Break ups are never easy – whether you’re on the receiving end or the one doing the break-up, they are hard for everyone. Break ups are emotionally, mentally, and even physically draining. One of the best things that you can do to get over a break up and get stronger is going on vacation. Here are four ways that you can overcome a break up by going on vacation.
Take some time to be by yourself
The great thing about vacations is that you can take them pretty much anywhere. Whether your ideal destination is a secluded beach, or a bustling city, you can find solace and respite in any vacation spot.
Wherever you go for your vacation, consider going alone. Being alone after a break up is a great way to re-center yourself and refocus on your own life: your own wants, your own needs, your own goals. Relationships that don’t work out are draining, and it’s easy to lose yourself (and not in a good way) when you’re half of a pair.
Furthermore, traveling allows you to reflect on the relationship and get closure the way you need to without being overwhelmed or subjected to the opinions of other. And, according to Mend, by doing this, you also avoid the risk of responding to or contacting your ex, which is another benefit of distracting yourself with a vacation after a breakup. Better yet, if you can take a social media break, block text messages, and put away your phone for a little while, you’ll be able to keep your focus on the present moment, and avoid getting distracted or brought down by a negative text or social media post.
So, go on a solo hike. Hop in a car and drive alone with your thoughts for a while (road trip technology has come a long way in the last several years, so you don’t have to worry about getting bored). Use this time to reconnect with your most authentic self.
Do something challenging
Another great way to use your vacation is a unique opportunity to push yourself outside your comfort zone. Depending on the nature of your break up, you may be left feeling particularly depleted, and your self-confidence may have even taken a hit. So, consider signing up for a race, a daring physical excursion, or some other significant challenge as the impetus for your vacation.
Trying new things is a great way to “boost confidence and self-esteem,” since you show yourself that you are able to accomplish something that you never thought you’d be able to do.
In a similar way, trying something new can also allow you to grow. You build trust in yourself and respect for your bravery – and more so, you develop a feeling of personal pride that can be especially useful after a bad breakup.
You’ll gain perspective
If you recently experienced a bad break up, then you may be sick of going through the same old story in your head. Replaying what went wrong and all the “what ifs” surrounding a lost relationship. It’s easy to go down a negativity spiral after a break up.
Traveling can help you overcome a break up more quickly because traveling to a new place can allow you to gain new perspective that you did not have before. This perspective can be a much-needed moment of enlightenment to help you reflect back on your experience with a new sense of understanding. And this understanding can be exactly what you need to start to get over a mental or emotional roadblock from your break up.
Meet some new people
When you travel, whether you’re alone or in a group, you will inevitable meet some new people, maybe some who even have similar interests to you. And while it’s great to spend time alone in the wake of a break up, it can also help to distract yourself with the company of others, whether they are trusted family or friends, or newfound traveling friends.
Forging new acquaintances or friendships can help you take your mind off things and embrace the moment of your vacation. But more so, making friends with new people can also help you create new valuable relationships to replace past, hurtful relationships. And these new friends may be able to teach you a thing or two, and open your eyes to new ways of thinking about the world, and about life and love.
And if one of those new people that you meet happens to be a potential romantic partner… so be it! Traveling is one of the best ways to meet new people, potential significant others included!
Traveling is restorative on so many levels. It’s a great way to free yourself and allow yourself to heal from painful experiences. If you are getting over a break up, then consider taking a vacation. You will benefit more than you realize.
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad.
