Planning My First Solo Trip After Divorce: Grief & Reclaiming Joy
This isn’t your average solo travel blog post filled with hotel recommendations and foodie spots (don’t worry, those will come). Today, I want to share something deeper — something raw. I’m planning my first international solo trip after divorce, and whew… it hits different.
How My Solo Travel Journey Began
Since my first solo trip to Mexico in 2016, travel has always been my way of finding freedom. It gave me confidence, independence, and a deep love for exploring authentic travel experiences on my own terms. That trip sparked my passion for solo travel, and honestly, changed my life.
For a while, I thought I’d found my forever travel partner — someone to wander the world with, backpacks on, making spontaneous memories and still carving out space for our own solo adventures. That was the dream.
But life had other plans.
Why This Solo Trip Feels Different
Now, I’m planning out on my first solo trip since ending my marriage, and I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t sting a little. There’s no one waiting for me at the airport this time, no one blowing up my WhatApps with heart-eyed emojis and “can’t wait hear how it went” messages. No one waiting back at home with flowers and a hug.
It’s just me.
And while that reality is tender, it’s also empowering. Because the version of me boarding that flight is one who’s healing, growing, and fiercely reclaiming her joy. I’m not bypassing my emotions. I’m not jumping into another relationship. I’m not numbing or distracting myself. I’m choosing to feel everything — and go anyway.
That, to me, is the real solo travel magic.
Creating “My Eat, Pray, Love” Moment
Truthfully, I haven’t prioritized travel in the year since my divorce. I needed time to regroup. But now I can feel that spark returning. I’m daydreaming about roaming unfamiliar towns, striking up conversations with strangers, and eating something so good it makes me emotional (food really is the way to my heart).
This trip feels like a love letter to myself. Like “Eat, Pray, Love” energy — but with my own twist. A little more hot sauce, a little more reggaetón, and a whole lot of emotional honesty.
I’m not sharing my destination just yet (hello, solo female travel safety!), but I will share everything when I get back — the highs, the tears, the unexpected moments of joy. Until then, I’m diving into budgeting, travel hacking, and planning this adventure in a way that feels smart and aligned.
Final Thoughts: Planning My First Solo Trip After Divorce
If you’re navigating heartbreak or a new chapter — whether it’s a divorce, a breakup, or simply rediscovering yourself — I see you. You’re not alone. And maybe this blog post is the reminder you didn’t know you needed: You’re allowed to rebuild your life on your terms. To grieve and celebrate at the same time. To feel sad and excited and scared and hopeful all at once.
This trip is my next chapter. And I’m so glad you’re here to read along.
If you need some solo travel inspiration, here are a couple of my favorite destinations:
Evie
Female solo traveler, blogger and personal finance nerd helping women plan their solo travel adventures.
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