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.
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.
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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.
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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.
xo,
Tiana
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!