Yes, heartbreak hurts. There is no other way to describe it- it hurts especially during the first few weeks. But some breakups are a blessing. When you are in a relationship or part of a family, you tend to filter your plans based on the other person’s view. Once you have gotten through the first few nights of reminiscing and retracting and crying your eyes out while eating ice cream from the tub, you will be able to clear your head and think of a game plan. But according to studies, one of the best way to heal after a breakup is to take a trip. Traveling to someplace new will give you a different perspective of life. It may even give you enough reasons to be thankful for the breakup.
If you are in the processing of moving on, here are the best places to visit to heal after a heartbreak:
1. Zagreb, Croatia
Why Zagreb? Well, aside from the farmer’s markets, cozy local coffee shops, and tranquil parks and forests to name a few, Zagreb is home to the famous Museum of Broken Relationships. This museum is crowd-sourced, and displays relics from failed relationships of people from all over the world. Do you have anything from your previous failed relationship that you would like to get rid of without giving it back to your ex? You can send it over. Out of sight, out of mind, remember?
2. Verona, Italy
Romeo and Juliet’s love story is one of the most famous ones in history, although it was not exactly the happiest nor the most successful. Verona is one of the most famous cities in Italy among tourists. Gigantic pieces of Roman architecture such as the Verona Arena and Teatro Romano can be found all over the city. If you are fixing a broken heart, taking a walk around the city will give you enough diversion and not focus on your current emotions. You can also visit Juliet’s House in Verona and touch Juliet’s statue. According to legends, doing so will bring you goodluck for your next love life. You can also leave a note on the wall and tell Juliet about your heartaches and ask her to take it all away.
3. Bali, Indonesia
According to Elizabeth Gilbert, the best way to heal after a heartbreak is to eat, pray, love. Okay, it may not necessarily work for you, but visiting Bali is definitely a good idea. Bali has a lot of visiting tourists all year long, but it has maintained its laid-back vibe. If you are looking for places to heal, visit quiet temples in Bali such as the Tanah Lot Temple and Uluwatu. You don’t have to pray, but being inside one will give you the opportunity to clear your head and do some reflections. Bali has plenty of scenic rice terraces that you can walk around and really be with nature. You can also meditate in local yoga and meditation cafes. If none of these work, try going shopping in Ubud Art Market. Retail therapy is also a good fix for a broken heart.
4. Cancun, Mexico
The sea, sun, and sand are a good combination to heal a broken heart. If you are feeling a little lost after your breakup, pack up your swimsuits and sunscreen and book a flight to Cancun, Mexico. Instead of eating ice cream while weeping to The Notebook in your couch, you can lay on the beach and sip some cold cocktails. You will get some sun and some tan, and who knows, you might even meet new people who will help you forget your breakup. If you are not up for meeting new people yet, that’s okay. You can also just spend time swimming your heart out all by yourself. While waiting for the sun to set, you can also catch up on your reading list while chilling on the beach.
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
A lot of people would turn to sulking at home and not getting out of their pajamas after going through a breakup. This should not be the case though. One of the best ways to get over a breakup fast is to go outside and interact with people and do a lot of activities. Head over to Vegas and spend a weekend with your friends. You can try your luck in the casinos or just spend the whole night partying and dancing the night away. During daytime, you can lounge in the resort pools while sipping a cold drink. There are a lot of couples who head over to Vegas though to get married, so make sure your hotel does not have a wedding chapel in it. Las Vegas is bright and loud and is so diverting. Staying here for a weekend will surely keep your mind off the recent breakup, which may allow you to start the healing process early.
6. Tasmania, Australia
Being outdoors and enjoying nature is good for your health and for your heart. If you would like to spend time with nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, Tasmania is a great choice. Coming here would be taking everyone’s advice to “go out” literally. You will have a lot of opportunity to spend your days outdoors trekking, hiking, or even mountain climbing. Of course, after an outdoorsy day adventure, you can check into luxury resorts in the area and pamper yourself with massages and spa sessions. Self-care is one of the best forms of self-love. Post breakups are the best times to remind you to always put yourself first.
7. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. There are a lot of things to occupy your time here. Instead of crying over your failed relationship, you can celebrate life by hopping from one amusement park to another. Hong Kong is popular for Disneyland and Ocean Park. You can get on one thrill ride after another by getting an all-day pass. By sundown, head over to the night markets and get some authentic Hong Kong street food. Night markets are also good places for bargain shopping. Need a wardrobe makeover? Hong Kong is great for shopping. Just carry an overnight bag on the way to Hong Kong, and then buy a suitcase there and fill it with everything from your shopping spree. You can also make a side trip to Macau and try your luck in the casinos or just simply enjoy the place and take photos. Shenzhen, China is also just an hour away via train from Hong Kong.
8. Tuscany, Italy
If you haven’t watched the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun,” I suggest that you go check it out. It is an inspiring movie about healing and recovering after divorce. If you are going through heartbreak, you might want to include Tuscany in your travel bucket list. The sunny Tuscany with all its endless flower farms, olive plantations, winery, and quaint little villas will give your heavy feeling a little lift. Exploring the place may even remind you how much beauty in life there is waiting for you to appreciate. Tuscany will help you remind yourself to trust that everything is going to be okay and you are going to be okay.
9. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Bangkok and Phuket are the top picks among tourists when it comes to visiting Thailand, but Chiang Mai also has a lot to offer. If you need a little calm and quiet Southern Asia experience, Chiang Mai is the place to be. The place is a little laid-back. You can spend your vacation days admiring magnificent temples, checking out food and street markets, and even spend your time river trekking with elephants. Yes, there are places in Chiang Mai that allow you to play and interact with elephants. These huge and beautiful animals will surely help melt your sorrows away.
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a great city to travel to after a recent heartbreak. There are so many things to do and places to see in Amsterdam that you won’t have the time to be sad and think about what just happened. Instead of revisiting happy memories with your ex, visit museums instead. Anne Frank’s house is a great place to check out while you are in Amsterdam. Aside from being a huge part of history, Anne Frank can teach us a thing or two about courage. The Van Gogh Museum is also a must-visit while you are in the city. You can join group tours for Amsterdam Canal Cruises as well and meet new friends. If you are up for it, you can bike around the city the next morning and stop by the park and observe the locals and just sit and relax and take it all in. Come night time, drop by Amsterdam’s Red Light District. If you are uncomfortable doing it alone, there are walking tours available that you can join in. It will be fun.
