Divorce parties and vacations are becoming more popular. It comes as no surprise, considering there’s a celebration for every milestone in someone’s life.
When people get married, they celebrate with a wedding and travel for a honeymoon. Once couples announce a baby is on the way, there’s a baby shower and a babymoon vacation before the child’s arrival. And now, when couples call it quits, divorce celebrations, parties, and divorcemoons exist.
Data reveals that roughly 40% of first marriages in America will end in divorce. While a majority of people who end a first marriage will remarry, the divorce rate of second marriages is higher than the first time.
While divorce parties and divorce vacations are relatively a newer trend, experts say they’re a positive sign of moving on if done tastefully.
Some good things come to an end so that even better things can come along. If you’re considering a vacation to celebrate a divorce, here’s where to travel based on your emotional needs.
Where To Go To Confront Feelings Head-On
For some people, confronting the rollercoaster of emotions head-on is the best way to heal. The following destinations and experiences offer people a safe space to deal with their post-break-up feelings.
Sedona, Arizona
Known as one of the most spiritual places in the world, Sedona is an excellent destination for personal enrichment and growth. Sedona is considered a sacred place where nature alone provides the most healing experience for visitors.
Sedona has it all for people on a self-reflection journey, as it hosts some of the world’s best spas and retreats for meditation and self-exploration.
A top experience in Sedona is experiencing a vortex or particular sites that bring healing energy.
Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon are Sedona’s most popular vortex locations.
Heal On The Road
Going on a solo road trip will allow you to step outside your comfort zone at some point. Whether driving to a beach to sit and watch the waves, starting a conversation with strangers at a coffee shop or bar, or finding an eccentric hotel, the only conversation happening on the road is with yourself.
The journey you embark on could be as planned or as spontaneous as you are comfortable with. Most things you decide will be based on your feelings, allowing you to work through the emotions with distractions.
Destinations For Distractions And To Keep Busy
Distraction can be a good coping strategy. It helps divert attention away from stressors. Creating mental space between you and the stressor can help you deescalate your feelings toward what’s upsetting you. People who may need a distraction may also benefit for adventure and new experiences. The change of scenery and pace can offer an overall new perspective on life.
Ghana
From the food, museums, and welcoming culture, there is much to explore in Ghana that will keep your mind off a breakup. Ghana’s landscape allows travelers to visit beaches, beautiful lush gardens, and waterfalls. In its capital city, Accra, visitors will find a vibrant art culture when exploring the collections at the Arts Centre. People can explore history at Independence Square in Accra or Elmina Castle in Cape Coast. While there, head for a heart-racing experience of walking along the canopies of trees at Kakum National Park in the Assin Attandanso Reserve.
Thailand
Thailand is another excellent destination with enough distractions to make you forget about the divorce. The Southeast Asian country boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, thanks to the Phi Phi Islands. There will be no reason to think about the breakup when surrounded by beautiful water, delicious food, and friendly people.
Spain
Spain is a top country for travelers visiting Europe. It boasts a beautiful culture and history, exciting and entertaining nightlife, beautiful nature, and, most importantly, delicious food and wine. InterNations – a global community for people who live and work abroad, consistently ranks Spain as a top destination for expats. Expats love the outdoor recreational and nightlife opportunities Spain offers.
Get lost in Spain. Participate in a food tour, explore the art and architecture of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, and take a hike or stroll on the beach.
Destinations To Celebrate With Family & Friends
Divorcees’ emotions may be up or down, but either way, you don’t have to experience them alone if you don’t want to. Bring your family and friends along your healing journey and make new memories with people who care most about you.
Visit Jordan’s World Wonder
Visiting a world wonder is on the bucket list for many. There’s no better way to begin a new life and new memories than sharing an epic experience with loved ones. Petra was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It highlights the achievements and awe of Nabataean Arabs, known to carve the city into its mountains perfectly. Tour groups in Jordan host tours to Petra for groups big and small.
Jamaica
There’s no such thing as a bad time in Jamaica. The only thing that makes places like Negril or Montego Bay even better is experiencing it with your close circle.
Jamaica has fantastic food, a ton of entertainment and nightlife, and, most importantly, excursions that will create memories that last a lifetime. Book a reggae sunset catamaran cruise or try ziplining and horseback riding on the beach. If your group is feeling adventurous, try a dune buggy adventure. You’ll get dirty, but the divorce will be the last thing on your mind as you hold on to the vehicle.
Las Vegas, Nevada
A place known for the number of people who show up to elope on any given day also has a backup plan for people who are ending a disaster. Sin City Parties, for example, says it throws divorce parties that people will never forget in Las Vegas.
“If you’re ready to celebrate finally being fully free from your ex, we know how to give you a night to celebrate with your friends that you’ll remember long after your marriage is a distant memory,” a statement reads on the website.
Places Your Ex-Spouse Wasn’t Interested In
Going to a destination your ex refused to travel to is the perfect way to begin a new life. It’s easy and perfectly normal to mourn happier times, but the new memories will outshine sad thoughts. It doesn’t have to be a destination but an experience as well. Treat yourself to a fancy dinner at a gorgeous restaurant or splurge on a new bottle of wine.