Table of contents
- Travel provides emotional relief
- It’s a welcome change of setting
- It can foster personal growth
- You meet new people
- Your perspective changes
- It’s healthy
- It can bring excitement
- It helps you become more mindful
- Final thoughts
Travel provides emotional relief
Being in a new, relaxing environment, such as a beach or a serene countryside, can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. Nature has inherent healing properties. Hiking in the mountains, walking through forests, or spending time by the sea can have therapeutic effects on the mind and body. According to a literature review of 952 studies published in 2022, the health conditions of people who engaged with natural outdoor environments improved in 92% of the studies. Mental health improved across 98% of studies, while cognitive and physical health improved across 75% and 83% of the studies.
It’s a welcome change of setting
A new setting can distract from the emotional pain associated with a breakup, offering a fresh perspective and new experiences. This is because moving away from places associated with the ex-partner helps break the routine and habits linked to them, reducing triggers and reminders.
It can foster personal growth
Travelling alone or with new companions can foster self-discovery and personal growth. It can be an opportunity to reflect on one’s values, desires, and goals.
Navigating new places and handling challenges on the road can boost self-confidence and self-reliance.
You meet new people
When you travel, you meet new people and form new connections, which can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of loneliness. You might even meet a new romantic interest, although you should avoid a rebound relationship. You haven’t processed your emotions surrounding the breakup, which could lead to fears of the new relationship ending prematurely or other, more complex feelings. It’s no wonder that 90% of rebound relationships end within the first three months.
Your perspective changes
Exposure to different cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives can help contextualize personal problems, showing that life is vast and full of possibilities. A study of 485 US adults revealed a link between travelling abroad and the ability to direct energy and attention. This heightened ability helps people cope in diverse situations and display appropriate emotional signals.
What’s more, seeing how others live can inspire hope and motivate one to embrace new beginnings.
Travelling is healthy
Many forms of travel involve physical activities like walking, hiking, or swimming, which can improve physical health and release endorphins, improving mood. The mere fact that you’re going on vacation will have a positive effect. 80% of US adults report noticing a significant drop in stress after they have travelled, and people who have gone five years without a vacation are 30% more likely to have a heart attack.
It can bring excitement
Engaging in new activities, trying new foods, and exploring unknown territories can bring excitement and joy, helping to replace negative emotions with positive experiences.
Successfully navigating a trip, especially to a challenging or unfamiliar destination, can bring an adrenaline rush, followed by a sense of accomplishment and pride.
It helps you become more mindful
Travel encourages mindfulness, as experiencing new places often requires being fully present. This focus on the present can help break the cycle of ruminating over past relationships. Time away can provide the opportunity to journal or meditate, aiding in emotional processing and clarity.
Final thoughts
Whether the breakup was one-sided or mutual, it is challenging for most people to cope with. You might experience anger, pain, shame, guilt, embarrassment, or two or more of these. Your choice of travel impacts healing. Solo travel allows deep personal reflection and independence, while group travel provides companionship. Choose whichever you feel you need more. Go to places known for relaxation and wellness, such as spa towns, nature retreats, or yoga retreats.
