Best Vacation Destinations for Newly Divorced Travelers in 2024

• Best places to visit in 2024
• Newly-divorced travel tips

Divorce can be stressful, exhausting, depressing, and lonely. You may feel like you’ve temporarily lost your bearings, and maybe even yourself, in the divorce process. But once the emotional whirlwind dies down, you’ll be ready to find yourself again – the real, happy, free you. And if you’re like many people who have had their lives turned upside down by divorce, a vacation can set you on a path of new self-discovery.

Whether you’re looking for excitement, tranquility, nature, or just revisiting an old landscape with new eyes, here are some ideas for exploration wearing your new identity – that of a free, independent, and newly single person. 

Best places to visit in 2024

After divorce, you may need to keep an eye on your budget. But there are so many places to travel stateside that you don’t have to look far for a getaway that suits you without breaking the bank. Don’t worry about a passport; you won’t need it for these American destinations. In fact, you may only have to hop in your car and plug in a destination on Google Maps to begin your post-divorce adventure. 

1. For a combination of arts and nature, check out Asheville, NC

Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina is known for its thriving art scene and downtown full of craft breweries, galleries, and live music. When you aren’t checking out the local arts or the historic Biltmore Estate, take in some hiking along the many miles of mountain trails right outside its doors.

2. If you’re yearning for spiritual rejuvenation and exquisite natural beauty, discover Sedona, AZ

The area’s stunning red rock formations are not only awe-inspiring but are said to be home to energetic healing vortexes. And who couldn’t use some healing after a divorce? If you’re an avid hiker, hike along the Cathedral Rock Trail. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, book a massage or yoga session at one of the many spas and wellness centers dotted around the area. 

3. If vibrant culture, good food, and legendary nightlife is your thing, consider New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is a city of rich history and diverse neighborhoods and cultures, all keeping with the unique, festive spirit of the city. And if music – primarily jazz – makes you happy, then New Orleans will be your post-divorce happy place. There is no way you can feel alone in a city with New Orleans’ welcoming spirit. 

4. If you want to be surrounded by water, beaches, quirky nightlife, and a friendly vibe, consider Key West, FL

What do wild roosters, Ernest Hemingway, and an every-evening sunset gathering of festive quirky islanders, artists, and street performers have in common? Key West is the end of the road, both literally and figuratively, and many who have visited here have decided never to leave. A renowned tourist mecca with a small-town vibe, there is no place like Key West anywhere in Florida – or the United States, for that matter. 

5. If you’ve always dreamed of going to the Pacific Northwest, spend some time in and around Portland, OR

If you’re looking for quirky charm, food trucks, craft breweries, miles of cycling routes, and a plethora of other things uniquely designed to “Keep Portland Weird,” you’ve found your place. After you’ve explored its fun urban vibe, take an hour-and-a-half trip to the coast to Cannon Beach, where you can explore the tidal pools near Haystack Rock looking for starfish and anemones. Or, wander the nine coastline miles of Ecola State Park, which offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

6. If the only wildlife you want to encounter is the natural kind, head to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

If disconnecting from the everyday hustle and bustle and connecting with nature is your comfort zone, then you won’t be disappointed by Yellowstone. From bears and bison to hot springs and geysers, you won’t find this landscape and experience anywhere else. Stay in one of the nearby towns, or choose an immersive camping experience. You will return home feeling relaxed,  inspired, and rejuvenated. 

Travel tips

Embrace your heart’s desires

Whether you decide to travel solo, go with a friend, or join a tour group, make sure you are doing what you want to do and traveling on your own terms. This is your time to embrace your own genuine needs and wants, not just go along with what someone else wants or whatever the tour group offers. 

Choose accommodations carefully

If it’s your first time traveling to a particular destination, you may know little about the area. Do lots of research, and book accommodations and other activities well in advance, especially during busy months. Remember to check reviews for any accommodations you’re considering. You can even check out locations on Google Satellite to understand where you will be in context to your surroundings. (Remember that hotel websites and Airbnb listings can make the most dismal places look appealing through the wonder of digital photography and a little photo editing.)

Find ways to stretch your dollars

If you’re on a budget, look for reasonably priced and free activities such as museums, parks, and walking tours. Or, just find the historic district and sit with a cup of coffee to people-watch. Eat at small local restaurants instead of touristy places, and use public transportation if you feel safe doing so. Keep flexible with your dates if you can, or even travel off-season. Some of the best deals are available to people who are happy traveling outside an area’s peak season.

After a divorce, traveling can offer a powerful tool for new perspectives about your life and the world around you. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in a more natural setting, scope out a vibrant urban area, or just relax by the water, exploring a new destination after the turmoil of divorce may be just the emotional reset you need. 

Divorce isn’t just a legal means to an end. It can be a downright transformative experience. At Hello Divorce, we offer options for divorce to set you on a healthier, happier route to your new life. Check out our plans, services, and informational resources, or schedule a free 15-minute call to learn more. 

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