Feature photo by Face it. Photo above by Franco Folini.

When I told my mom I’d been dumped she laughed at me. I wasn’t surprised by her callousness as I am more often the dumper than the dumpee and it seemed about time that karma bit back.

Friends proved to be more sensitive to my plight. I found that most of them assured me they wouldn’t dump me if I were their girlfriend- the only exception being the dude who actually did dump me when I was his girlfriend.

I was left with the crucial phase of post-break-up recovery: packing up my emotional baggage and getting out of town.

Moving on after a break-up is difficult but necessary. The healing powers of travel often prove to be effective and helpful.

Here are some tried and true combinations I suggest to turn an owner of a broken heart into a roamer with a broken heart, which is much better.

Photo by ChristineRenee.net.

Island+Sister

Whether deserter or desertee, an island is a perfect place to try out a little self-imposed exile and get away in order to pull yourself together with the help of a loving sibling.

Though John Donne assured us that no man is an island, you sure feel like one after being cast away. Why not just embrace your island solitude with one of the people who knows you the best (and is obligated to love you, no matter how much of a bummer you are to be around).

Cabin+BFF

A cabin is a land-locked island perfect for retreating and nursing wounds. The peace and quiet of nature, as well as its vastness, is a perfect environment to reflect and put things into perspective.

Bring the best friend along so she can remind you of all the hard times you’ve been through and survived. This time is no different. Go climb a mountain or something.

After that roast marshmallows or engage in some other campy thing and you’ll be feeling better before you know it.

Photo by cameronparkins.

Amsterdam+ESP Buddy

If you want to forget your troubles, as well as what happened a few minutes ago, get yourself to Amsterdam as soon as possible.

Bring along your “ESP” amie, the one who knows what you’re thinking just by looking at you and laughs at all the same things. You’ll quickly find life is not that bad after all and you might as well enjoy it.

Laughter as therapy usually works wonders, and Amsterdam is the perfect place to rediscover your sense of humour.

Picnic+Posse

Unfortunately, break-ups rarely coincide with a boost in budget. If you’re broke and bummed, you still have options.

Think minimum price for maximum fun and huddle up as many pals as possible- pack some food and adult beverages, and have a picnic. Doesn’t matter if it’s cold outside…be creative.

Getting out of the house and having your friends around you for support is what it’s all about. Plus, picnics make everyone happy.

Photo by -nathan.

Open Road+You

They say misery loves company, but I would argue that misery also loves being alone in their car sobbing the lyrics to Bjork’s Hyperballad as it drives down an open road.

The newly single must embrace their liberty and freedom as well as the occasional loneliness that comes with it. What better way to do that than going on a solo trip to wherever your tires or the train tracks take you?

Make sure to pack plenty of music. I find classic rock songs of heartbreak highly therapeutic, especially when I think of all the people, from the Fleetwood Mac era to modern day, who have nursed themselves back to health by listening to the same ballads.

Although a weekend getaway is unlikely to completely cure your heartbreak, it will distract you from it long enough to see that things will eventually get better.

Travel has now become an integral part of my break-up recovery ritual. This time around I’m thinking of exploring North Africa…

Any trips we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Old woman laughing. Photo by phitar

Whether suffering from homesickness or culture shock, jet lag or entourage ennui, the traveler’s life is not always as happy as vacation photos might make it seem.

Hitting a few rough patches along the way is natural and to be expected as you globe trot.

Just because you’re having exciting adventures and visiting beautiful places doesn’t mean that every day will be exciting and memorable.

Here are a few unique suggestions that are guaranteed to make your travails a little happier.

1. Listen to Cheesy Music

I know you have it. I do. Put on your headphones, and experience the magical healing powers that Earth, Wind, and Fire, Huey Lewis and the News, and Phil Collins can have on a case of the grumpies.

While traveling, you rarely get the time to dance in their underwear to TLC’s “Creep” while getting ready for a night out, or belt out Queen lyrics in your singing-in-the-car voice. Well, it’s up to you to make the time.

So put on some Pete Townsend and let his music open the door to your heart and a better mood.

2. Stream Some Psychotherapy

The nascence of live streaming and podcasts on the Internet has revolutionized the way we can treat homesickness. These wonders of technology bring your home to you with the aid of an Internet connection.

Radio shows and news broadcasts not only permit the listener to enjoy a nice dose of refreshingly easy to understand English, but updates from the home front can also help you realize that your native land is still there and will be waiting for you when you get back.

Plus, there’s the instant mood boost that comes from catching the weather forecast predicting thunderstorms and humidity in your hometown as you’re basking in the blue skies and sunshine of somewhere exotic.

3. See A Hollywood Movie

I officially absolve you of all guilt associated with seeing a Hollywood blockbuster or checking out your fetish filmmaker’s newest film while you’re in a foreign land.

You are allowed to take a night off from sightseeing and sampling local flavor if you’re starting to get burnt out. Like podcasts, films can put you back into an English-speaking environment once again as well as give a window into your native culture.

Sometimes a cinematic experience is all it takes to revive your spirits and sense of adventure. Don’t deprive yourself of necessary respites along the way.

4. Enjoy The Silence

If you’re not staying in a bustling urban environment and don’t have access to technological audio-visual aids to distract yourself from your melancholy, you’ll have to be more creative about getting out of the doldrums.

On a hiking trip through the Alps one summer I experienced my fair share of grueling days. On the most physically and mentally exhausting ones, the only thing that helped me was simply shutting off my mind.

It’s true what Milton said, “The mind is its own place, and in itself, can make heaven of Hell, and a hell of Heaven.”

Don’t let your mind make things more hellish – instead, revel in the meditative moments that come when one is surrounded by wide-open spaces. Don’t think about the past or the present. Don’t think at all. Just be quiet.

5. Get Metaphysical

I learned this tactic in Italy as I was lost and trying to find my hostel before it was too late to check in.

In my clearly stressed-out state, I paused to check the address. Completely absorbed in my quest, I raised my head to see a man standing in front of me, offering a piece of Italian candy in an attempt to alleviate my agony.

Almost immediately, my frustration evaporated. I realized in that moment that the true treasures of travel are these moments, often unexpected, which can swing you through the tough times until you can grab onto the next one.

Lastly, remember that most negative experiences are the funniest stories you’ll tell when you get home. Think about what an entertaining party guest your tales will make you!