That bar you went for a date night in, the walking trail you took the dog out on.

The simple fact of changing scenery can liven up your day and show you the bigger picture as opposed to wallowing in your [negative] thoughts.

Furthermore, being away from your typical environment will give you a chance to consider what you truly and genuinely want. For example, do you miss the person or the comfort of having that person there?

When travelling, we’re forced to make decisions and see things in an entirely different light or way. You have to change your ways of doing things and are thus entirely pushed out of your comfort zone, which in turn may well prove to yourself that you’re much more capable than you previously thought.

If you’re planning on travelling after a breakup, then the most important piece of advice I would give you is this: just because you’re going away won’t mean that all your feelings will suddenly disappear. You’ll still be yourself, albeit in a different situation and location.

Give yourself permission to grieve and don’t feel guilty if you think about your ex. However, I would personally cut off all contact during your trip. Your feelings will still be intense and you may not like the answer you receive. Instead, give yourself some space to think, heal, and consider what you really want from life.

Here’s where to travel alone after a breakup!

I’ve always been a big fan of solo travel ( here’s a guide to help you get started with solo travel ) and there is perhaps no better time to explore this option than when you’re fresh out of a relationship. When my now ex boyfriend broke up with me, I personally headed out on a hiking trail near where I lived and went to discover some Neolithic ruins I’d never seen before.

Simply getting out of the house and getting a little travel experience was great for helping to put things in perspective while I planned out my next steps and figured out what to do in the weeks following (as well as to keep my mind distracted from things). With this being said, here are some of my favourite solo destinations:

Hands down, one of my favourite cities in North America (and perhaps the one I’d most like to live in if I were to ever leave Europe) is that of Montréal.

Situated in the French Canadian region of Quebec, the people are friendly, the foodie scene is simply wonderful (including plenty of vegan options) , and the art scene is unparalleled.

Perfect for a girls getaway or a solo trip (I’ve experienced both there), the hustle and bustle of the Canadian city will soon capture your imagination and heart in equal measure.

During your stay in the city, I highly recommend booking your accommodation in the Vieux-Montreal district of the city, where many of the main attractions are just a short walk away.

Honestly, the ‘City of Love’ may well not be most people’s destination of choice when it comes to where to travel after a breakup. However, when having a little bit of a love affair with myself, I find nothing more enjoyable than simply soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the sights of the stunning Hausmannian architecture.

Another bonus of visiting Paris is that it’s easy to take day trips from the city , not to mention that it’s pretty normal to go out for food alone or simply sit in a café for hours on end, simply watching the world go by.

And thanks to a myriad of museums, parks, and historic monuments, there’s no way you can ever be bored during a trip to Paris! For more Wanderlust inspiration, check out my solo guide to Paris .

I know several people who have taken the plunge to travel alone to Amsterdam after a breakup and it’s honestly one of the most friendly capital cities in Europe.

Easy to explore on either foot or via bicycle (my method of choice) thanks to its compactness and relatively flat nature, the historic city is filled with stunning architecture and more museums than perhaps anywhere else in Europe.

Making a great base from which to explore the rest of the Netherlands, in the spring you can even visit the nearby stunning gardens of Keukenhof near Lisse . Otherwise, let yourself get swept away in the beauty of the Dutch capital city, not to mention the excellent foodie options available (even for vegans!)

If I’m totally honest, after France, Italy is one of my favourite countries in the world. And what’s not to like? The history goes back millennia, people are friendly, and best of all, the Italian food and wine is among some of the best in the world!

Some of my favourite Italian destinations (and where I suggest travelling post breakup for the most history, culture, and accommodation options) include Florence (i.e. Firenze) where museums are abundant and the scenery is quite literally breathtaking and the city of Pavia , a tiny university town with a Duomo designed by the hand of Da Vinci, and one of the most beautiful monasteries, the Certosa di Pavia , just a short train ride away.

Known around the world for its lavender fields and breathtaking châteaux scene, the South of France is the kind of place where time simultaneously speeds by and stops.

Wander through villages quite literally frozen in time, sip on rosé in an off the beaten track café, and explore Roman ruins while imagining how the landscape must have appeared two millennia ago. Honestly, if I were to choose just one place to travel after a breakup, it would be a solo adventure in the South of France !

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Wednesday 12th of July 2023

I do hope you had a great trip and are feeling more positive. Being in a similar situation my partner has walked out yet again this has gone on for 7 years back and forth with no real commitment.

I am 41 and he is 56 can’t help feeling I am been strung along. I’ve a spare 10 days before my new job commences, consequently I’ve no car until then and feel trapped in the house.

I have been trying to book this trip for 12 hours! I feel guilty although he has just sent a message goading me saying how life’s so much easier living apart. Well he can’t have his cake and eat it!

I think I am going to grab my visa, thanks for the advice solo Sophie. Xxx

Thursday 6th of April 2023

I am so happy that I’ve found this page. I just got out of a relationship a couple of days ago and have been in an unbearable pain, everything feels so foggy yet so clear. And on this short healing journey, the first thing that crossed my mind when thinking how I could make it a little bit more bearable, was to get the first flight out of here. But at the same time I was scared that it would be some type of an escapism, cause wouldn’t we all want to heal faster and just be done with it already?! And also afraid that I would just sit an wallow as I will be travelling alone. So reading this, makes me believe that I am not that wrong in doing so and I will actually be looking forward to get away for a while :)

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list" - Susan Sontag

Why Travel is the Best Thing to do After a Breakup

So, should you travel after a breakup how can travel help you heal from a breakup after some reflection and consideration, there were 13 distinct ways i found that travel helped me heal, and they are ways that will help you heal from a breakup too. they also exemplify why travel is one of the best things to do after a breakup and several things you do along the way that promote healing..

You know that stereotype about lesbians? Yeah, of course you do. They get super attached and want to get married just a few months ( or days… ) into a relationship? Maybe they move in together, get engaged, whatever. Everyone does, right? Well, what happens when that relationship ends…? *cue rapid Googling of “how to heal after a breakup,” “stages of grief after a breakup,” and “best things to do after a breakup”*

I’ll admit, my story doesn’t look exactly like that. I was a senior in high school when I started dating my ex, and we grew very attached to each other. Despite attending separate colleges, we stayed together and spoke every day. Like, excessively spoke every day. Looking back, it was very unhealthy. To be fair, I wasn’t in the best state of mind through most of it, but it still shook me to my core when it ended my first semester of sophomore year. It’s hard to put into words how difficult this was, but keep in mind it was my first everything. We made all the silly little promises that we all think we can keep when we are young. Make some sense now?

I barely kept it together that semester. With the help of some absolutely amazing (and I do mean amazing) friends and family, I functioned and tried to move on. I went through every single stage of grief (yes, grief applies outside of death), from denial, begging, and needing answers to fear, loneliness, and bargaining. I eventually moved on to acceptance, but I was never truly “at peace” or forgiving, which helps with true healing. I thought I might stay in that limbo forever because of how static I felt. An exemplary reason self love after a breakup is so important.

Studying abroad had always been on my radar (even if I didn’t intend for it to be traveling after a breakup), and I almost missed the chance because of my mental state during this period. I missed deadlines, I hemmed and hawed. There were multiple points where I thought it would be a waste to go. And honestly, I was afraid. I was afraid of being alone, afraid I wouldn’t find companions, afraid of being away from family and friends (the only way I was staying sane). Luckily, after an epiphany, emotion regulation, some loopholes, and help, I finalized studying abroad in Maynooth, Ireland the next semester. And, wow, I’m glad I pushed through to get there.

Studying abroad was my first step in traveling alone. I had been abroad with my parents before, but being in a foreign country, knowing no one, and being thousands of miles away from loved ones is completely different. And it’s exactly what I needed to help me move on once and for all.

I think it’s exactly what a lot of people need to move on once and for all.

P. S. Excuse the quality of photo… many of these (you can tell) were taken with a (very) old iPhone, but the captions were too good not to include. Moving on. Oh, and yes. These are all mine even if they don’t have watermarks. It’s a new thing. ( Thanks to all the people out there who take images without permission or payment. )

No one knows you. Because no one knows you, you can create a persona – any persona!

It turns out, there’s some truth to the “fake it till you make it” quote. Forcing yourself to talk to people helps actually be comfortable talking to people! There’s a scientific explanation behind this phenomenon – basically, you create new wiring in your head and every time you do something small where the wiring didn’t exist before, a new little string appears! You must keep adding to the strings (i. e. talking to people, getting outside) to help the wiring stay and become big and strong. Sounds like a pretty fun thing to do after a breakup if I do say so myself.

For example, I pretended I was a more confident version of the devasted squirrel (yup.) I had become. Over time, I knew I could handle more and more – I started in English speaking countries, sticking to tourist areas. Then, Spanish-speaking countries where I knew a little bit and explored lesser-known cities. Then, I took the dive into places like Poland and the Balkans where I didn’t speak the language or have much direction. But that little bit of “fake confidence” helped push me that far. If I hadn’t taken the leap to travel after a breakup, who knows where I would be with it.

Making friends and meeting people

Specifically, these are friends that haven’t seen you at your worst. Sometimes having friends that you can just travel with can be a big help because they aren’t worried about you . Of course, friends that know you well, have helped you through tough times, and care about you are wonderful and beneficial, but sometimes all you need is time to remove yourself from the grief and familiarities of home. Having “travel friends” or meeting people in new destinations is one of the best things to do after a breakup because it can help build confidence to get you through hard times; you won’t constantly be dependent on others to get you out of the grief that is so common after a breakup. You have the freedom (and ability) to do it solo! Again I encourage you – travel after a breakup!

I love my friends, and again, they were beyond helpful. But having a friend that didn’t have to take care of me or make sure I didn’t fall apart helped me address those short comings in myself. In a way, this act is a great form of self love after a breakup.

Breaks up the monotony of “normal” life

Is there a tv show you always watched together? Maybe a favorite restaurant, song, or even grocery store? Choosing to travel after a breakup can give you peace and quiet from those constant reminders of normal things you “used to do.” Instead of driving past your special place, you’ll be trekking in a foreign country (or city) with new sights and experiences to set off the pleasant dopamine release you used to feel. Seriously, one of the best things to do after a breakup is release that wonderful dopamine. You simply won’t have time to worry about the new episode of that tv show! And you’ll be eating such delicious cuisine, you won’t care about that restaurant anymore.

Furthermore, you can turn your phone off to receive these benefits to the full extent – instead of getting excited about a text or phone call, you’ll be getting excited about your next adventure. (see #12 for more reasons no/little phone is beneficial)

Planning trips (or a trip) makes you feel bad-a** and capable

Buying all those tickets, planning when and where you’ll go, choosing where to stay, what to eat… all of those decisions are YOURS to make when you travel after a breakup, and it makes you feel so accomplished when you go through this process. Plus, you get fun out of it at the end! Talk about a boost in self-esteem, eh? You don’t have to travel solo and take on these responsibilities, but I think solo travel is one of the best things to do after a breakup because of that self-esteem boost.

Reinvigorated excitement about life

Traveling after a breakup will reintroduce the rush of pleasure humans love about life. You’ll be excited for new places – and that might be your lifeline at the beginning. You can plan for hours on end, research things to do, places to stay, (vegan) spots to eat at, and more. You. Will. Thrive .

Honestly, even if you don’t travel or plan to travel, try organizing or planning something else. Planning is one of the best things to do after a breakup because it gives you focus.

This reinvigoration was how it was for me – the research and planning are some things I genuinely enjoy to this day, but it was all that kept me afloat at the beginning.

You become comfortable being alone

If your breakup is anything like mine, you became dependent on others. There was a point where my friend actually had to bring me protein bars to class to make sure I ate. I had to call my mom between classes. I spiraled, but I didn’t need to be that person anymore. I didn’t want to be. (see #7 about independence)

Travelling after a breakup helps you see a little more clearly and removing this dependence (you may choose a different word) will lead to more doors opening for you – such as being alone, but not lonely. You can be alone in a hostel room, on a city bus, or wandering cobblestone streets. At first, you may feel utterly lonely in these situations because you don’t have another person to enjoy – but once you become comfortable, that loneliness isn’t so strong. One of the best things to do after a breakup is trying to enjoy your own company and savor the little moments. ( Heck, you can even cry if you so choose! No one can judge you when you are comfortable being alone! And if they do, who cares!)

Your independence is accelerated

For some, getting a job or going off to college creates independence; however, it’s hard to feel fully independent until you are thrust into a foreign country or city knowing no one. When you travel, especially alone, independence must grow. Of course, you turned to friends and family at times, but you don’t rely on them for everything (or even many things) like you used to. You make your own fun, your own food, your own everything. Working on your independence is one of the best things to do after a breakup because you will be less likely to bounce from poor relationship to poor relationship.

The excitement of seeing new places helps you address (social) anxiety

Traveling after a breakup forces you into situations that are inherently anxiety provoking for many people. So, unless you want to sit in your lodging for your whole trip or fly back home ( I mean, valid and no judgement – but I encourage you to try 😊), then you will slowly be able to manage your anxiety. It’s unlikely it will disappear forever, but just like creating a persona, new wiring will be fostered. And remember, new wiring is an important thing to do after a breakup.

Maybe it’s just me, but I have severe social and general anxiety. The anxiety pre-dated my relationship, but it was made worse from fear of rejection and so many other issues that come with a break-up. In order to see those magical sights as a traveler, I had to figure out how to feel my feelings, but not let them control me.

Traveling might help you re-evaluate what you want

Wanting kids, buying a house, staying in one place your whole life. All valid choices to make, but who is to say that’s what you actually want? Traveling after a breakup can help clarify those decisions – maybe you’ll even realize the relationship was never what it should’ve been and likely would have never been. For many people, traveling just once helps them realize they don’t want to be tied down – at least not in the ways they thought. This clarity is one of the best things you can do for yourself after a breakup.

For me, it helped me realize how flawed the relationship was anyway. We wanted completely different things, and while we could’ve made it work, would it have been worth it to live such different lives? I wanted to travel, and I almost didn’t even study abroad because of the relationship. I can’t imagine what future decisions would have looked like.

Traveling after a breakup will help you realize it was for the best

Don’t get me wrong, a breakup still hurts! But traveling after a breakup can help you realize that breaking up was the smart decision that will make you happier in the long run. Maybe it was an unhealthy situation, you wanted different things, or many you just weren’t happy. Heck, maybe it was the best relationship you’ve ever had, and that’s one reason it’s so hard to heal from. But traveling has a way of clarifying things – if you broke up, the relationship wasn’t the greatest thing ever. And you were saved who knows how much heartache if it had continued further.

Oh, and those of you who think “ But they were the love of my life! ” – if they were the love of your life, they would still be in your life. It might not feel like it now, but just wait.

For example, I realized how grateful I was that she ended the relationship. I thought our “little” problems were fixable and we would live happily ever after. But when I was traveling, I realized my mental health was getting progressively worse in the relationship, and I don’t know that I would have gotten help without clearing my head this way. recognizing problems: another one of the best things to do after a breakup!

Travelling after a breakup helps you find a passion and drive

Like I mentioned, for some people their passion becomes travel. But perhaps, traveling will lead you to something else – SCUBA diving! Writing! Driving buses! Operating ziplines! ( Hey, I don’t know what you choose to do on your travels – anything is possible. ) Maybe you even realize a house, kids, and steady job is exactly what you want – that’s okay too. Traveling after a breakup helps you heal because you realize you can do anything and be anything. You are worthy. You mean something. You can make a difference. Travel helps you get your confidence back (which I’m sure you’ve gathered), therefore it’s what? One of the best things to do after a breakup, that’s right.

Kick the habit of “reaching out”

I implemented the “no contact” rule prior to leaving the USA, but if you are having trouble with that step, traveling after a breakup will help you kick those habits of reaching out. Missing your ex and wanting company, the bargaining stage of grief, etc. It can all (mostly) be avoided by removing yourself from situations that make it easier to relapse into earlier stages of grief (i. e. having constant service). So, best thing to do after a breakup? Don’t reach out! Even if you leave the country to achieve it 🙂

Keep the memories at bay

This benefit is similar to #3, but it goes a step further. Removing yourself from familiar situations can help keep memories at bay until you are ready to face them. If you stay home, you would undoubtedly have thoughts like “I remember when we did *this* here.” However, traveling after a breakup allows you to keep those thoughts at bay until you are ready to revisit them.

Furthermore, you’ll be forced to smile for pictures. Tragic, right? Scientifically speaking, smiling releases hormones that make you happier. So, traveling will help keep the memories at bay because you’ll be so darn happy fake smiling! Smiling is a great thing to do after a breakup, even if it’s fake! Hey, there’s that fake it ‘til you make it again…

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32 thoughts on “why travel is the best thing to do after a breakup”.

YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!! Especially the meeting new friends bit. Seriously, some of the people I’ve randomly come across on my travels still keep in touch with me! Travel has the potential to create some pretty unbreakable bonds – it’s very healing to make new connections, at least for me!

Awwheee, thank you! So glad to hear this resonated with you. New connections are so scary for me, but often worth it!!

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6 Destinations to Beat the Post-Breakup Blues

Getting away can present a welcome distraction and the chance to try new things

We’re dedicating our  February features  to romance travel. A destination has the ability to steal our hearts, but many magical and memorable experiences abroad can be closely tied to stories of love. From traveling after a breakup to compromising trip planning with multiple partners and prioritizing individual interests on a couple’s trip , we’ve put together a collection of inspiring stories that display just how closely our romantic relationships relate to our worldwide adventures.

Time might heal all wounds, but let's be real: distance can too. Regardless of if you're battling a romantic breakup or the end of a long friendship, just getting away can present a welcome distraction as well as the chance to try new things, heal, and grow. Even the experts say it works: "Whether you’re exploring new terrain, meeting new people, or simply trying to master a few words in a new language, travel has the potential to boost cognitive functioning,” Dr. Jessica O’Reilly, a sex and relationships expert, told Culture Trip in 2017 .

But not all destinations are created equal—we spoke to a few travelers who mastered the art of post-breakup travel to round up a list of the six best places to mend a broken heart and have some fun along the way.

Jackson, Wyoming

When you're surrounded by wildlife and some of the most stunning scenery in the U.S., it's hard to be too sad. A hotspot for the jet-set, Jackson offers the perfect balance of outdoor activities and leisure with a surprisingly robust dining and nightlife scene.

With 200 miles of trails, avid hikers can spend their entire trip alone with their thoughts in Grand Teton National Park , while wintertime visitors can shred on the more than 120 named trails at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

At the end of the day, warm up from the chilly mountain air at The Rose , the town's first speakeasy-style bar, a brainchild of Jackson native David Kaplan and Alex Days, owners of Death & Co., the famed Manhattan bar. You'll find a lively bar scene with a mix of locals and visitors.

Sedona, Arizona

Courtesy of L'Auberge

A long-standing popular destination known for its stunning red rock vistas and a vibrant arts community, Sedona is the perfect spot to heal a broken heart.

Red Rock State Park is full of trails that wind through canyon walls and pine forests, creating great opportunities for picnicking or birdwatching. Meanwhile, the popularity of this destination means you'll never have to worry about hitting the trail solo—a huge plus for safety-concerned family and friends.

If you need a bit of sybaritic healing to rest your aching muscles (and heart), Sedona is home to some of the best spas and resorts in the country. A stay at the famed L'Auberge de Sedona includes a cozy, lodge-style room, as well as a rotating schedule of activities, ranging from nature talks to photography lessons. When you're ready to hit the spa, L'Apothecary's wide range of treatments, from massages to facials, are inspired by Sedona's natural beauty and rely on local botanicals from the area.

San Francisco, California

Eric Clapton sang about the San Francisco Bay Blues, but you'll be anything but blue after some alone time in the Golden City.

With a mild climate year-round, the city is excellent for roaming and wandering without a specific itinerary—start your day snapping sunrise photos at the picturesque Palace of Fine Arts before hopping on a sightseeing cruise or watching the San Francisco Giants play at Oracle Park.

Then, sample some of the area's culinary delights at the famed Ferry Building or ride a cable car to North Beach, the city's Italian neighborhood, where you can enjoy a big bowl of cioppino at local stalwart Sotto Mare . (Plus, the friendly bar service will take the sting out of dining alone.)

If you need some literary inspiration, nearby City Lights is one of the most revered bookstores in the country, selling thousands of titles since its founding by beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953.

Nashville, Tennessee

If music and booze sound like the best way to cure heartache, book your ticket to Nashville. This hip Southern city boasts excellent restaurants, dazzling new hotels (plus a few classics ), and enough entertainment and nightlife to fill weeks on end.

Sing your heart out at the famed Ryman Auditorium , which celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2022, or catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry before heading to Corsair Distillery , Nashville's first since prohibition, for a tasting of their award-winning whiskeys. The distillery, which has two locations in town, also makes excellent pot-distilled gin if the brown stuff isn't to your liking.

Finally, sample some of the cuisine Nashville is known for. You can't go wrong with long-standing favorites like Prince's Hot Chicken Shack . Still, newer eateries, like Lou , a low-key, natural wine bar serving California-inspired cuisine, are turning pre-conceived notions about the Music City on their head.

Barcelona, Spain

Lace up your walking shoes, as there are few cities better for aimlessly wandering than Barcelona .

Start your trip by walking around the Gothic Quarter and El Born, where seemingly endless alleyways flanked by historical buildings will draw you in. You'll also find some of the best restaurants and watering holes are hidden down these little paths—perfect for making new friends, trying new foods, and indulging Priorat, the heady red wine from the nearby eponymous region.

Architecture buffs may enjoy strolling between the city's many Antoni Gaudí-designed buildings. The famed architect's playful Catalan modernism is on full display throughout the city—you can't miss La Sagrada Familia . Still, Casa Batlló is equally breathtaking, as is the lesser-known Casa Vicens.

Train Travel

Want to spend a month riding the rails from place to place? Amtrak's surprisingly affordable USA Rail Pass offers the chance to do just that. For $499, rail-pass users have 120 days to use 10 segments onboard Amtrak trains.

The possibilities are truly endless—ride Amtrak's Coast Starlight line between Seattle and Los Angeles before hopping on the Sunset Limited from L.A. to New Orleans. Then, if you're still not sated by a thorough dose of Americana, head north on the Crescent line , which runs between New York and the Big Easy.

The days onboard are long for sure, but being alone with your thoughts, a good book or journal, and stunning scenery sounds like a cathartic way to say goodbye to love lost.

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How & Why You Should Travel After a Breakup

“To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” — Danny Kaye

Exploring  how to get divorced in Washington State  embarking on a trip after a breakup becomes a compelling avenue for healing and recovery. The emotional toll of a breakup can be challenging, and a transformative journey provides an opportunity to escape daily life and immerse oneself in new surroundings, fostering healing on multiple levels. Stepping out of the comfort zone and delving into unfamiliar territory offers a chance for a fresh perspective and self-discovery. Whether traversing Europe or venturing into unexplored territories, the journey provides invaluable opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection. Providing yourself with the time and space to heal while creating new and cherished memories becomes a meaningful choice.

Gain a new perspective on life and relationships

Experiencing falling in love after divorce provides an opportunity to meet new people who may have gone through similar experiences or share perspectives on relationships. Sharing stories and exchanging experiences with individuals who have also navigated through a breakup can help you comprehend your own emotions and gain insights into how they managed to move forward. This not only broadens your circle of acquaintances but also imparts valuable lessons about resilience, self-love, finding happiness, and more.

Exploring the question, “Will I ever find love again after divorce,” embarking on a journey post-breakup fosters personal growth, offering new perspectives on life and relationships. It provides an opportunity to broaden your horizons, explore new possibilities, and embrace transformative experiences through travel. By granting yourself the space to heal, rediscover your identity, and gain clarity on life’s priorities, you set the stage to find inspiration and build lasting connections in the future.

Step out of your comfort zone and boost your confidence

Engaging in traveling after a breakup allows us to break free from the familiar and comfortable, opening ourselves up to new experiences and embracing change. It provides the necessary space for personal reflection and growth that is often restricted by routine. Trying out new activities or immersing ourselves in unfamiliar cultures becomes a direct confrontation with our fears, offering a valuable opportunity for personal development.

Embarking on healing trips after a breakup offers an opportunity to redefine yourself outside of the relationship. During your travels, you can distance yourself from reminders of the past, forge new memories, and embrace your identity as an independent individual. This freedom allows you to make decisions based solely on your wants and needs, free from compromise. Such newfound independence not only enhances your self-confidence but also aids in rebuilding trust in your ability to navigate life. With each adventure, you gain confidence that, despite heartbreak, you are still capable of creating joyful moments for yourself. 

Meet new people and create lifelong connections

Traveling after a breakup will provide many spontaneous moments of connection that can truly transform your life. Whether it’s casual conversations with locals in cafes or connecting with fellow travelers on group tours and hostel stays, these interactions foster a sense of community and provide solace when emotions are still running high. Sharing stories of travel adventures as well as personal struggles allows for vulnerability and compassion, creating deep connections based on shared experiences. These newfound friendships will not only provide a pleasant conversation but will also serve as a reminder that there are countless other people who have overcome the difficulties of a breakup and found joy again. 

In addition, traveling after a breakup allows you to expand your social circle . Traveling especially opens the door to meeting like-minded people who share similar passions or interests. These encounters not only enrich your life through cultural exchanges but also remind you that despite the heartache, there is still so much love and joy out there. It is in these interpersonal connections that you can find solace, support, and even new love. 

So, don’t be afraid to accept chance encounters and build relationships as you journey through your breakup. These relationships can bring comfort, inspiration, and a sense of hope as you go through this transformative time in your life. 

Create lasting memories and moments for self-reflection

• Another reason to travel after a breakup is to create lasting memories and moments of self-reflection. When you go hiking in the mountains or on holiday by the ocean, you’re setting out to experience new adventures and unforgettable memories. These experiences will take your mind off the pain of the breakup and remind you that there is more to life than just relationships. Traveling opens up the ability to self-reflect. While traveling, you may find yourself asking deep questions about what truly brings you joy, the kind of person you want to be, and what kind of relationship aligns with your values. This introspection fosters personal growth and a clearer vision for your future. 
• Getting away from your familiar surroundings gives you the space and freedom you need to reflect on past relationships. You’ll have plenty of time to journal, meditate, or simply contemplate your emotions during this transformative time in your life. By practicing yoga or meditating in silence, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself, gain clarity on what went wrong, and even discover new aspects of your personality that were overshadowed by previous relationships. This process helps to pave the way for personal growth, self-discovery, and healthy relationships in the future.   

Find solace in the beauty and tranquillity of nature

Traveling after a breakup is also an opportunity to escape from reminders of past relationships and create new memories. By exploring different cities, countries, or continents, you let go of the past and have new experiences. Visiting places you’ve always wanted to see or doing interesting things will help you rekindle your passion for life and remind you of what lies ahead. Whether it’s wandering among ancient ruins, sampling local cuisine, or immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, traveling opens up endless opportunities for personal growth and joyful moments that will outshine any lingering pain from your breakup. 

Finally, traveling after a breakup allows you to create distance between you and your ex. This physical distance will give you the opportunity to breathe, reflect, and ultimately move forward. Traveling introduces you to new environments, new people, and new perspectives. Thus, traveling after a breakup becomes a symbolic start and an opportunity to let go and regain your independence. It will allow you to redefine yourself outside of the relationship and rediscover your personality, passions, and desires. So why not embark on this adventure? Gain freedom, find solace in the beauty of nature, create new memories, and ultimately pave the way for a brighter future filled with self-discovery and growth.  

Reconnect with your passions and discover new interests

Traveling after a breakup gives you the freedom to try something new without any restrictions, whether it’s learning how to cook traditional dishes in Italy, taking salsa lessons in Cuba, or practicing yoga on a beach in Bali. If you fully immerse yourself in the experience, you may discover hidden talents or discover new interests. A breakup can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but traveling offers an exciting escape from these feelings and provides opportunities for personal growth.  

Traveling after a breakup can be an adventure filled with self-discovery, new friends, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences. As you travel, you will realize that the whole world is waiting for you with open arms. Let travel be the catalyst that helps you rediscover your passions and create a brighter future.  

Break free from routine and embrace spontaneity

• Traveling after a breakup allows you to create your own itinerary without any compromises or commitments. You have the freedom to choose where you want to go, how long you want to stay, and what activities you want to do. With no one else’s preferences or needs in mind, you can fully immerse yourself in the present moment, enjoying every aspect of your trip at your own pace. This gives you an incredible sense of empowerment and the knowledge that you are able to move through life on your own terms. 
• Traveling also allows you to escape from reminders of past relationships. Being constantly surrounded by familiar places, memories, and people associated with your ex-partner will make it difficult to recover. Traveling removes these triggers, giving you a chance to renew. New surroundings, new cultures, and new experiences provide a distraction, allowing you to emotionally distance yourself from the broken heart. By immersing yourself in different environments, you create space for personal growth, leaving behind any lingering reminders of past pain.  

Start life anew with a renewed mindset and a positive outlook

Traveling gives you the space you need to reassess your values, priorities, and goals. You can use this time as an opportunity for introspection, to rediscover passions you may have neglected, and ultimately create a vision for your future. 

By embarking on this journey of self-discovery, you are allowing yourself not only healing but transformation. Although it may be frightening at first, this experience will enable you to release any burden of your past relationships. Start your life anew with an open mind, new perspectives, and optimism about what lies ahead. The world is huge and holds endless possibilities. Just remember that traveling after a breakup is a choice not to run away but to embrace change, become stronger, and find joy in exploring yourself and the world.

Featured Image by Hermann Traub from Pixabay

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How to travel alone after a breakup: 5 tips to plan your trip better

So you just got out of a relationship. You aren’t sure how to put your emotions in order again and how to cope with the pain and confusion. For those of us who really love travel, it can be the key to healing and moving forward.

Why travel after a breakup?

So you just got out of a relationship. You’re hurt. You’re confused. You aren’t sure how to put your emotions in order again and how to cope with the pain and confusion. This could be a time for you to travel.

‘Escapist!’ I can practically hear you scream. But hear me out… sometimes self love is also taking time to heal alone and reflect.

This is a subject that doesn’t often come up in conversation when it comes to travel. It’s no secret that a breakup or divorce can be one of the most devastating experiences in a person’s life. However, it should be noted that for many, traveling alone can be a way to discover a new place and find some inner strength again in the process.

It could be just the thing you need to pick yourself up. And it could be the key to healing. Once, I moved to China after a breakup and it was the best thing I've ever done in my life! Ok ok, I'm NOT suggesting you move to China.. But traveling can be helpful for a variety of reasons and it can help you get an outside perspective on the situation.

Why? Honestly, you’re already out of your comfort zone so you might as well go a litte further. Nothing tears you up like a breakup. That feeling of vulnerability can push you to destructive measures, or more positive ones such as exploring new places, challenging and re-centering yourself.

Over the years, I have met many men and women who decided to travel for short or long periods after a breakup. Everyone has their reasons. Sometimes people need to find themselves again. Some people need to figure out their direction and also be reminded of what they’re capable of.

Should I travel alone after a breakup?

Of course, everyone is different. Maybe you don’t feel the need to go travel alone after a break up because you tend to cope with emotions differently.

Sure, some people may find they heal better after a breakup by throwing themselves into a job, exercise, or their social lives. But for others, it’s too easy to fall into negative habits such as drinking too much, overeating or under eating, isolating themselves and falling into depression. Travel is better. Sometimes a ticket out of town is exactly what we need.

I know what you’re thinking: it’s still escapism! No, it’s not. Sometimes, the only way to clear your head is to remove yourself from a painful situation so you can clearly evaluate it from afar. Exploration and adventure can be the key to finding peace, and healing a broken heart. Meeting new people, talking about life and finding new connections in foreign places can help you regain your sense of confidence again. You might even make some really good friends along the way. I know I have. I even met a French girl in Crete and a German girl who were doing the exactly the same thing.

Plus, after a breakup, you’re hurt, you’re angry. You’re vulnerable. Buy a ticket and go put yourself back together in a new place.

5 things to remember when you plan a trip alone after a breakup

#1 choose your destination wisely.

It’s about you. What do you need now?

Rest and relaxation in a quiet place of beauty like a beach or a mountain top?

Do you need solitude or do you want to be social around lots of people and group activities? 

Do you need a challenge and to test yourself with spots or hiking? Or maybe an adventure? 

Do you want to do something you’ve always wanted to do like a cooking class in another country or a meditation retreat?

‍ "Embrace those parts of yourself that you've skillfully avoided until now. That's your true adventure." — Gina Greenlee

‍ Geographical Considerations for post-breakup travel:

Cultural and linguistic comforts:.

Does it bother you to be in countries where you don’t speak the language?

Some people love a cultural challenge and the excitement of culture shock. For some people, this makes the trip intimidating and extremely unenjoyable.

If you've just gotten out of a breakup, it's important to think about whether or not you want to push yourself. Sometimes, you want to think to yourself: yes! Vietnam!! That sounds incredibly adventurous and I will be a stranger in a new land! 

Think carefully about whether you would be ok with a challenge that involves not always being able to explain what you want. Are you flexible with what you eat? Would you be ok ordering chicken if you didn’t know what part?

Are you ok with pointing at someone’s table and saying: ‘I’ll have what he’s having!’ This can be both empowering for some and yet highly annoying for others.

Othertimes, you might want to play it safer and head to a country where they speak your language or have similar cultures. Figure out what your comfort zone is and see how far you want to push yourself.

Touristy or non-touristy?

Also, be aware that some touristy destinations can be great for solo travelers because they have a lot of hostels and group activitiies, tours, etc so it can be super easy to meet people. Other places might be romantic or scenic and would be more likely to attract couples (probably not a great idea if you're traveling alone after a breakup). If you choose a beach as your place of respite, research destinations like Croatia, Italy, and Greece before heading to an island alone where you could feel isolated and lonely.

Some islands are perfect for solo travelers, like Sicily, or Malta, and others will make you feel like the most solo, single-ist, absolutely lonely person on the planet (in my experience, Crete!) . Other beaches are known for attracting party goers, that also attract solo travelers and make it easier to meet people.

Crete, for example, is a breathtaking environment for relaxation if you find the secluded beaches, but if you’re by yourself, it could be hard to go days on end without meeting people since remote locations with excellent beaches in Crete don’t attract solo travelers, but rather families and couples.

Culinary Considerations

This is actually an important one becasue food is extremely important and it's also something that can help or hurt your emotional and mental health. Don't believe me? Ever been sad after a breakup and cried because your sandwich was wrong?

If you have certain dietary restrictions like being vegetarian or maybe you prefer foods from a certain region, it's important to factor that in.

Some places like Argentina can be downright difficult if you don't eat meat and other places in Asia can be difficult if you prefer Western food like pizza or you want good coffee.

Decide whether it's important to have certain foods or cuisines and choose accordingly.

#2 Set Your Budget, Length of Time and Purpose of Your Trip

Write it down. Why are you going? How much time do you have? Do you have a weekend, a week, a month? Are you in a situation where you are going abroad for a long time after a breakup to start again? If you are happy to sit in a cafe all day or wander than do that. If you feel it would be better to be around people choose some activities. Check Tripadvisor for ideas.

City adventures

Are you looking for a ‘Weekend city’ break? Get to know a new city and its history, culture and people. Depending on which continent you live on, this would obviously vary. Try doing the opposite of your normal comfort zone. If you’re a city girl, try a trip to the mountains.

If you’re a city girl, try a trip to the mountains. If you’re from a small town, head to New York, London, Rome, Sydney, or Tokyo.  Try a few walking tours and see how a city evolved over the century. I like Sandeman’s walking tours . They are all over Europe and in some US cities, free, and have absolutely stellar guides. I always meet people and they learn a lot in the process. They typically offer other kinds of tours where you can go on a food tour, pub crawl, or walks around other points of interest.

They are all over Europe and in some US cities, free, and have absolutely stellar guides. I always meet people and they learn a lot in the process. They typically offer other kinds of tours where you can go on a food tour, pub crawl, or walks around other points of interest.

Sometimes a weekend away in a new city is the perfect refresher and a great way to explore a new place. Make a plan or don’t. Go sightseeing or wander around taking photos or sitting in cafes.

Beach vacation

Sometimes sitting at a beach reading and swimming all day is truly revitalizing. Sometimes, you just want to read a book in peace and sip a cold drink and not feeling pressured to do anything.

Traveling alone makes this an ideal place to do that. There is nothing more cathartic than watching the waves and having hours on end alone with your thoughts and it’s a good time to get back to basics.

Beaches tend to have lots of activities like boat trips, snorkeling, diving, and other solo travelers.

Culture and Music:

Music is a wonderful way to experience a destination. Does the place you are going have any special cultural shows, music concerts or theater attractions? Portugal has Fado dancing, Spain has Flamenco, etc. etc. Maybe seeing a ballet or a musical would be a good activity to do alone.

Maybe tradition isn’t your thing and you would prefer a live rock show or maybe a jazz bar. There are plenty of activities to do so you don’t feel like you are alone in the evenings with nothing to do. Take yourself to dinner and a show. Most cities have different bars where you can watch live music of many genres.

#3 Where to Stay When You Travel Alone

Sometimes it’s good just to treat yourself and get your own view overlooking the Roman Forum in Rome , or Notre Dame in Paris. It’s great if you have the budget, but a hostel offers a social environment to meet like minded travelers and socialize a bit. Plus, you save money and typically the hostels offer evening activities.

I recommend finding a hostel that has a bar or common living room or kitchen area. Now before you assume I’m an alcoholic let me explain: hostel bars are great ways to meet people including the hostel bartenders. It’s a much better atmosphere for which to meet people and often times the hostels have drink specials as well. Plus, it’s easy to see who’s alone and many groups of travelers are quite welcoming to single travelers, especially women.

I’ve always found it easy to just ask people if they minded of I joined them. Plus, many hostels these days have walking tours as well as lots of activities.

Plan Where You’re Going to Stay Ahead of Time

It is possible to be completely spontaneous and just show up and look for accommodation once you arrive. There are several reasons why I advise booking ahead. If you’re female, safety should always be your first priority, so it’s good to research what area is safe for traveling alone and wandering out at night.

You want to make sure if you arrive Friday night at 10 pm that there is transportation there and you have somewhere to go directly. Carrying around luggage door to door or making phone calls from the station is an excellent way to waste a Friday evening.

Use sites like kayak .com, booking.com , or hostelbookers.com to check reviews and ability. They offer map features so you can see which area you will staying in.

Plus, it saves time and the trouble of wandering around or calling and wasting time trying to check availability. Lastly, if you’re on a budget you could arrive to find that everything is booked out but a very costly hostel room.

#4 How to get around when you're traveling alone

In general, as a solo female traveler, I don’t take flights that get me in after 11 pm unless it’s very easy for me to get from the airport to the center where my hostel is. Many train stations are a bit sketchy at night and I feel it’s better to avoid situations where you arrive late to an unknown city in a foreign land. Don't save 20$ or Euros by walking at night in a dark city. One thing I have learned is always budget in extra emergency money just in case you need a taxi. It's not worth it to save money when it comes to your safety.

It can be scary and you especially wouldn’t recommend it if it’s your first trip alone. Check online in advance whether there is transportation into town from the airport and if possible arrange it beforehand. Remember that if you opt for taxi, it will be expensive and you also could be waiting a long time as you battle with every other person with the same idea.

Most international airports have some sort of shuttle service or a train to the center so it’s a good idea to check beforehand. Some places even allow you to get a ticket online.

It’s a good To bring a combination of cash and ATM card beforehand and i usually take out around 50-100 euros once I arrive., airports are the absolutely worst places to change money or use the ATM and the exchange rate sucks.

So I usually get enough to pay my hostel and good food first few days then find a bank or money exchange the second day. If you arrive at night you should check to make sure that the money exchange is still open.

#5 Journal and keep in touch with people

Now here is some advice many people might not think of when they envision traveling alone. Communication and reflection. Even though getting out in your own traveling after a breakup can be a bit lonely, it doesn’t have to be.

These days it’s easy with WhatsApp or Wechat to keep in touch with people via text or audio message and those apps include free international calls. It makes dinner alone totally fine when you can have delicious local food and some wine while also chatting with friends back home.

Some people may criticize that approach but sometimes solitude is not the best solution for everyone. Take time for yourself but accept that you might need support from your friends or family at home. These days pretty much anywhere has wifi, so you don’t need to cut yourself off from the world.

One of the most important suggestions I have is the reflection part: write it down. Journaling can be really helpful for self reflection and healing. Many times, we have so many thoughts and feelings of a conflicting nature and we need to record it to have it make sense.

Keeping a written or online journal or keeping notes in your phone can help you gauge your emotional journey. But above all, remember healing takes time. But sometimes, we can mark our lives with small personal achievements that empower us.

Traveling alone can be the first one. Read my tips on traveling solo as a female here. ‍

Do you feel this approach has been helpful to you? Is there anything you would add? Are you an expat or digital nomad going through a breakup abroad? Putting your life back together and rebuilding isn't an easy thing - I've done it. Reach out if you need going to figure out your next steps, create intentions on how you want your life to be, and let's get going. Where do you want to be in a year? Let me help you get there - schedule a 15 min discovery call to get started .

Andrea hunt - online transformational life coach & eft tapping practitioner based in munich, germany.

I'm an accredited transformational life coach from Animas Centre for Coaching UK  and a member of the International Coaching Federation. I'm also a Level 2 practitioner in EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) and a member of AEFTP (Association of Emotional Freedom Technique Professionals).

If you're not sure where to start transforming your life, you can download my free ebook on How to Start Your Personal Growth Journey.

Are you ready to change your life, let go of old beliefs, empower yourself for a mindset shift to move forward? Mark Batterson says: You're always one decision away from a totally different life.

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7 Trips to Take After a Breakup to Heal the Soul

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: March 7, 2023

Categories Solo travel , Travel Guides

Home » 7 Trips to Take After a Breakup to Heal the Soul

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We’ve all been there:

A relationship comes to an end, and we’re left feeling heartbroken, lost, and confused. A part of you feels like it’s missing, like you’re only half of a person, like it feels impossible to imagine moving on.

But the truth is, (and I know I’m not the first person to tell you this), you don’t need someone else to complete you; you are whole just the way you are.

And although the pain of a breakup can feel overwhelming, there are ways to heal your broken heart, learn to love and appreciate yourself, and even find happiness again.

Travel is one of those ways.

A few years ago, after the abrupt end of a four-year relationship, I was admittedly feeling quite lost.

Everything that I had imagined my life to look like suddenly didn’t exist anymore.

The future plans I had made in my head were no longer relevant, and I was struggling to figure out who I was without that other person I had spent so much of my time with.

I tried to fill the void by throwing myself into my work, going out to bars with friends, and buying things to try and make myself happy – but that only led to burnout, hangovers, and ultimately more heartache.

And so, I decided to take some time for myself; to heal my broken heart and rediscover who I was.

I decided to take the plunge and book my first international trip to the destination I’d always dreamed of visiting.

I packed my bags, quit my job, and took myself on a solo trip to Thailand . And although it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, it was also one of the most transformative experiences of my life.

I learned to be independent and self-reliant; two qualities that are essential not only for happiness, but for success in any area of life. I also learned to love myself again and appreciate all that I have to offer as an individual.

Yes, introverts can solo travel too . Who knew?!

It even ultimately led me to be confident enough to take the leap to move abroad alone and live in a foreign country , where I still am 3 years later – but that’s a story for another time.

Although I can’t promise that traveling will magically heal your broken heart, I do believe it’s one of the best ways to start the process.

If you’re feeling lost after a heartbreak, here are 7 trips to take after a breakup that will help you to heal your soul and discover yourself again:

7 Trips to Take After A Breakup to Heal your Soul

The solo trip.

A solo trip is the number one way to rediscover yourself and figure out who you are without the influence of others – and solo travel is hands-down one of the best trips to take after a breakup.

After a breakup, it can be difficult to remember who you are and what you want in life. This is your chance to take some time for yourself and figure it all out.

It’s the one and only time you’re guaranteed to get 100% of your own attention, with no distractions. You’re forced to get out of your comfort zone, try new things, and meet new people.

You learn to rely on yourself and to trust your gut instinct.

You’ll have no choice but to sit with your thoughts and feelings, to process the breakup and figure out what you want for your future.

The feelings that you’ve been trying so hard to run away from will finally catch up to you, but it’s in these moments of vulnerability that true healing can begin.

And although it can be scary at first, there’s also something incredibly empowering about being in a new place all by yourself. When everything is stripped away and it’s just you against the world, you quickly realize how strong and capable you truly are.

You’ll quickly learn that you are capable of handling anything life throws your way.

And most importantly, you learn that you can be happy even when you’re by yourself – something that is so essential to remember after a breakup.

A solo trip is one of the most transformative experiences you can have , and there’s no better time to do it than after a breakup.

The nature trip

If you’re looking to connect with yourself and nature, there’s no better way to do it than by going on a nature trip.

Spend some time in the woods, go hiking or camping, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

Allow yourself to disconnect from technology and social media, and take some time to reconnect with yourself. Listen to your thoughts, reflect on your emotions, and let the peace and tranquility of nature wash away your heartache.

You don’t have to go far; even a weekend camping trip can do wonders for your soul.

Spending time alone with nature truly reminds us of how small we are in the grand scheme of things, and helps us to put our problems into perspective.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget what’s truly important in life. A nature trip will help you to remember what’s important and what you’re fighting for.

It will give you the strength and courage to face the world head-on and to continue moving forward even when it feels like everything is against you.

You may even find that you have a new appreciation for life after spending some time surrounded by the beauty of nature! We often forget how therapeutic nature can be, but it really is one of the best medicines for a broken heart.

The adventure trip

An adventure trip is an essential post-breakup experience and a way to get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to try new things. The best things happen when you step outside of your comfort zone, so this is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Whether you go sky diving, bungee jumping, or rock climbing, the goal is to push yourself both physically and mentally. It’s a chance to discover what you’re truly capable of and to test your limits.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiana • Where Tiana Travels (@tianabaaaby)

And what better way to do that than by going on an adventure trip after a breakup?

Allow yourself to let loose and have some fun. Release your inhibitions, jump into the unknown, and embrace the adventure. Reconnect with yourself and remember what it feels like to truly live.

Try new experiences and activities that maybe you’ve always wanted to try, but never had the chance to.

An adventure trip is the perfect way to rediscover yourself and your passions in life. These experiences will help you to see life from a different perspective and appreciate all that it has to offer.

And who knows, you may even find that you like yourself a little bit more after doing something that scares you.

The cultural trip

A cultural trip is an excellent way to learn about new cultures and expand your worldview. And after a relationship has ended, it can be eye-opening to see how other people live their lives.

Cultural trips can help to broaden your perspective and open your mind to new possibilities. After a breakup, it’s so important to remember that there are other people in the world living completely different lives than your own.

A cultural trip can be a humbling experience, and it’s a great way to learn more about yourself and the world around you.

And sometimes, it makes us realize how lucky we truly are.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by WHERE TIANA TRAVELS (@tianabaaaby)

On a cultural trip, you’ll have the opportunity to travel to a country that’s completely different from your own, immerse yourself in the culture, learn new customs, try new foods, and learn about different ways of life.

You’ll have a first-hand view of how other people live, and you may even find that you have more in common with people from other cultures than you realized.

At the very least, you’ll come away from a cultural trip with a greater understanding and appreciation for other cultures. And who knows, you may even find a new place to call home.

The service trip

If you’re looking for a trip that will give you a sense of purpose and make you feel good, a service trip is the best choice for some serious soul-searching. There are so many different ways to get involved , whether you’re helping to build homes, teaching English, or working in a soup kitchen.

On a service trip, you’ll be able to give back to those who are less fortunate than you and make a difference in the world. And at the same time, you’ll be helping yourself to heal by doing something good for others.

You don’t even have to leave the country to make a difference – there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in your own community.

A service trip is a great way to get out of your own head and focus on something bigger than yourself. It’s an opportunity to forget about your problems and give back to the world. Something so small and insignificant to you can mean the world to someone else.

And in the process, you just might find that you have a lot more to offer than you realized.

The luxury trip

Sometimes, the best way to heal after a breakup is to treat yourself to a little luxury!

If you’re feeling down in the dumps post-breakup, there’s nothing wrong with splurging on a fancy hotel room, getting a massage, or eating at a nice restaurant (or all of the above!).

Seriously, retail therapy is real, and it can be very therapeutic.

A luxury trip is a great way to pamper yourself and remind yourself that you deserve the best.

After a breakup, you might feel like you’re not good enough or that you don’t deserve to be happy. But that’s not true! You are worthy of love and happiness, and you deserve to treat yourself well.

Do whatever you need to do to make yourself feel good, and don’t be afraid to spend a little extra money on yourself.

Often times, we spend so much time giving to others in our relationships that we forget to even take care of ourselves. A luxury trip is the perfect opportunity to do that. Take some time for yourself and indulge in a little pampering. It’ll make you feel good, and it’ll help you to relax and de-stress.

You deserve to show yourself some love, and give yourself a much-needed confidence boost. After all, there’s nothing like a little R&R to make you feel like your old self again.

So #treatyoself , girl!

The girls trip

If you’re struggling to see the silver lining after a breakup, there’s nothing like spending some time with your best friends to remind you that life is still good.

Seriously, this might actually the best medicine for a lovesick heart and one of the best kinds of trips to take after a breakup.

There’s nothing like a girls (or guys) trip to take your mind off of things and help you to remember that you’re still young, wild, and free.

Go out, have some fun, and let your hair down. It’ll do you some good!

A girls trip is the perfect opportunity to let loose and have a good time. It’s a chance to take your mind off of your ex and remember that you’re still an independent, kick-ass human being!

Plan a trip with your closest friends, and let yourself relax and have some fun. Focus on spending time with the people who matter most to you and create new memories that will last a lifetime.

A day spent with your besties is sure to chase away the blues.

The bottom line

When you’re going through a tough breakup, it’s important to do something that will make you feel better.

Taking a trip is a great way to get away from your everyday life and clear your head, and it can also be a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and the world around you.

Not only do you get to see the world, experience new cultures, make new friends or make new memories with your current ones, but travel can also help you to learn more about yourself and what you want out of life, especially in relationships.

When you’re in a new place, without the familiar comforts of home, you’re forced to rely on your own strength and resourcefulness.

You learn to trust your gut instinct and spend time reflecting and learning about yourself.

No matter what kind of trip you take, getting away from it all after a breakup is essential for healing your soul. There’s just something about getting out of your comfort zone and exploring new places that helps you to see the world, and your situation, in a new light.

I hope this message finds you well, and wish you all the best on your journey to recovery.

Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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clock This article was published more than  4 years ago

Heartbroken? A ‘breakcation’ can help you deal with the pain.

A few years ago, I happened to be traveling when my heart was broken unexpectedly. The man I was supposed to join in Mexico the next week had met someone else, I learned over the phone in my Portland, Ore., hotel room.

I’m not sure if I would have chosen to travel immediately after being dumped. But having to do so by default of already being on the road worked in my favor. The excitement of Portland kept me afloat when all I wanted to do was sink deeper into my sadness. Doing things outside of my norm distracted me from the very raw pain pulsing within.

It turns out my “breakcation” — a post-breakup vacation — may have been just what the doctor ordered.

“Breakups are usually a time where a person looks to self-reflect and do some self-exploration … so that they don’t repeat the same mistake in the future,” says Colleen Mullen, a licensed marriage and family therapist and host of the podcast “Coaching Through Chaos.” “Traveling becomes the romanticized way of jump-starting that for them.”

Before boarding a plane, stepping on a train or getting in your car to get out of Dodge, it’s worth examining how to get the most out of your breakcation, according to mental-health experts.

The worst travel destinations for a broken heart

Go somewhere new

When planning your trip, look for a destination that offers a complete change of environment. You want to pick a place where you won’t be reminded of your ex at every turn, so avoid places you visited or discussed visiting together in the past. Your ex doesn’t even exist in this new place, okay? Dabble in denial — not forever, but for now.

“Denial is a perfectly fine defense mechanism, but it’s a more primitive defense mechanism,” says Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and a psychoanalyst with the New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute.

Saltz says that you can use denial or distractions in snippets to give yourself space between moments of being aggrieved. Instead of letting all of your pain hit you post-split, you can try to manage it better by letting in a little at a time.

Traveling somewhere new will provide you with all-encompassing distractions. You’ll have to focus on finding new restaurants, navigating new public transportation systems and speaking to new people.

Tackling that newness on your own can be empowering.

“Feeling independently accomplished is good for self-esteem, particularly post-breakup,” Saltz says. “It can be really helpful to see that you can be alone and not lonely, and feel okay about that."

Do you have to travel to the far corners of the Earth to make this type of vacation worthwhile? Absolutely not. Even going somewhere close by will give you the opportunity to get lost in foreign experiences.

7 lessons I learned while traveling by myself

Consider a group trip

Traveling solo after becoming solo can be empowering. However, you don’t have to go at it alone. If you’d like a built-in friend group to travel with or don’t want the burden of planning everything yourself, consider booking group travel. You can find opportunities around the entire globe, from backpacking through Papua New Guinea to eating through South Korea .

Whether you want something specific to your age, religious background, activity level or niche interest, there’s a group tour company or excursion for everyone. Start by looking at companies such as Intrepid Travel, Costco Travel, G Adventures and REI Adventures.

What you need to know about booking travel through Costco

Pack a blank notebook

You can completely immerse yourself in your breakcation, and wait to deal with your crisis until you get home, or use the time away to reflect. Paulette Sherman, a psychologist and author of the book “ Dating From the Inside Out ,” recommends packing a blank notebook with you so that you can journal.

“Part of traveling is kind of rediscovering yourself,” she says. “What are the things that bring you joy and what are the things that you want to see in your future?"

You could also use the pages to write your ex a letter — perhaps not one you actually send, but one for catharsis. Sherman says to look at the letter as an exercise to help put the past behind you.

Take care of yourself and stay active

This trip can provide helpful distractions, but it might not divert attention from the physical pain that can come from grief.

“'Broken heart syndrome’ is a real thing,” Saltz says. “The mind and body are intimately connected.”

After the end of a relationship, you may experience symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, stomachaches, stress and high blood pressure. One of Saltz’s tips for recovering, whether you’re in a new place or at home, is to make sure you’re covering your health basics. That means being intentional about getting enough sleep, maintaining good hygiene and exercising multiple times a week, even if you’re on the road.

Exercising doesn’t have to mean hitting the hotel gym ( although I’m definitely a fan ). You can get to know the new city you’re in by going for long walks or jogs, biking, hiking, and trying water sports.

Avoid high-risk behavior

All the experts emphasized that wounded travelers should avoid using alcohol and drugs to manage feelings. That tip can be applied before, during and after your vacation. It’s even more pertinent on the road, Sherman says, where you’re not surrounded by your support system.

Mullen, the therapist and podcast host, also urges against flings, warning that travelers can over-romanticize. Although rebounding may sound appealing, it could do more harm than good when you’re emotionally vulnerable.

Sherman recognizes that not all travel flings hurt your mental health. A casual encounter, if it’s just that, can boost someone’s confidence. But, Sherman urges, travelers should keep in mind that they haven’t dealt with their trauma yet, so flings should be avoided if they’re pursued for the sake of starting a new relationship.

How to get paid to travel

Try this 30-minute technique

Even being in a new place surrounded by new things doesn’t mean you’ll be able to escape your ex completely. Maybe you go to Instagram a photo of your gelato, and come across snapshots of your former partner in your phone. Maybe you walk by someone wearing your ex’s favorite hat. Triggers abound in 2020. They can hit hard.

“All of a sudden, feelings come up, and you’re right back where you started from emotionally,” Mullen says.

Mullen recommends responding to triggers head-on, allowing yourself to embrace the pain in full, but with a time limit.

“Set a timer and give yourself 30 minutes. Then go splash some water on your face and remind yourself you can deal with your life when you get home,” she says. “It’s okay to recognize the sadness as it comes. But you’ll lose out on the benefit of the experience by staying in a place of pain."

Keep your expectations in check

Although Mullen believes this type of journey can be healing, heartbroken travelers must have rational expectations. If you go into your breakcation expecting a profound, life-changing trip, you may be disappointed and worse off than when you left. Travel is a Band-Aid, not a magical cure.

Maybe travel “will teach you something about your life,” she says. “But you are who you are. The relationship is what it was. And that won’t change by getting a new memory in another country or another city. You’ll still have the pain and still have healing to do.”

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Empowering Trips to Take After a Breakup

Going on vacation is one way to begin healing a broken heart, but there’s more to taking empowering trips after a breakup than sightseeing!

After a breakup, we often look for ways to move on and heal. Under certain circumstances, travel can prove to be empowering and taking a trip could be just what the doctor ordered to begin moving on from heartache and kickstarting the healing process. While adventure , sunshine, beautiful scenery, a weekend of partying or playing tourist in a new place has many benefits, if you are open to it, your post-breakup trip could be remarkably transformational and about much more than just getting away from what’s been keeping you down.

Travel to: Europe

Ways to make travel more empowering

Michael Bennett, Ed.D, co-founder of The Transformational Travel Council  has done in-depth research on enhancing travel and identified seven essential steps for an empowering vacation experience. What Bennett has unearthed about travelling with intention can come into play whenever we go globe-trotting, but his insights are particularly useful for anyone taking a trip after a breakup. Take note:

• Be adventurous: To start with individuals possess a need for travel that will enable them to grow in some way or are going through a change.
• Enter the unknown: Next, they respond to that need by taking themselves into the unknown, that could be a new country or experience where they can disconnect from everything at home and spend time reconnecting with themselves.
• Being open to experiences: As an individual engages with a new environment, they remain aware of their expectations but inspire to be open to what comes their way and the journey taking its own shape.
• Challenge yourself: After a breakup, there can be cultural, social, emotional, mental and psychological challenges. Travellers will experience similar circumstances on the road. Bennet recommends embracing opportunities that go beyond comfort zones because this can lead to a shift in perspective.
• Engage: The authentic and meaningful interactions that travellers encounter on vacation are often at the heart of the transformational experience, this kind of engagement and pursuit is essential.
• Take time out for reflection: In the penultimate step of the journey, travellers reflect on the experience and draw meaning from it and create a vision for a life they aspire to and plan to make that vision a reality.
• Take purposeful action: The final step is launching into purposeful action. This action can take any shape, and it doesn’t have to be drastic, but ideally, it has the power to transform your life in some way (big or small) and directly, or indirectly the lives of those around you.

Take a solo trip

It’s a jarring thought, but being alone in an unfamiliar place, where you don’t know anyone or even the local tongue can be empowering. Being alone doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be lonely. At home, in our daily lives, we have lots of roles to fulfil, but how often do we truly get to live for ourselves? Even something as simple as choosing a restaurant on your getaway without having to decide with other people can be pleasurable.

While travelling by yourself at such a time has pros and cons, the positive benefits will outweigh any of the adversities, and you’ll find that we’re capable of so much more than we realise. Relying on no one but yourself, trusting your instincts, and being “out there” is an invaluable experience. You’ll learn so much about yourself as well as some rewarding life lessons from going beyond your comfort zone to being entirely self-reliant.

Spend time with a community

When dealing with emotions after a breakup, feeling empowered while travelling runs the risk of turning into sadness or loneliness. A trip that immerses you in a community could be a therapeutic experience. A local homestay or spending time working on a project somewhere will give your trip even more purpose. It doesn’t have to be volunteering, you could also do a language course or teach, spend time on a farm, or perhaps your passions involve dancing and cooking. Either way, living somewhere for a couple of weeks and focusing on an activity is a great way to experience a country and discover new things. There’s also every chance that whatever you undertake on your trip becomes something which leads to purposeful action that can impact your life back at home.

See Also: Volunteer & Community Tours

Take a reflective journey at a retreat 

Sometimes we get lost in our relationships. Aligning the mind, body and soul is always rewarding, but self-reflection can also help to work through the thoughts and feelings that come naturally after a breakup. A retreat with activities such as yoga , meditation, therapeutic Ayurveda , and nature hikes can help to facilitate internal journeys. The group element of retreats is also useful for healing; many people feel lonely when a relationship ends but being around other people at a retreat can help with perspective.

There are also some incredible retreats out there, where you can do more than downward dogs. This Mind, Body, Spirit retreat in India includes soulful cooking classes, Mysore yoga and storytelling around campfires. Alongside vinyasas, many of these getaways also include activities like surfing or dancing, and on some, you can even go trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas. The main thing that all these retreats have in common is they can help form healthy habits to take back home.

See Also: We Rank the Best Yoga Retreats for Beginners

Experience a festival or event in a different country   

Celebrating life in some capacity might be exactly what you need. A festival or event will put you in an environment where you can interact with locals and other travellers on a meaningful level, and you might end up having a blast. Imagine immersing yourself in the festivities of the annual tomato-throwing event La Tomatina in Spain, seeing the atmosphere of Diwali (the Hindu festival of lights) in India, or experiencing carnival in Venice? Festivals can be exhilarating and intense, so keep checking in with yourself and if you’re travelling solo, have a list of loved ones and friends you can chat to during moments where you find yourself feeling despondent.

Travel to: Festivals and events

Join a multi-day group tour

While it won’t cure your heartache, taking a multi-day tour is a hassle-free way to see new places and immerse yourself in different styles of travel, depending on what interests you. You could go island hopping in Asia or embark on a food tour through Italy, cycle through Central America or take a safari through Tanzania. The sky is the limit.

The best part of any group touring adventure is the experience of exploring the world with like-minded travellers from all over and discovering cities and stops on your itinerary. It’s not for everyone, but a trip like this will enable you to be more active and involved while travelling, as well as have the freedom to go off and explore yourself. Along the way, there will also be opportunities to form connections with people you meet, a chance for challenging pursuits and cultural experiences, basically everything you need for a transformative post-breakup trip.

Challenge yourself physically and mentally 

A trip that is physically and mentally challenging has the power to make you feel like you’re on top of the world. Imagine reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, hiking the Inca trail or even doing yoga at the base of Mount Everest ? Tackling something challenging can prove to be a liberating experience and something to channel your focus for some time while you are healing.

See Also: Hiking Vs Trekking: A Guide for Beginners

Go somewhere you always wanted to 

Is there somewhere you always wanted to go or something you wanted to do? If there’s any time to check off something on your bucket list and experience your independence, it’s after a breakup. You don’t have to go travelling for six months or race off to the other side of the world, but giving yourself the opportunity to do something that you’ve always wanted to locally or in a different country will be an uplifting experience, to say the least, and you’ll feel a sense of serious accomplishment.

Travelling with intention can be transformative, allowing individuals to experience something meaningful at a time of loss and pain and go on an affirming journey with effects that will last long after they return home. Can one trip after a breakup change everything? Perhaps. Is it empowering to broaden your horizons after a breakup? 100%.

Based in Toronto, Sahar is a full-time content editor for Days to Come and part-time travel junkie.

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Where to Travel After a Break Up

You knew this post was coming eventually and while I wander around the South Island of New Zealand solo, I figure what better time to share with you my favourite places to travel around the world after a break up. All of these destinations are tried and tested and although not all visited right after a break up (else I’d be running at a high failure rate), they’re the places I have enjoyed the most solo and been able to reflect mindfully on myself, my life and my direction.

Where to travel after a break up

1. california road trip.

One of the best solo adventures I’ve taken was a one-way drive South along the Pacific Coast Highway in California. While most road trippers take the route North (from Los Angeles to San Francisco), I chose to travel in the opposite direction to drive coast side and take in the views from my driver’s seat window.

I began the journey in San Francisco, hired a rental car and gave myself five days to make my way south to Los Angeles. There are plenty of beautiful stops along the way and all are very well sign posted, so my advice to you would be to:

a) go without a plan; and

b) take your time.

2. Tasmania, Australia

I might be a little biased (as this is home for me), but I truly don’t think there are many places the world over that compare to Tasmania. From the white sand beaches to the mountain ranges in the central plateau, there are so many different personalities to this island that continually keep you guessing what you might find around the corner.

You’ll need around two weeks to make the most of the island because although it looks small on a map, travel times between cities and destinations are often 2-4 hours at a time, meaning that you’ll spend a good portion of the trip driving (ahem, uplifting playlists and motivating podcasts at the ready!)

There are a few ways to approach the road trip, however I’d personally recommend flying in and out of Launceston and doing a “round-trip” around the island. The best stops for a little self-discovery are outlined (in order) below:

Launceston – Cradle Mountain – North West Coast (Stanley) – West Coast (Strahan) – Hobart – Port Arthur & surrounds – East Coast (Freycinet, Swansea, Bicheno) – Launceston

Not a likely candidate for a post-breakup trip but certainly one of my favourite places off the grid was my time in Romania. There’s something so memorable about visiting a place that not many people you know have been and often have never considered going to (or perhaps have ever heard of!?)

Romania was one such country for me that flies completely under the radar and has so much beauty to discover in the mountains and countryside towns.

My favourite places to discover centred mostly around Translyvania and Sinaia. I based myself in Brasov and ventured out on day trips to the likes of Peles Castle, Bran Castle, and onwards to small towns before making my way by car to Serbia across the border.

One thing I will say for Romania as a solo destination is that the language barrier can be difficult at times, with many people (especially older people) not speaking English. It totally depends on your personality as to whether you see this as a challenge you’re up for, or one you would rather avoid. If it is the latter, perhaps consider opting for Western Europe where English is much more widely spoken, or choosing an English speaking country and skipping the hassle altogether!

4. Train Journey through The Netherlands

I’ll never forget my journey through the Netherlands solo and in retrospect can see now that I have always maintained my independence through the past few years in a relationship, which is a huge help when trying to move forward when it comes to an end.

Journeying through the Netherlands solo is extremely relaxing, easy, and incredibly beautiful. Prior to my trip I had only visited Amsterdam and to be completely honest, had never considered travelling elsewhere in the Dutch speaking nation.

As it turns out the “best” of the Netherlands exists outside of Amsterdam (though I do love the Dam), but you get a new level of depth and insight into Dutch way of life the minute you visit other cities and small towns. Some of my highlights included Utrecht, Delft, The Hague and Maastricht.

Read more: 7 Cities you Must Visit in the Netherlands

5. Norway’s Fjordlands

Ethereal and hauntingly so, I don’t think there are landscapes comparable with those in Norway! If you’re after an adventurous getaway to keep your mind (and body) busy, then Norway is an adventure land just waiting to be discovered.

One downside to discovering Norway is of course the expense so if you’re going it alone, be sure to have a big budget or consider inviting a friend or family member to join you (especially if you’re up for an adventure but not so much being alone).

The fjordlands are some of the most dramatic scenery I’ve seen the world over and believe me when I saw “you have to see it to believe it!” This is a great out-of-body experience to have to remind yourself of how big the world is and how small a place you occupy in it.

Read more: The prettiest coastal cities and towns you must visit in Norway!

6. Zanzibar, Tanzania

My trip to Zanzibar earlier this year was when my relationship was on the rocks, so I set off solo for some “me time” in the hopes I’d find an answer to the question we all ask ourselves too many times throughout years of relationship: is it long term or a lesson?

I spent just 5 days in Zanzibar on a small remote island – waking up to sea breeze and the ease of island living. There’s nothing I could have needed more and they do say wasting time is not time wasted!

If you’re looking for a beachside getaway without running the risk of honeymooners in every direction, this is a pretty safe bet.

Read more: 14 Reasons to Visit Zanzibar

7. Winter in the Canadian Rockies

Also at the start of the year and in search of answers, I travelled to Alberta, Canada for a week-long winter trip. The roadside scenery is so speccy that at one time, I had to pull over on the side of the road to stop myself from crying out of sheer disbelief that nature can be so. damn. beautiful.

The best part of the journey was driving the Icefields Parkway between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. The roads are icey so take your time, soak it up and breathe in that fresh mountain air. I truly don’t know if my jaw will ever recover from the hours it was dropped to the floor of the car.

Read more: A 10 Day Itinerary for Alberta, Canada

8. New Zealand by Van

And so brings us to my current adventure… riding around solo in a van on the South Island of New Zealand. When I landed here a week ago, I had no plan and no clue as to why I felt the urge to book a one-way ticket to my neighbour New Zealand, but knew it was something I had to do to clear my mind and my thoughts.

Break-ups are hard at any stage of life, but it feels especially so when you’ve spent years planning a future with one person, only to have those plans come crashing down in a few simple words.

I picked New Zealand for a few reasons: it is adventurous, so beautiful that it is hardly believable, and my kiwi friend Sophie’s response to my break up was “do you wanna come over and go on an adventure?” What a gem. I’ve spent a week with her hiking and skiing and will now take some time to myself to leave the simple life for a while: live in a van without a plan. It rhymes!

9. Road Trip Through Ireland

Years ago I travelled to Ireland in need of a road trip. I wasn’t entirely sure why my body was urging me to do so, but I just felt like I needed a break from routine and to venture off in a new country with no plans.

I hired a car in Dublin, purchased a map from the service station and began driving West toward the rugged coastline. Fast forward a week and I was completely in love with this country – the people most of all, who are amongst some of the friendliest I have met the world over (just don’t start a conversation with an Irishman if you have somewhere to be, it could take a while….!)

Read more: 8 Places you must visit in Ireland

10. Icelandic Adventures

Iceland has been on my travel list for as long as I’ve listened to Björk (I’m 26, so a pretty long time!) and if there’s anywhere that will leave your eyes watering from natural beauty, it is here.

If you’re looking to get off the grid and away from modern society, this is a great place to do so if you venture along the South Coast, heading up to the top of Iceland (the further away from Reykjavik, the better!)

11. Eat your way around Italy

Its called  Eat, Pray, Love   for a reason and that reason begins with Italy! There’s no country in the entire world (if you ask me) as infectious as Italy. The Italians have a such a passion for their country and culture, that it is so easy to soak in la Dolce Vita and leave your troubles far, far away.

Some of my top picks for where to travel in Italy after a break up include: Lake Como, Venice, Rome, Cinque Terre, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast.

12. Norfolk Island, Australia

Friends are always surprised when I tell them my favourite place in Australia is Norfolk Island, mostly because they have never heard of it before! This stunning little island off the coast of New South Wales is one of those places that lets you forget your troubles and live the good (simple) life. Community is key here on Norfolk island and you’ll notice how friendly and welcoming the locals are of out-of-towners.

I’d recommend 7 days on the island if you wish to see and experience everything, however, it is very possible to see most of the island over a few days if you have limited time to escape the office.

Read more: Australia’s Best Kept Secret: Norfolk Island

13. Sri Lanka

If you’ve already travelled to countries like Bali and Thailand, then the next destination on your list should be Sri Lanka. This island nation has such an understated approach to tourism, making for a truly authentic experience that is not dissimilar to a “light” version of India. The countryside is very picturesque and the beaches are otherworldly.

14. Go Hiking in Patagonia, Chile

I still to this day say Chile is my favourite country to explore and I’m yet to find somewhere as vast and changeable with so much to offer travellers. One of my favourite locations in the country is Patagonia, a beautiful mountain range in the South of the country and shared in part with Argentina.

If you’re more of a hiker/outdoorsy type, you’ll love trekking the “O” circuit in Torres del Paine.

15. Experience an African Safari

Still my all-time favourite experience that I seem to go back to year after year is an African safari. My favourite safari so far has been in Botswana, second in Tanzania and third in South Africa (key word: so far!!!)

Experiencing wild animals like lions and cheetahs up close in their natural habitat is a sure way to get your mind off the past and into the present.

16. Road Trip and Hike in Arizona

If you’re more of a day hiker or new to hiking, I’d recommend hitting up the National Parks in Arizona while you road trip your way across the state and take on a new challenge each day. Hiking in the likes of Sedona and the Grand Canyon are some of my fondest outdoors memories and with so many trails, you could spend weeks without barely scratching the surface.

17. The Scottish Isles

Years ago I joined a tour group for an adventure into the Scottish isles in Northern Scotland and the trip has been such a memorable point of reference that I don’t think there has been a dinner party where I haven’t brought it up.

If you’re looking for an easy road trip itinerary with great scenery and still an affordable price, you really can’t beat it. If you’re looking for a longer journey than 7-10 days, I’d recommend combining Scotland with Wales or Ireland… or all three!

18. Indonesia

Bali itself has had its’ moment, but the good news is there are so many other parts of Indonesia worth exploring if you’re happy to think outside the box. One of my favourite places I have visited the world over is Sumba Island, where the pace is slow and the people are kind. How can you beat that combo!?

19. Become a Foodie in France

French towns have long been a soft spot for me and suffice it to say I don’t have too many left on my list. Half the fun of France is discovering different cuisines which are specific to each region (wine also). This is a great place to lose yourself in the French countryside and discover small towns + villages off the grid, all the while eating your way to utter bliss.

Read more: 20 of the most beautiful places in France

20. Stay In!

The past few weeks have flown by and for almost all of it, I’ve been perched up on my couch spending my time reading, writing, and creating the perfect little sanctuary to return home to. Sometimes you don’t need to go anywhere externally, so don’t be afraid to spend a little time with yourself and your thoughts…it is a process worth investing yourself in sooner rather than later!

NEW NOW! SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

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Ten Ways Travel Helps You Heal After A Breakup

Jessica Wendroff

Breakups can be brutal. You may want to curl up in the fetal position for a few days or weeks, cocooned in blankets.

After some time and plenty of tissue boxes, you eventually break out of that cocoon and function again.Breaking out of bed is, unfortunately, the easy part — breaking out of your former self requires more work. Emotions aren't cookie-cutter; they're messy and complicated and sometimes, your heart dominates your mind.

Thankfully, traveling is a great remedy to the breakup blues. It helps clear your mind, shed your skin and speed up the emotional healing process.Everyone knows that leisurely travel is a fun idea year-round, but here are 10 reasons why while you’re navigating a breakup is the optimal time to travel:

‍ 1. If you get lost enough, you find yourself.

‍ Planning an itinerary is a great, healthy distraction. Researching places and activities is educational and gives you something productive to do.When you finally arrive at your destination, you'll probably get lost and be forced to find your way.

Once you are successful, you'll have proved to yourself that you're a badass who is capable of anything.If you're a woman, you'll discover your inner warrior princess. If you're a guy, you'll tap into your deep-rooted 300 Spartan.

No matter your gender, your skin will thicken and your soul will grow.

‍ 2. The little things you do while away will boost your self-esteem.

‍ Driving, getting around alone, trying new things, seeing new places, tasting new foods and using a map will make you feel like a god or goddess.If you start to doubt yourself, just remember that you’ve got this, even by yourself.

Pfft, especially by yourself. Go ahead and climb those metaphorical and physical mountains.

‍ 3. Travel catalyzes growth.

‍ Traveling is the Neosporin of emotional wounds.Everything you would normally feel while healing at home most likely feels 10 times better or has more meaning if you do it alone and in a foreign place.

Also, the scary element of a new place makes muscles of independence develop faster.If you can do something abroad or out-of-state, you can feel confident about conquering any task, regardless of the setting.

‍ 4. You meet people.

‍ Not only that, but you meet people who probably have the same or similar interests as you, who are also often alone.They are usually good, fun people. This makes you realize that even when you ARE alone in life, you aren’t really. You'll be surprised by how many friends you'll make if you are open. Just remember to keep your eyes open and be safe about it.

‍ 5. You observe the world in a new way, literally.

‍ You start to notice the regularly overlooked details of the planet with a new pair of eyes and profound appreciation.You look at life with unparalleled wonder; you welcome the sight of that awkward squirrel and notice the shape of the clouds.

‍ 6. You get peace and quiet.

‍ Think of your passport as a mute button.Traveling allows you to reflect on the relationship without the influence of others' opinions. By doing this, you also avoid the risk of responding to or contacting your ex.

More importantly, having no cellular service abroad could help you kick old conversational habits. Being newly single will probably make you miss the addictive dopamine rush you would otherwise experience after receiving a text from your ex. By having your phone on airplane mode while away, you eliminate the text message cues that elicit a reward reaction.

In this way, you can train yourself to be happy without your phone buzzing.

‍ 7. Out of sight, out of mind.

‍ Being away can be just what you need.You will be out and about, sightseeing and breathing in fresh air instead of repeatedly checking his or her Facebook. You simply won’t be tempted to stay indoors, crying in front of a computer screen, television or both when you’re in a new place.

Removing yourself from familiar places, people and surroundings also prevents memories from the relationship to resurface.

Additionally, being out of the country or state shields you from all of the people who want you to rebound during your vulnerable state. That supposedly innocent “shoulder to cry on” could quickly turn into a face to suck. Trust me, you don't want to suck that face right now, and you probably never will.

‍ 8. You will be forced to smile for photos!

‍ Studies show that forcing yourself to smile actually improves your mood.

Grinning releases endorphins, which make you happy, even if you're in a sour mood. So, go show off your pearly whites and take cheesy tourist photos to your heart's content.

‍ 9. Plane rides give you time to get comfortable with just being alone.

‍ They also give you a small window during which you can pamper yourself.

Being on a plane is similar to being at a restaurant; you have people to serve and wait on you. You're also in a safe place, provided that there is no turbulence!

Drink some champagne and chill out on your flight with a movie or music. You can also read, sleep or look out the window and admire the cities you pass. Do so and think about all of the other singles in the world.

On the plane, you can even secretly cry if you feel like it. It's better to get the emotions out inside the aircraft, rather than inside Notre Dame.

‍ 10. Travel makes you grow.

‍ If you travel while you're already in the process of change, you will come out more capable than before. Greatness is born outside of comfort zones.

Having positive thoughts and feelings are one thing, but actually going out and doing things for yourself provides evidence for what you can do. You can do it all if you give yourself the chance. After all, strength is thrust upon us when being strong is our only option.

Breakups cloud minds, but everyone should remember that love may be an adventure — as is life. Loss of love doesn't mean loss of life, though; it just means you will have a different kind of adventure, one with yourself. Love, honor and respect yourself. Stand on your own two feet, and if you can afford it, stand on them abroad, or out-of-state.

Don't just keep your head up; look up and look around at the fantastic world in which we live.Absorb and cherish the spectacular moments you provide yourself and take pride in them.

In a few years, you might not even recall your ex's name, but you will remember the rugged, dry-skinned texture of a Thai elephant, falling madly in love with gelato in Italy or nearly crying after laying your eyes on the indescribable beauty of La Sagrada Familia's interior.

‍ More Advice

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7 of the best places to travel solo after a breakup

By Ange Law

Published on Mar 13, 2019

So you’ve just gone through a breakup and are feeling a bit… stuck, broken, desperate to escape your current situation (and location) and find space to breathe? Perhaps you’re feeling so relieved that you desperately need an adventure – the sooner the better. Well, you’ve come to the right place.

When searching for a new country to travel solo you need to consider a few things. The first: safety (this one’s a given). Second: adventure, because nothing offers perspective on life quite like a trip outside your comfort zone. So, with that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best places to travel solo after a breakup…

7. New Zealand

New Zealand is the perfect destination if you’re a little bit nervous about going it alone but are craving adventure, fresh air, and endless breathtaking views. This country isn’t hard to fall in love with, as one of the world’s safest countries in the world and also one of the smallest – you can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time and take it as slow or fast as you like.

For a road trip with no firm plans, we suggest the South Island. Your eyes won’t know what hit them because nothing compares to the crystal clear waters of Lake Tekapo. Except perhaps, the imposing Franz Josef Glacier or the mountainous Kaikoura coastline, where black pebbled beach meets the bluer than blue ocean.

Image source: Casey Horner / Unsplash

If you’re equally focused on finding space to think and breathe post-breakup as you are on the hunt for a non-stop adventure, then head to Japan . Whether you’re hunting for the world’s busiest intersection in Tokyo, want to soak up the beautifully calm culture of a Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto, are searching for silence in a tiny seaside village in Okinawa, or just want to eat your weight in sushi; this country has it all.

Image source: Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash

5. Tanzania

When you think about stepping well and truly outside your comfort zone, one continent that comes to mind will no doubt be Africa . So, if you’re in need of a reminder on just how massive and beautiful the world is outside your break up, this is where you should head.

As always, you have options, and if this is your first time travelling to Africa, we suggest you book a tour so you don’t miss anything. We recommend Tanzania, East Africa – one of the best places in the world to try a safari! Home of the Serengeti National Park and pristine beaches, this amazing country will give you the best of both worlds.

Image source: Contiki

Looking for delicious food and the most welcoming culture in the world? A trip to Italy is a must, because this country put the ‘eat’ in Eat, Pray, Love for a reason.

You’d be forgiven for thinking Italy is for lovers and lovers alone, but you’d also be wrong. This country straddles beauty, history, and gelato perfectly and our top post-breakup picks are Lake Como, hiking through the Cinque Terre, getting lost in Rome, and sipping spritz seaside on the Amalfi Coast.

3. Scotland

If you want to get away but aren’t quite ready to leave the comforting familiarity of home (AKA an English-speaking country) Scotland is your best bet. It’s been voted as the most beautiful country on Earth and we can understand why; lush green rolling hills, castles, rugged mountain vistas, and untouched beauty are all par for the course here. The country is on the small side, so a weeklong road trip should do it. Plus, anywhere that has pub culture and whisky so deeply ingrained in their way of life will always be a good choice.

If you’re yet to soak up the otherworldly beauty that is Greece , now is the time. Greece is best described as calmly chaotic and visually magnificent – partly due to the lack of road rules but also because of the incredible warmth of the people (and the place itself). For peak throwing-caution-to-the-wind vibes, you should consider a multi-island adventure, which means only one thing. Sailing. Take to the ocean and soak up the endless warmth and sunshine aboard a boat, bonus points if said boat is filled with best friends, old and new. And if you’ve already been, well, it’s personally our favourite place to go back to again and again (and again).

1. Portugal

From Lisbon’s amazing foodie scene (check out the LX Factory for all the food, wine and coffee you could ever want) to Santa Cruz’s wild and beautiful coastline, Portugal is the perfect tonic for any soul. Explore the colourful cities like Lisbon or Porto and spend time soaking up the culture and eating pastéis de nata, solo or with new friends. Or, if you’re looking for active distraction, try surfing and paddle boarding at Noah’s Surf House, the coolest new hostel spot in Santa Cruz, or look to the beautiful Lagos or the Algarve. The sheer variety of things to do and laidback vibes make it our number one choice for solo post-breakup travel.

How do I… make friends as a solo traveller on Contiki

10 things you learn about yourself when you travel solo, callie thorpe on travelling solo in india, stop dreaming and make sh*t happen.

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It's Time To Let Them Go, Babe — 14 Things To Help You Leave Your Ex In The Past And Get Back To Your Happier Self

Get in loser, we're getting over our ex this year!

BuzzFeed Staff

We asked the BuzzFeed community to share their best advice for getting over a breakup and detaching from an ex. Here's what they had to say:

1. "after my first ever breakup, my mom told me to look at what happened from the perspective of a friend, or someone else whose only skin in the game is wanting me to be happy.".

"I did that, and it helped me realize how badly I had been treated in the whole thing, and that somehow made me go, 'You know what, fuck that, I’m not doing that again.' I started working on improving myself. It doesn’t work for everything, but it does help sometimes."

—u/ snakesandsapphics

2. "Take the time you need to grieve. My 3.5-year relationship ended, thankfully, amicably, because we wanted different things for our future. We knew that to stay together, one of us would have to compromise more than either of us was comfortable with."

"Even though nothing nefarious happened to end our relationship, I still had to take time to grieve. This was the person I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with; I thought this was the person I would sleep next to every night for the rest of my life, go grocery shopping with, and do laundry with. I had to mourn the future I thought we were going to have because my partner was legitimately my best friend first and foremost. After we broke up, I tried dating again, but it just didn't feel right. So, I spent the next two years working on myself. I started working out more, reading more, and most importantly, addressing what I was going through in therapy. It took me two years to be fully comfortable with the idea of dating someone new. Now, I am with someone wonderful who is on the same page about our future, and I start graduate school in May!"

—u/ emocrab35

3. "Don’t blame yourself for the relationship ending. Once time has passed, ask yourself if the relationship was worth your time and effort. No? You did the right thing."

"My relationship ended, and I was devastated. Tears were shed, followed by anger when watching Sex and the City episodes ('Take Me Out to the Ball Game,' 'Twenty-Something Girls vs. Thirty-Something Women,' 'Attack of the Five Foot Ten Woman,' 'Running with Scissors,' and 'The Real Me'). As I watched these episodes and did some thinking, I realized our break was for the best due to the narcissistic behaviors."

—u/ smellytortoise841

4. "The alternative to breaking up is remaining in a relationship where one or both parties is/are not happy, and that's worse than any split."

"Even if you were the one blindsided and left heartbroken, look at it as an opportunity for someone to come in and be happy with you in the future."

—u/ problematik

5. "If you can, try to change your scenery for a little while after a breakup. This is tricky if there are kids involved or other circumstances, but even just a small shakeup can really help."

"I was a competitive swimmer, and during long races, I would tell myself, 'There will be a time when this isn't happening anymore,' and I applied that same concept to the pain I felt after a bad breakup. When I went through my breakup, I had a dog-sitting engagement for a week afterward so I wasn't able to sit in our empty house wishing it weren't empty. Plus, dogs."

—u/ sharxnshibs

6. "It’s a small thing, but refer to your ex as 'my ex' rather than saying their name."

"You or your friends will inevitably talk about the breakup and, for me, not saying their name helped me not think about the person, while still talking about what happened during that relationship. It’s a way to wean yourself off of those memories. I’ve helped a lot of friends get through breakups by sharing this advice."

—u/ pjones30

7. "Keep doing your hobbies and maybe add new things!"

"It takes time for the pain to dull so the best way to make time move faster is to focus on things you enjoy, even if you aren't feeling like it at the time. It also helps if you focus on yourself and your wants/needs so that when you are ready to date again, you will be fulfilled and happier."

—u/ magicalship92

8. "A good friend said to me, 'Never give 100% of yourself to someone because if it ends, you’ll be left with nothing.'"

"I went through a really bad breakup with my son’s father that affected me not just emotionally but mentally as well. I was madly in love with that man. My friend's advice hit me to my core, and it’s something I still live with today, 15 years later."

—u/ lynncaserta

9. “You don’t break up and trade down!”

"The advice was from my colleague's husband. He’d pulled me aside, worried the breakup would affect my mental health, and he was right. What he was telling me was whoever I dated next would be so much better and that I would never think about that situation/person again. This was about 20 years ago now — I’ve been in three relationships since then. Each time things fell apart, I leaned on that advice. Today, I am very happily married with a beautiful son."

—u/ samanthahanlon

10. "Don’t look back. Keep it movin’."

"My thought has always been that when something ends, something better out there is waiting for you. It’s very difficult to see in the moment. You have to remind yourself that when one door closes, another opens. Stay busy and focus on a new goal you want to attain. Take your focus off the person and focus on making your life better without them."

—u/ bestsunflower20

11. "You can be sad for a little bit, but don’t stop living your life because of it."

—u/ darthjarjar

12. "The value of things is not in how long they last, but in the intensity with which they happen. That's why there are unforgettable moments, inexplicable things, and incomparable people."

"It's a quote by the poet and writer Fernando Pessoa."

13. "I was very sad at the beginning, and I still feel sadness, but what has helped me the most is not seeing this as an isolated and devastating tragedy."

"One of my college students mentioned in passing that he had just broken things off with his girlfriend. After class, I told him I was sorry to hear the news and asked him how he was doing. He said, 'I've decided to look at it as a blend of all the love and the good times we shared, and also, of all the times that were tough. A sum of our ups and downs, the things that worked and the ones that didn't; a cycle that started, and like many other things in life, had to come to an end.'

I thought this was incredibly wise, beautiful, and brave. Two days ago, my cat had to be put to sleep, and as heartbreaking as this was for me (I never thought I could feel so much pain), his words have really helped me navigate my loss. My wonderful cat is not just everything I lost, but all the wonderful things we shared during the 20 years she was by my side."

—u/ valsuarezh

14. Lastly, "Write out whatever you feel in the moment."

"I was going through the end of a situationship that ended very suddenly basically via text. I was so sad for weeks. My former roommate gave me some advice about it: Write a letter to that person with everything you want to say to them. All the good, the bad, anything. When you’re done, get a lighter, go outside, and burn the letter. You don’t have to burn it until you’re ready, but I found that this gave me a sense of closure and the ability to move on."

—u/ lostinthevoid420

Were there words of wisdom or a piece of brutal advice that helped you during your breakup? Share it with us in the comments below!

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How strong is a 4.8 earthquake? Quake magnitudes explained.

The 4.8 magnitude earthquake that struck New Jersey on Friday generated shaking that could be felt from Washington, D.C., to north of Boston.

About 55 earthquakes a day – 20,000 a year – are recorded by the National Earthquake Information Center . Most are tiny and barely noticed by people living where they happen. Click here to see the USDA shake map for the most recent earthquakes.

Worldwide, there are on average about 16 major earthquakes in any given year, 15 in the magnitude 7.0 range and one 8.0 or greater, according to records going back to 1900.

The United States typically has around 63 earthquakes between magnitude 5.0 and 5.9 each year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey , about five between 6.0 and 6.9 and fewer than one between 7.0 and 7.9.

A major 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan on Wednesday morning , killing 12 people and injuring over 1,000. The strongest earthquake there in a quarter century was followed by a series of aftershocks, reaching up to 6.4 magnitude.

More earthquakes are being recorded around the globe, but that doesn’t mean there are more earthquakes happening , according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Instead, it’s because there are more measurement devices, called seismometers, that record vibrations and they have been deployed in more places.

Earthquakes are a natural part of life on Earth, a geologically active planet with seven major tectonic plates. These are continent-size slabs of rock that glide over the planet’s mantle, constantly but very slowly reshaping Earth’s landscape.

What does magnitude mean in an earthquake?

Magnitude is a measurement of the strength of an earthquake . Officially it's called the moment magnitude scale . It's a logarithmic scale , meaning each number is 10 times as strong as the one before it. So a 5.2 earthquake is moderate, while a 6.2 is strong.

The magnitude and effect of an earthquake, according to Michigan Technological University :

• Below 2.5: Generally not felt
• 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage
• 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings
• 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage
• 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can destroy communities

Intensity scales, measured in Roman numerals, are used to describe how strong the earthquake felt to people in the area.

According to the California Earthquake Authority , an intensity of I is typically felt only under especially favorable conditions. An intensity of IV, which leads to light shaking, is felt indoors by many, but not typically outdoors. It might awaken some people at night and lead to a sensation like a truck striking a building. A parked car would rock. Intensities VI and above would be strong, frightening and felt by all, with the damage increasing up to an X, where the shaking would be violent. Some well-built wooden structures would be destroyed and most masonry and frame structures along with their foundations would be ruined.

You might have heard the term " the Richter Scale " used to describe earthquakes, but it is no longer commonly used because it was only valid for certain earthquake frequencies and distance ranges.

Why does an earthquake's depth matter?

Magnitude measures how strong a quake is. That said, how much the ground shakes depends on an earthquake's intensity, which in turn depends on two things: how far away the actual site of the temblor was and the kind of soil it which it occurs.

This is why an earthquake's depth is often given. The epicenter of the Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles in 1994 was in the San Fernando Valley, the point where the quake was strongest. But the hypocenter , the location where the quake actually occurred, was more than 11 miles underground. If it had been closer to the surface, the 6.7 magnitude quake would have been even more devastating.

The type of ground matters , too. Bedrock shakes least, sand and gravel as much as two times more, and mud and landfill as much as five times more. This was a major factor in why some areas of San Francisco suffered more than others in the Loma Prieta quake of 1989 .

Why real earthquakes aren't like in the movies

Though movies like " San Andreas" and "Earthquake" show entire coastlines dropping into the ocean, it's not going to happen.

According to the U.S. Geological Service, while a "mega-quake" with a magnitude of 10 or larger is "theoretically possible," it's very unlikely .

The magnitude of an earthquake depends in part on the length of the geological fault on which the quake occurs. Longer faults result in stronger earthquakes.

There are no known faults capable of generating a magnitude 10 or larger. The San Andreas fault of movie fame couldn't produce a quake larger than about 8.3 given its length, according to the USGS.

The largest earthquake in U.S. history was the 1964 Good Friday quake in Alaska , a 9.2 magnitude temblor that killed 131 people. It lasted four and a half minutes and ran along the Aleutian fault.

What's the chance of an aftershock?

Any time there's an earthquake, one concern is that it was merely a foreshock to a bigger quake that's coming.

Globally, the probability that one earthquake will be followed by a large earthquake within three days is somewhere just over 6%, according to the USGS .

That means whenever there's an earthquake, there's about a 94% chance that it wasn't a foreshock and there won't be any more quakes linked to it.

The numbers are a little different for California, which is very seismically active. There, about half of the biggest earthquakes were preceded by foreshocks, according to the USGS. But that means half were not.

Unfortunately, it's impossible to know if any one quake is a foreshock.

Aftershocks  are defined as smaller earthquakes that happen in days after a larger quake. As the USGS puts it, they represent "minor readjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the mainshock."

When is Eid al-Fitr 2024 and how is it celebrated?

The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world.

As a new moon was not sighted on Monday evening after Maghrib prayers, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries will fast one more day, completing 30 days of Ramadan. The first day of Eid will then be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10.

The first day of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of the month of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.

Keep reading

A ramadan no palestinian will ever forget, the cost of a ramadan iftar meal around the world, ramadan 2024: where do your dates come from, in washington, dc: celebrating ramadan, protesting israel’s siege of gaza.

Lunar months last between 29 and 30 days so Muslims usually have to wait until the night before Eid to verify its date.

Other countries follow independent sightings.

When the sighting has been verified, Eid is declared on television, radio stations and at mosques.

How do Muslims celebrate Eid?

Traditionally, Eid is celebrated for three days as an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries. However, the number of holiday days varies by country.

Muslims begin Eid day celebrations by partaking in a prayer service that takes place shortly after dawn, followed by a short sermon.

On their way to the prayer, which is traditionally held in an open area, Muslims recite takbeerat, praising God by saying “Allahu Akbar”, meaning “God is great”.

It is customary to eat something sweet before the prayer, such as date -filled biscuits known as maamoul in the Middle East. This particular festival is known as the “sweet” Eid – and the distribution of sweets is common across the Muslim world.

Muslims usually spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours and accepting sweets as they move around from house to house.

Each country has traditional desserts and sweets that are prepared before Eid or on the morning of the first day.

Children, dressed in new clothes, are offered gifts and money to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Girls and women in many countries decorate their hands with henna. The celebration for Eid begins the night before as women gather in neighbourhoods and large family gatherings for the application of henna.

In some countries, families visit graveyards to offer their respects to departed family members right after the morning prayers.

It is common for Muslim-majority countries to decorate their cities with lights and hold festivities to commemorate the end of the fasting month.

Eid amid the onslaught in Gaza

For some 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza this Eid, this will be the first Muslim religious holiday after more than 33,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. With little food aid, and very limited water, Gaza’s Eid al-Fitr will be mired in destruction amid the continuing attacks.

What are common Eid greetings?

The most popular greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (Happy Eid). Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and language.

The video below shows how people say Eid Mubarak in different languages around the world.

• International

Rare 4.8 magnitude quake rattles Northeast

By Elise Hammond , Leinz Vales and Matt Meyer , CNN

4.0 magnitude aftershock recorded in New Jersey, USGS says

From CNN's Brandon Miller

An aftershock of a preliminary magnitude 4.0 has struck just southwest of Gladstone, New Jersey, according to the United States Geological Survey .

It happened at about 5:59 p.m. ET, USGS said.

The aftershock comes nearly 8 hours after the main shock of 4.8 magnitude this morning. There have been at least 10 aftershocks, though most were in the 1.8 to 2.2 magnitude range.

No injuries or major damage in Northeast after morning quake in New Jersey. What to know to get caught up

From CNN staff

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled buildings across parts of the US Northeast on Friday morning, according to the US Geological Survey, with tremors felt from Washington, DC to New York City and to Maine.

It was the third-largest earthquake recorded in the area in the last five decades and the strongest in New Jersey i n more than 240 years , the USGS said. But with authorities reporting little or no damage, and minimal travel disruptions, people soon resumed their everyday lives.

Here's what to know:

• New Jersey: Gov. Phil Murphy said there are limited reports of damage and "little to no injuries" in the state. The USGS recorded at least six aftershocks in the immediate area of the initial earthquake. In an area more than 30 miles from the epicenter, three neighboring homes in Newark were evacuated after residents reported structural damage, according to Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé.
• New York: Gov. Kathy Hochul said there were no "life-threatening situations" after the earthquake and no reports of damaged buildings . There was one report of a gas line leak, but so far there's no “major” infrastructure impact, state officials said . New York City Mayor Eric Adams also said there have not been any reports of injuries and told people to " go about their normal day ." Additionally, all aspects of the New York City transit system were operating safely, said Metropolitan Transport Authority CEO Janno Lieber.
• Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Police Department received "over 200 calls" from 911 "in a very short period of 20 minutes," following the earthquake, according to Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. But, there were no injuries reported in the city, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker said.
• Connecticut: State officials did not report any significant damage. Emergency management officials said their operations center was partially activated as agencies inspected key infrastructure points.
• Travel: Runways at the three main airports servicing the New York City area were inspected and cleared, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Port Authority also said there were no operational or physical impacts to the bridges and tunnels. Amtrak said its trains were r unning at normal speeds after restrictions were put in place for track inspections.
• Widespread impact: The shaking was felt by millions of people across hundreds of miles of the Northeast — a phenomenon made more likely by a few factors, including the geology of the region itself, according to the USGS. Rocks in the eastern US are much older, denser and harder, making them more efficient conduits of the seismic energy released by an earthquake, allowing it to travel in a more potent form over longer distances, the USGS says.

Amtrak trains resume running at normal speeds

From CNN's Pete Muntean

Amtrak trains are back to operating at normal speeds after an earthquake in New Jersey on Friday, the company said.

It said it started inspecting its tracks shortly after 11 a.m. ET, and put speed restrictions in place throughout the region. Amtrak said it has now completed those inspections.

“As of 3:30 PM ET, All inspections have been completed and service has been restored to normal speed. Residual delays should be expected,” Amtrak  posted  on X.

At least 6 aftershocks recorded following New Jersey earthquake, USGS reports

From CNN’s Samantha Beech, Brandon Miller and Taylor Ward

There have been at least six aftershocks in the hours following the New Jersey earthquake Friday morning, according to United States Geological Survey data. 

The initial earthquake was felt in northern New Jersey just before 10:30 a.m. ET, and the aftershocks were all recorded in the immediate area of the earthquake, USGS said.

According to USGS, the largest of the six aftershocks was 2.2 magnitude, recorded just after 1:30 p.m. ET.

Here's a timeline (all times are ET):

• 10:23 a.m.: The initial 4.8 magnitude earthquake occurred
• 11:20 a.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
• 11:37 a.m.: 1.8 magnitude aftershock
• 11:49 a.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
• 12:31 p.m.: 1.8 magnitude aftershock
• 1:14 p.m.: 2.0 magnitude aftershock
• 1:32 p.m.: 2.2 magnitude aftershock

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a social media post that "aftershocks of these size are normal and are not expected to cause further damage."

The governor said there have been no reports of injuries or damage.

See how people in the Northeast reacted when the earthquake hit

From CNN's Jeremy Moorhead and Sean Clark

When an earthquake rattled buildings across the Northeast Friday morning, stunned residents described initially thinking a passing tractor-trailer or freight train was passing them before they realized it was something more.

There were reports of the 4.8 magnitude quake being felt from Philadelphia to New York City, according to the US Geological Survey.

See how some people reacted:

3 neighboring homes in New Jersey evacuated after reporting structural damage, offical says 

From CNN’s Nic F. Anderson and David Goldman

Three neighboring homes in Newark, New Jersey, have been evacuated after residents reported structural damage following this morning’s earthquake, according to the local public safety director. 

Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé told CNN no injuries have been reported after firefighters responded to reports of damage at the homes in an area more than 30 miles from the earthquake’s epicenter. 

He said 10 families were relocated from the buildings, including 25 adults and three children.

Fragé added that all Newark city buildings, including City Hall and recreation centers, are closed. He said the city is inspecting buildings for any potential damage and power outages. 

Also in New Jersey’s Essex County, in Montclair, officials believe the earthquake caused a water main break, according to an update from the Office of Emergency Management for the Township of Montclair. The OEM said the water bureau is working to repair the line. 

The Montclair OEM said authorities have conducted a damage assessment of the township and there are no signs of damage to the infrastructure and all schools and municipal properties report no damage.

Today's earthquake was the strongest in New Jersey in more than 240 years

From CNN's Elliana Hebert, Sara Tonks and Eric Zerkel

The rare 4.8 earthquake that struck northern New Jersey Friday was the third-strongest to strike the state, according to CNN analysis of US Geological Survey data.

The Friday morning earthquake also marked the strongest since 1783, more than 240 years ago. Two 5.1 magnitude temblors are the only stronger quakes in the state — one in 1755 and another in 1783. Both happened before New Jersey became a state in December 1787, but happened in the geographic area that now comprises the state's boundaries.

The quake is the third-strongest to hit the Northeast in 50 years and the 10th-strongest of all time in the region, USGS data shows.

Earthquakes in New Jersey and the region are rare. There have only been 24 earthquakes of 2.5 magnitude or greater in New Jersey since 1700.

All aspects of New York City transit system operating safely after earthquake, MTA chief says

From CNN's Samantha Beech

All aspects of the New York City transit system are operating safely following this morning’s earthquake, the Metropolitan Transport Authority, which runs the city's subway and other forms of public transit, said.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said every part of the transit system operated safely during the earthquake, as well.

He said initial facility inspections have been completed, including inspections of the seven bridges the MTA operate.

“I want to emphasize those were designed to withstand much stronger seismic impact than we experienced today,” he added.

According to the  MTA website , MTA Bridges and Tunnels (B&T) serves more than 900,000 vehicles on an average day. In 2019, it carried more traffic than any bridge and tunnel authority in the nation — more than 329 million vehicles, the MTA says. 

Lieber said MTA frontline staff have been directed to report any abnormalities in the system, but he said nothing had been flagged so far. 

There's a low likelihood of aftershocks following today's quake, New York City's emergency chief says

There is a low likelihood of aftershocks following Friday's 4.8 magnitude earthquake that rattled several Northeast cities, New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zachary Iscol said. 

Iscol, however, urged New Yorkers to remain vigilant.

“If you are outside during an aftershock, please move to an open area, away from buildings, trees and power lines. If you are driving, pull over to a safe location," he said at a news conference Friday alongside New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Iscol said there were no major impacts or safety events related to the earthquake, and added that New Yorkers can call 311 to report any damage. 

The quake, he said, triggered the activation of the city's emergency response teams and prompted officials to issue guidance to the public. 

“We activated our protocols for this earthquake, we immediately began coordinating with all city, state, federal and our utility partners. Public notifications were sent out both by Notify NYC and our wireless emergency alert system,” he said.

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New Boeing whistleblower raises safety concerns about 787 Dreamliner. Here's a timeline of the company's latest problems.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating claims made by a Boeing engineer about the company’s 787 and 777 jets.

Sam Salehpour, a quality engineer who had worked on the 787 and 777 aircraft, alleged that the planes were improperly fastened together and said he was worried that after years of use, the planes could break apart mid-flight.

Salehpour also alleged that after raising concerns to Boeing, he was ignored and faced retaliation such as receiving threats and being left out of meetings.

🚨 What just happened?

In a call on April 9, Salehpour’s lawyers told reporters that he allegedly saw firsthand how Boeing took “shortcuts” during 787 aircraft assembly, such as employees putting "excessive stress on major airplane joints, and embedded drilling debris between key joints on more than 1,000 planes.” Salehpour also said he noted issues with misalignment in the production of the 777, which was also “fixed” by employees using force.

"I literally saw people jumping on the pieces of the airplane to get them to align," he said, according to Reuters .

The FAA confirmed the investigation to the New York Times and said they’d met with Salehpour on April 5.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker told reporters that the agency was taking “a hard line” against Boeing following January’s Alaska Airlines episode.

“This won’t be back to business as usual for Boeing,” Whitaker said in a statement. “They must commit to real and profound improvements. Making foundational change will require a sustained effort from Boeing’s leadership, and we are going to hold them accountable every step of the way.”

🗓️ Let’s rewind. How did we end up here?

FAA announces investigation into near-miss incident at LaGuardia Airport involving Southwest Airlines 737 on March 23.

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 makes an emergency landing at Preston Smith International Airport after a small fire in the left engine. 

Boeing pays Alaska Airlines $160 million to make up for losses the airline suffered following the mid-flight door plug blowout.

The FBI is investigating the Alaska Airlines flight in January that saw a door plug blow off the plane midflight — and has told passengers they may be “a possible victim of a crime.”

The FAA’s 737 Max production audit finds multiple instances in which Boeing allegedly did not comply with manufacturing quality control requirements.

In two separate incidents, a Boeing 777-200 loses a wheel during takeoff from San Francisco and a Boeing 737 skids off the runway after landing in Houston.

The next week, a prominent Boeing whistleblower — former employee John Barnett — dies by suicide while in Charleston, S.C., for a deposition for a lawsuit against Boeing.

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner nose-dives during a flight from Sydney to Auckland, New Zealand, injuring at least 50 people, on the same day a Boeing 777 flight from Sydney is forced to turn around due to a maintenance issue.

Another Boeing 777 is forced to make an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport after pilots report a flat tire.

A Boeing 737 that took off from San Francisco later that week is found to be missing a panel during a postflight inspection.

Boeing sues Virgin Galactic , accusing it of stealing trade secrets. 

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun announces he will be stepping down by the end of the year. The CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Stan Deal, is retiring and Boeing’s chairman, Larry Kellner, will not be seeking reelection as a board director.

A United Airlines Boeing 777 flight from San Francisco to Paris was diverted to Denver due to an engine issue.

A United Airlines Boeing 787 plane headed to Newark, N.J., from Tel Aviv, Israel, was forced to make an emergency landing at New York Stewart International Airport because of “extreme turbulence.” Seven passengers were taken to the hospital and 15 were treated on-site for injuries.

An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 jet from Honolulu to Anchorage, Alaska, was forced to turn back after a malfunctioning bathroom sink flooded the cabin.

Whistleblowers, nosedives and a DOJ investigation: Read more about Boeing’s March mishaps on Yahoo News

February 2024

The NTSB publishes a preliminary report that found the Alaska Airlines flight was missing four key bolts, which is why the door plug blew out.

January 2024

Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 experiences a door plug blowout midflight. The FAA subsequently grounds all Max 9 aircraft to investigate.

Read more from BBC News: Passenger describes being on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

December 2023

Boeing urges airlines to inspect all 737 Max jets for potential loose hardware in the plane’s rudder control systems.

August 2023

Boeing reports a supplier quality issue with 737 Max planes involving improperly drilled holes.

October 2022

The FAA tells Boeing that some documents submitted for the certification review of the 737 Max 7 are incomplete.

China’s aviation regulator claims there are major safety concerns with the Boeing Max jets.

November 2020

The FAA allows Boeing 737 Max planes to fly again.

September 2020

An 18-month-long investigation by a House of Representatives panel concludes that Boeing failed in its design and development of the Max aircraft and was not fully transparent with the FAA.

Read more from Reuters: U.S. lawmakers fault FAA, Boeing for deadly 737 Max crashes

January 2020

Boeing suspends all 737 production.

Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, utilizing a Boeing 737 Max 8, reports a “flight control” problem to the control tower one minute after taking off from Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The plane crashes six minutes after takeoff, killing all 157 people on board.

China decides to ground all Boeing 737 Max planes. The FAA follows.

November 2018

The FAA and Boeing announce they are investigating software and design changes on all 737 Max planes following the Lion Air crash.

October 2018

Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 Max aircraft, crashes 13 minutes after takeoff from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia. All 189 on board are killed.

⚖️ Boeing has had problems for years. Why is it being investigated now?

“We’ve known [about Boeing] for five years,” Mark Pegram, father of one of the Ethiopian Airlines flight victims, told NPR in March. “I think the rest of the world is finally waking up to it, that these weren’t just isolated incidents.”

Boeing has paid billions of dollars in settlements since 2018, and the company and its leaders entered into a deferred prosecution agreement in January 2021 with the Department of Justice that has so far helped them avoid criminal prosecution.

Boeing paid $1.77 billion to compensate airline customers, $243.6 million as a criminal fine and $500 million for a compensation fund for family members of crash victims, CNN reported .

A yearlong FAA-commissioned panel review was critical of the safety culture at Boeing, and found that executives and employees were not aligned with what the safety standards were, according to a report released in February. The investigation also found that many employees were afraid of retaliation for speaking up.

Airbus and Boeing's problems spell bad news for the cost of your summer vacation

• IATA predicted this year will beat the pre-pandemic record for air travel.
• But both Boeing and Airbus jets are having problems that are reducing capacity.
• Some airlines are already warning that prices will go up.

You can expect to pay more for plane tickets this summer, as airline capacity struggles to keep up with demand.

In December 2023, the International Air Travel Association predicted 2024 would break records for the most air passengers ever . It expects 4.7 billion people to travel this year — 200 million more than the pre-pandemic high set in 2019.

But airlines are warning they'll have fewer seats available than they initially thought, as both Boeing and Airbus are dealing with problems.

IATA had predicted a 9% growth in capacity. But passenger airlines will see 19% fewer aircraft than expected this year, Martha Neubauer, a senior associate at AeroDynamic Advisor, told Reuters .

Southwest Airlines has paused hiring because it now expects to receive 46 new Boeing 737 Max jets, down from 79.

Related stories

And the CEO of Europe's biggest budget airline, Ryanair, warned its ticket prices could go up 10% due to Boeing delivery delays.

Additionally, United has asked pilots to take an unpaid leave in May to help mitigate delayed deliveries of Boeing planes.

Boeing has had a bad year as the Alaska Airlines blowout in January sparked increased scrutiny from regulators. The Federal Aviation Administration has limited how many 737 Max jets it can manufacture.

And since CEO Dave Calhoun announced he would resign at the end of the year, Boeing's new chairman is trying to win back customers' trust.

While Boeing has been under the spotlight, Airbus also has some problems of its own.

A flaw in the Pratt & Whitney engines used on Airbus A320neos will ground 650 jets for inspections in the first half of this year.

IATA also predicted that airline profits would be up 10% from last year. But the trade group's director general, Willie Walsh, said the average airline only makes $5.45 for every passenger.

"That's about enough to buy a basic grande latte at a London Starbucks," he added. "But it is far too little to build a future that is resilient to shocks for a critical global industry."

Watch: Thousands of bags pile up at US airports after flight cancellations

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