The best places to visit after a break up
When your heart's in splinters and your soul in torment, it can be tempting to just sit on the couch and cry.
But as comforting as curling up in front of your favourite show with a bowl of ice cream or bottle of wine may seem, it's probably not going to be the best for your mental health long-term. Or, for that matter, increase your chances of finding a new partner.
As hard as it may be, it’s important to get back out into the big, bad world and do all you can to remind yourself that, really, it's not such a bad place after all.
Without your ex to worry about, why not take the opportunity to go somewhere you've always wanted to go, to do the things they never wanted to do? Many find solo travel liberating and, for the suddenly single, it can provide much-needed time and space to reflect on where you're at and what your next steps should be.
Whatever your mood, you can find a post-breakup break to suit. Post the pics on social media and your ex will soon see what they're missing.
The Bahamas
Don't let its popularity with canoodling couples put you off holidaying in a destination that could leave you feeling better than your partner ever did. Kamalame Cay, a small but perfectly formed complex of bougainvillea-covered beach houses on a private island, has a special package designed to help the newly single get their grooves back. Available for stays of between three and 30 days, Le Divorce package includes all meals, activities and, as the resort puts it, "those post-split requisites, unlimited booze and cigarettes". Every three days, you can choose an item on the special Le Divorce Activities Menu, which include spa treatments, fishing excursions and underwater adventures.
If you're not ready to go Robinson Crusoe, ask about the special rates to bring along a "compassion companion". Enjoy some quiet time in your new beachside abode overlooking the Andros Great Barrier Reef, soothe your beleaguered soul in the only overwater spa in the Bahamas and explore the 96 acres of jungle, coconut palm groves and white sand beach.
Croatia
When you're in the depths of despair, sometimes the best you can do is go with it. In battle-scarred Croatia, you'll find souvenirs of troubled times everywhere - and it can be surprisingly cathartic. Walk the medieval city walls of Dubrovnik and marvel over the innumerable attacks they have withstood over the centuries, most recently during the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia, and their reinvention as a tourist hot spot and Game of Thrones filming location. In Split, explore the ancient columns, temples, walls and underground cellars of Roman emperor Diocletian's palace, now a hub for atmospheric bars, restaurants and shops. The most marked reminder that you're not alone in your suffering can be found at Zagreb's Museum of Broken Relationships. A vial filled with tears and an axe used to destroy the furniture of a wayward ex are among the many items that shed light on the many reasons why relationships break down and how people move on.
If you need more practical tips, the gift shop has an excellent selection of self-help books. When you're ready to come back from the dark side, head to one of Croatia's stunning (and seemingly perpetually sunny) beaches, islands or national parks. Follow the path through the terraced lakes and waterfalls in Unesco-listed Plitvice Lakes National Park and and we promise you'll be reminded of how much beauty there still is in the world.
Rio de Janeiro
Not gonna waste another second crying over someone who didn't have the sense to see you were the best thing that ever happened to them? Hit the beaches of Rio by day and the clubs by night and you'll be having far too much fun to think about your good-for-nothing ex. The so-called cidade maravilhosa (marvellous city) flaunts its natural assets with pride, from the rainforest-covered mountains to the seemingly endless white beaches. If it's human eye candy you're after, head to Copacabana or Ipanema beaches for a spot of "people watching". Get some perspective at the summit of Sugarloaf mountain or on the cog train ride up to see Christ the Redeemer and then fuel up for an action-packed night in one of the bohemian cafes in the cobblestone streets of Santa Teresa.
From there, it's a short taxi ride to Lapa, the red-light district where the samba, sangri, packed dance halls and weekend street parties guarantee a good time. Cariocas (Rio locals) are famously friendly so you shouldn't have any problems finding a dance partner (or a romantic one if you're so inclined).
Become a voluntourist
Fill the hole in your heart by doing something positive for those far less fortunate than your lovelorn self. There are literally a world of options to choose from. Help care for rescued elephants in the lush forest surrounds of Chiang Mai, hang out with budding entrepreneurs at the "GK Enchanted Farm" in the Philippines, release baby turtles into the ocean in Costa Rica, help safeguard the Big 5 on the Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa, teach children to read and write in Brazil...
Antarctica
If you're convinced the coldest place on earth is your ex's miserable excuse for a heart, try a cruise to Antarctica. Floating past saw-toothed mountains, towers of ice and sweeping tundras, it's impossible not to gain some perspective on your own problems. It's a truly epic adventure but, in the wake of a miserable break-up, that could be exactly what you need. Share the pics of you and the whales, seals, penguins and other seabirds you're likely to encounter if you wish. But most likely you'll be too overawed by the otherworldly scenery to bother (or give your ex a second thought).
Written by Lorna Thornber. Republished with permission of Stuff.co.nz.
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