Five Breakup Holidays That Will Help You Get Over Your Garbage Ex
There’s no two ways about it: breakups suck. Whether you were the instigator, it was mutual or you were unceremoniously dumped like a bag of trash after a Kondo-inspired clean-out, the end of a relationship is rarely a good time. While the traditional post-split activities like bingeing on ice-cream or watching rom-coms may ease some of the pain, we say there’s no better way to get over a separation than going on breakup holidays.
[related_articles]69756,49948,64870[/related_articles]Visiting somewhere new can not only take your mind off things, but also make the sudden change in your daily routine feel less drastic. So, if you’re a recent member of the ‘lonely hearts club’, we recommend venturing outside the usual Eat, Pray, Love route and trying these unique experiences as breakup holidays instead.
#1 Party your worries away in New Orleans, Louisiana
Whether you rally a few friends or go it solo, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to forget your troubles than The Big Easy. The fun and inclusive vibe of this party paradise ensure every night turns into an adventure. Lose yourself in the crowd at the colourful street parades at NOLA, hit up the jazz clubs at Bourbon Street or indulge in the city’s unique food scene — a delicious melting pot of French, African and American culture.
If you’re looking to meet people, New Orleans has plenty of decent hostels to stay in, including the super trendy The Quisby.
#2 Find solitude on the Kokoda Trail
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If you’re in need of some quiet time to mull everything over, you’ll find endless amounts of it on the Kokoda Trail. This challenging eight-day hiking trail in Papua New Guinea is not for the faint-hearted… which is precisely what makes it so great for the broken hearted on breakup holidays.
The 96-kilometre journey will see you trek through dense green jungles, rushing water rapids and historic wartime sites. As you take in the spectacular scenery and walk in the footsteps of the brave WWII soldiers before you, you’ll feel a million miles away from your problems. Plus, the accomplished feeling you’ll get once you finish is sure to lead to some serious post-breakup personal growth!
Consider going with a reputable guided tour company like Australian Kokoda Tours, so you can stay in comfortable hotels and hang out with likeminded people when you get sick of your own company.
#3 Go off the grid in the Canadian mountains
Can’t deal with your ex’s post-breakup selfies or #singlelife social media posts? Consider disconnecting with the ultimate digital detox in the Canadian wilderness. Canada is home to many tech-free retreats, but Echo Valley Ranch & Spa in British Columbia has been voted the country’s best.
Without the distraction of your phone, you’ll be free to soak up the natural beauty of the Cariboo mountains from your wooden cabin, dive into a good book by the fireplace or enjoy the local hikes and horse riding on natural-escape breakup holidays. If you’re not so keen on the group aspect or enforced digital detox, there are also plenty of places around the Rocky Mountains with limited Internet connection. There’s nothing like the seemingly endless mountain ranges to make your problems feel tiny in comparison.
#4 Seek out solidarity in Zagreb, Croatia
In the face of a nasty breakup, sometimes we just need a reminder that we’re not alone. Filled with personal objects donated after breakups, a visit to the fascinated Museum of Broken Relationships is the perfect way to put things in perspective. You can even unload your own personal baggage by bringing along an item of your own ex-lover’s!
Of course, there are plenty of other things to do in Croatia’s largest (and capital) city too. Marvel at the diverse Austro-Hungarian architecture, drink your way through the city’s growing craft beer scene or lose yourself to the music pumping clubs in Old Town. If you’re looking to connect with other singles or simply meet new people, you can also climb aboard one of Croatia’s many party yacht cruises.
[related_articles]67995,56903,65055[/related_articles]#5 Practice self-care in Costa Rica
If you’re searching for a place to heal your mind and body (as well as your heart), look no further than Costa Rica. The Central American country offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, making it the ideal post-breakup destination.
[related_articles]44717,70243,36979[/related_articles]Costa Rica has no shortage of rejuvenating retreats – perfect for breakup holidays – where you can do yoga, enjoy a massage or simply soak up the serenity of the lush rainforests or sparkling coastline. If your idea of self-care involves a little more sweat, you can take a scenic a hike up the Arenal Volcano, go ziplining over the canopy, ride the iconic surf breaks or take a canyoning tour.
(Lead image: Yingchou Han)
