Buy a Ticket and Heal While You See the World
When life falls apart after a break-up, sometimes the best thing you can do is change your view. Not just a weekend away, but a proper escape, a sabbatical, a time out to reassess your situation and come to terms with your new status. I strongly suggest going somewhere that is going to give you a kick in the butt and a good old shake. What kind of advice is that, you might ask? Well, from experience, I can tell you that crying and hiding under the duvet doesn’t do you any good. If you are going to be sad, then be sad somewhere amazing. Trust me, the first time my heart was broken, I did all the usuals: thought my life was over, cried, lamented and squandered YEARS being sad. What a waste of time that was. The second time my heart was broken, I did the complete opposite: I packed a bag and flew to
Myanmar and Cambodia for a month. Naturally, while I was there, I went a bit “mad” and ensured I had some “once in a lifetime adventures.”
I slept on the marble floor of a golden temple and woke at dawn to the sound of monks chanting. I floated over Bagan’s endless temples in a hot-air balloon, watched the sunrise turn Angkor Wat to fire, cried at the Killing Fields, and shared street food with strangers who became Instagram friends. But the biggest reward was the realisation: in the grand scheme of life, my break-up wasn’t the end of the world. It was the start of a whole new chapter. Yes, heartache is real, and it hurts a lot. Still, when you’re surrounded by centuries of history, bustling markets, and a different culture with wonderful people whose lives are completely different from yours, you start to see your problems with fresh eyes. You might even have an epiphany and decide you had a lucky escape!
I appreciate that travelling to another continent is not everyone’s cup of tea, part of their life plan or in their budget, but hear me out. Go somewhere different – even if it’s just to the next town or city. Change your scenery to heal. Travel gives you a kick in the butt and brings you back to reality. It reminds you there’s so much more out there in life. Friends you haven’t met yet, stories you haven’t lived, food you haven’t tasted. When it feels like you will never love again and life is heavy, the world is the perfect place to discover that all is not lost.
Buy a ticket to somewhere you have never been and take time for yourself. If solo travel is not for you, no problem, go in a group, but don’t bring a friend! You want to escape your familiar surroundings and experience new things. Give yourself freedom and space to try new things and discover yourself all over again.
Travelling in a group is wonderful, but make sure you take little pockets of time for yourself — a quiet coffee in a side street, a slow wander without chatter. Avoid the pity-party trap of telling everyone your woes on repeat; your heart needs space to breathe, not more reasons to feel stuck. We have all been through heartache at some point, and the last thing you need is “bigger and better” stories of how bad breakups can be. Likewise, if you’re travelling solo, take excursions, cooking classes, or walking tours so you can meet people along the way. Make a promise to yourself: if someone asks about your relationship status, keep it short: “I’m single,” and quickly move the conversation on to far more important things, like the best street noodles in town or where the best markets are.
Why Travel Works Like Therapy (But with Better Views)
- It’s a circuit breaker. When you’re in the same place you shared with someone, every café, park, or corner can be a reminder. Stepping into new streets helps you step out of old thoughts.
- It widens your perspective. Meeting people from different cultures shows you that life is bigger than your heartbreak. Having conversations with locals and other tourists is a wonderful education, which gives you a new perspective on life.
- It gives you room to grow. Trying new activities or navigating a new city can rebuild confidence piece by piece. If you can master pu
blic transport in another country, you can overcome anything, including a broken heart!
blic transport in another country, you can overcome anything, including a broken heart!
Your Heartbreak Travel Kit
Practical: a journal is essential for days when you feel emotional. Spill your emotions onto a page and read over your thoughts. If you find yourself being hard on yourself, ask yourself questions such as “Is that true?” Chances are they aren’t! Ensure you have a good camera (or just your phone) as well as a selfie stick for fabulous photos of yourself. Comfy shoes, and most importantly, a playlist that lifts your mood, no weepy ballads about heartbreak please!
- Emotionally, be curious about the culture, food and people. Be open to new experiences, patient with yourself, and permit yourself to feel joy and sadness on the same day. Self-compassion doesn’t get enough media attention; it’s branded as selfish and indulgent. Bulls**t! Put on your oxygen mask first before you look after others.
How to Heal on the Road
- Let your days breathe. Let the day surprise you. Some mornings you’ll be ready for adventures, others you might need to just sit in a café and watch life go by. Both are okay.
- Say yes to connection. Accept invitations for coffee, join a cooking class or an excursion, or chat with the person next to you on the train. You never know who you will meet.
- Turn your pain into something. Write about your journey, take photos, or sketch the view from your guesthouse balcony. You don’t have to share it — just let it be yours.
Places With Big Healing Energy
- Laos– drift down the Mekong River, enjoy bright orange sunsets, gentle smiles, and a slower pace that invites reflect
- ion.
- Cambodia – the awe of Angkor Wat at sunrise, lively markets, and a resilient spirit you can feel in the air.
- Bali – yoga, wellness retreats, and beaches to get lost in.
- Lisbon – pastel streets, soulful music, and sunshine that feels like a hug.
- New Zealand – nature’s reminder that the world is vast and stunning.
The Bigger Lesson
Your heart will heal in its own time. But your passport is ready right now. Travel won’t erase the pain, only time will heal it, but it will fill your days with moments so rich and beautiful that one morning you’ll realise you’ve laughed more than you’ve cried. And when someone asks, “So, what did you do after the breakup?” you’ll have the best answer of all:
“I bought a ticket, saw the world, and found myself again.”
My bestselling book, LIFE IS A CYCLE, is available for worldwide delivery
Sinéad Kennedy
Are you feeling lost, lonely, or have too much time on your own? I can help you to find happiness, fulfilment and create an action-packed life full of new adventures. Whether you’re solo, bereaved, post-breakup/ divorcing, empty nest or facing retirement and have no clue how to fill your days, I am here to help with Flying Solo Coaching.
Qualified: Diploma in Life and Business Coaching
Qualified: Advanced Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching
Qualified Addiction Recovery Coach
Qualified: Certificate in Relationship Coaching
Qualified: Overcame Mental health issues, suicide attempts and alcohol abuse to become a happy and fulfilled person!
Whether you need an inspiring book to read, a life overhaul, or a guided activity break, contact me to book your free consultation!
PRICING
Included in all prices
Paperback copy of my bestselling book:
Life Is A Cycle – A true story of resilience, cycling adventures and solo travel.
€115 per single coaching session (60-80mins)
€265 for 3 coaching sessions.
€499 for 6 coaching sessions.
Please note that my time zone is Dublin, which is the same as London.
