if you want an ego boost, then Italy would be my choice. Its nice to have people flirt with you when you aren't feeling very good about yourself.

I've only visited the Greek islands in late spring/early summer, but I get the feeling that is NOT where you want to be in November. I think the islands are damp then and many ferries start in on their winter schedule, but check with others who know much more than I do about the weather, etc.

If you are really looking for an island retreat, I might suggest skipping Europe, and going as late in November ( December is better) as possible to one of the southern Caribbean islands like Tobago, Curacao or Aruba. Better chance for good weather the farther south you go at that time of year, plus Curacao and Aruba are out of the hurricane belt.

Good luck!!

Shiley Valentine's beach (Agios Ioannis) is still there, and, IMO, one of the nicer beaches near Mykonos Town. Times have moved on, and Mykonos is much busier than in 1989. I'm sure you didn't mean just Mykonos, though, and there are many other Greek islands that would fit the bill.

That said, can you move your trip up to September? At the beginning of October many island hotels and restaurants close for the winter, and by November only the larger ones (Rhodes, Crete, etc will have much activity. I can't imagine that strolling past shops and restaurants that are closed and shuttered would do much to cheer the soul.

If you must wait until November, recommend a city break in Paris, Rome, Athens...

How long do you have?

You might consider flying to Nice, just pottering away for awhile (there's enough to keep you busy) and then heading down into Italy. Spend the night in a pretty sea town, take a hike or two, but then head on to Florence, and fly out of Florence or Pisa. I would want a big heavy shot of history and personal accomplishment and humanism to put things in perspective.

In November, the only part of the trip I would book is the arrival in Nice and the flight out. I would go with mood and weather otherwise. You won't have trouble finding accommodations if you are having too much fun in Nice to want to leave right away, but if you hate it and want to hurry to Florence -- or anywhere -- you'll can book last minute there too.

The train ride down the coast is long, so bring a book and a leisurely attitude.

You could get a lot of rain in November, so if you think a seacoast would be too gloomy, maybe Sevilla, Cordoba and the Alhambra would completely take you out of your head.

Have a wonderful time exploring wherever you go.

You might want to rethink going to an island if you are trying to heal a broken heart.

Islands tend to be romantic getaways for couples, including honeymooners, and you are probably more likely to get the impression that everyone seems to be coupled off but you.

I have traveled all over the world solo, and the only time I felt a little out of place was when I went to Jamaica one Thanksgiving. For example, I took a bus tour on the island, and everybody on the bus was coupled off except for me and a woman who was there with her mother. Out of about 50 people.

Pretty much the same way on the flight over there, too. Couples smooching on the plane, gazing lovingly into each other's eyes...you get the idea.

I don't know your departure city, budget, or how much time you have off, but have you considered Sydney, Australia? It's a very pretty city, and the weather should be nice that time of year. Or how about Seville, Spain? It's a very pretty city,too, and the weather should be in the mid-60s F (about 19C) in November.

If you are dead set on an island, I liked Malta a lot, although I wouldn't exactly describe it as pretty. It's interesting, historical, quaint, and easy to navigate, though. If you want to go a bit further afield,I also liked Phuket. It's warm year-round, and November-to-March is generally considered the best time to visit.

Thanks, I am starting to realise with some research and your help that Greece is off season. I will still welcome any other places and it doesn't have to be Europe, I am from Ontario Canada, so going south to an island might be a good idea! Jewels

If I had to go somewhere to just be away from it all, the place that I have been to recently that fits that bill is Kas, in Turkey. Along the Turquoise Coast (Med), it is a small fishing village. We stayed at a hotel on the Med, where there were no winddows in our room, just this wide open space overlooking the Med, with sound of waves lulling us to sleep at night. No beach where we were, but lounge chairs and ladded down to ocean. We would watch locals out snorkeling with their harpoon guns, catching that night's meal.

The hotel has a basic restaurant that was outside, no walls, overlooking the Med.

From hotel we walked to main part of town, along harbour, some niceshops along hill rising from ocean, and a few good restaurants. From the harbour we took a day long trip to Lycean ruins (underwater city) that included swim stops from boat, and a decent lunch on a small island.

Paris was my other idea

Best wishes from fellow Ontarian

I agree that many islands are romantic getaways... there are many Greek islands that are NOT that way, but are fun and exciting, in WARM weather. Not November. I also personally feel that Paris is way too romantic for someone recently un-coupled. Trust me. How about a closer warm-weather island where you could be active -- swim, snorkel, kayak etc?? The Caribbean, but in the other direction from the BP Oil Greed disaster ... like somewhere in the Bahamas? The hurricane season is usually over by November (although there have been exceptions lately). There's an outfit called WestJet that apparently does package flights/hotel things from Canada to the Caribbean. In your shoes, I wouldn't look for "singles packages" but instead for something that involves activity ... hiking, kayaking etc. A good travel agent might help you in this, and in avoiding couples-oriented places.

I don't know if you're a "cruise person" or not, but I have a younger single female friend who recently went on a 7-night singles cruise of the southern Caribbean islands after a horrible breakup and had a blast. She met lots of new people, and didn't have that problem of being the lone single person on a beautiful island. Plus, you're constantly on the move, so if you don't like one place, you're onto the next by morning. Also- late November is shoulder season, so prices are reasonable.

Greek islands aren't necessarily romantic, but exciting and fun -- in WARM weather. And I think that Paris is waay too romantic for the recently uncoupled. Trust me on this. Michel means well, but is a "we." I'm not.

Going South from Canada may be better... the Caribbean, but far away from the BP disaster. How about the Bahamas? Did a great vacation in the winter there once. By November the hurricanes should be over. An outfit called Westjet seems to offer bargain vacation packages frm Canada to various Bahama destinations. A good travel agent might be able to steer you away from places that are too couples-oriented or full of families. One approach could be to research places with lots of activities... snorkelling, kayaking, hiking etc. Then you'd be up and doing by day, not moping... and then able to relax at sundown.

Id go for a cosmopolitan buzzing city like London or Amsterdam. Forget the cutsy must sees and let your hair down with the locals.

Keep it coming what great ideas I want to hang with you guys!

Costa Rica (eco trip) Peru (hike to Machu Pichu).

There are a few organization that offer volunteer trips to less developed countries (Habitat for Humanity perhaps?).

I like the cruise idea--though cruises attract lots of couples celebrating anniversaries there is an entire crew of officers who mingle in the evenings when the ship is at sea. The day time is easy, plenty to do on board the ship or at the port.

But I like Michel's idea of Paris. If there ever was a city that a single person can be in without feeling alone, I think it's Paris. The cafe's are full of tables occupied by one person and there is plenty of things to do to occupy your time, even the museums are open on selected nights. Sure it's romantic--but it's beautiful.

And if you're going to be sad, it's better to be sad in a beautiful place. You'll be treated well and seen as a person, and that's important. You don't want to be someplace where only "couples" seen as important.

I think the cruise idea is a great one. There are great ones in Europe and in the Caribbean. I've been to Greece but I wouldn't recommend it that time of year . I think Italy would also be a great choice - Italian men definitely will build up your ego!!! There are lots of single tour groups where you could be with other people and wouldn't have to be alone - unless that's your preference. There are groups that are just women and groups that are mixed. I've been on lots of tours with girlfriends and there are always singles mixed in. They are always included if they want to be or they can be more on their own. Whatever you choose I wish you the best. I've been through a lot of break-ups but keep a positive attitude - and it seems as though you already have that - and know that broken hearts do heal. Let us know where you decide.

I will add a bit more information, I am young 50 year old, so that might also help with all of your ideas. Not overly athletic but fit. This site alone, since my passion is travelling, is very comforting, I look forward to the replies! J

Cw,
You understand. In Paris, you can spend quiet time in parks, walking along the Seine, when you need to be "away". When you want to be around people, there are the museums, shows,etc.. You can eat well (all the Berthillon ice cream you want, if that's your choice). You can easliy pamper your taste buds. And if you want other pampering, Paris has it..perhaps a visit to a hamam. Want to be with other tourists...do a walking tour.

There is something about the eternal nature of the place that strikes a chord. The passage of time and countless characters that have been where you are now.

www.cruisecritic.com/cruisestyles/area.cfm?area=28

Singles cruises can be nice...

might consider someplace warm

and make some nice new friends rather than

isolating...Have Fun,

I think Paris is a wonderful place to be a "single". As is London. I'm a lot older than you, and still go frequently to Paris alone, as well as to other parts of France. But I admit I haven't had to get over a broken heart in a long time! When I was in my 30's, trying to get over a divorce, I went up to your neck of the woods (Canada) to a ski resort in February (I'm from Florida). I had an absolutely wonderful time, met so many nice people. Had a romantic interlude with a handsome Canadian, with whom I kept in touch for quite awhile (he came down to visit me in Florida). I had never done any traveling alone, but had such a blast that first time that I've kept on traveling ever since - and don't ever mind being a "single".

I think all the suggestions on here sound good.
Just make up your mind to have fun, enjoy the scenery, meet new people - and you'll be over your broken heart soon enough.

Crystal and Fred Olsen kind of specialize in this...

Lots of spiritual healing classes like Yoga Spa great food.

I'm not sure I'd want a cruise. What if I didn't like it? I couldn't get away from it.

Paris would be too romantic for me. All those other people kissing.

If you can stand a bit of cold, a bit of Mittel Europe might fit the mood, but be fun at the same time. But I'd top it off with sunny Italy.

Jewles, I hope you feel better soon. You said it does not have to be Europe so maybe you can consider Hawaii, San Diego, San Francisco or New York. Hawaii is wonderful and the rest are great cities.

Please take care.

I have been to Mykonos twice in November. It was pleasant and warm(ish) but the town was empty, almost all of the shops closed and in the evenings not too many restaurants to choose from. In fact, I remember only four.

Yes it IS a beautiful town even out of season but it does lose its soul when there's nobody there. You also have to take into acount possible transportation problems. Flights from Athens will have reduced to one or two a day and ferries will be fewer and subject to delay etc.

To be honest, although I love the island dearly had I not been there for a funeral the first time and a wedding the next, November would not have been my choice.

Perhaps one place to think about is Palma de Mallorca. A very charming town with a great old quarter, a stunning cathedral and royal palace, lots to see and do and good temperatures usually until mid to late November. Also, plenty of flights to and from other parts of Europe.

Bill

I think a cruise is a great idea. Pick it up in San Juan, so you visit more islands and have less time at sea. We went this past Spring and there were lots of singles on our cruise, even though it was not a singles cruise. You can join up with groups ahead of time on cruise.com and plan excursions like snorkeling and scuba diving. You will meet lots of people to hang out with. This was our first cruise and I was very anti-cruise. We had such a good time, we came home and two weeks later booked a trans-Atlantic. Different than our regular sightseeing, but great fun. You might even coax a single friend into going with you.

You can take a short cruise if you're not sure you're going to like it. One of my friends is booked on a 4-day cruise out of San Juan in November. Again, I'd highly recommend trying to find a cruise that's going as far south as possible. I say this because I've been to a lot of the islands in mid-November to late-November, and the weather can be iffy unless you really head south.

Now about Paris: While I love it with all my heart, and have been many times, I can't imagine mending a broken heart there. I don't find it that friendly, which for me is strangely part of its charm. And it's achingly, romantically beautiful, so it wouldn't be my top choice for an attitude repair.

Michel,

A woman I met who was an American ex-pat, lived in Paris for years with her Hungarian husband, had a flat in Paris. After her divorce she told me that alone in London was bad for her but Paris made her happy because it was so beautiful. Also she could dine out and walk around alone without any worry.

I've thought of that every time I've been since (3 times), and have to agree.

Jewles--someone once told me that "you make your own fun." I've never forgotten that, both at home and traveling. It's true.

Look for somewhere that appeals to you, and you'll do O.K.

Paris.

I always go alone to Paris nowadays and I wouldn't have it any other way. And I should say that I've never felt "alone". Far from it actually.

How about Egypt? The weather will be temperate and your mind will be occupied, I guarantee. And you get to see some of the most amazing ruins in the world!

Go somewhere you love or have always wanted to go.

Don't go somewhere planning for a broken heart, life is a magical ride, you may be feeling much better by November.

Places I've traveled alone that I think would work for a solo in these circumstances include New Zealand (one event I went on was an all-women day trek); I felt very safe, and it was familiar enough yet far away (I'm from San Francisco).

Also, while it has the same potential problems Paris does, for me, Venice enables me to walk, and walk, and walk; to be surrounded by people yet able to be with my own thoughts; to be away from people (on the boats to the other islands and around the islands and in the neighborhoods). But then Paris would also work for me.

I agree with above comment that places with history, eternal appeal, beauty, art, could be healing. For me that's the great cities like Rome, Paris, Venice.

Finally, my best, very best, "getaway" mentally was taking a mosaic course in Venice and being able to break rock/glass/tile for 8 hours a day. It worked so well for me that I'm going to take a week-long course in Ravenna this fall.

For a totally different idea...I might recommend Germany. So much history. It is easy to lose yourself in the study of WWII. Lots of interesting towns and experiences along the way. And at the end a lot of perspective on life.

Paris.

There is no other place.

Thin

Paris without a doubt. I have been widowed for 5 years and still return to Paris every year alone. It is a city that can be enjoyed and loved either with someone or alone. There is no other city that compares with Paris.

I think Lsky has the right idea. You might feel better tomorrow and you don't want to be stuck with a trip you planned with a broken heart.

Just go where you want to go. If you want to be doing things at night and not spending them alone -- like going to the theater, concerts, meeting other people -- go to a country where you speak the language that has entertainments that suit your taste.

When Im feeling listless and down I tend to go for short impulse trips. Why not just google, see what flights are available, pick somewhere you like and go that weekend.

Its fun, you get to go to lots of places and if you don't really like it, you are only away for a few days. The randomness is great as you get to see things that would not normally feature in your personal list had you really thought about it.

I think you also need a purpose to the trip - something you really want to do or see. For me its usually a painting or a building. Its a bit like collecting stamps, but in trips. So if you have a passion for films of a certain director, why not use the locations as a theme for a series of trips.

Finally take an ipod full of music. Everything should be on there from thrash metal to euro pop.

Good luck

I think a visit to the timeless ocean is the best remedy for a broken heart. And, you want some activities and things to see, to take your mind off things, but not too romantic a spot so you won't have all those couples in your face. Pampered would be nice. And someplace cool you can brag about to your friends afterwards.

Hmmm... a smallish city on a northern coast somewhere, with maybe a short cruise involved ... Amsterdam, (near) Bordeaux, Edinburgh, Dublin, Stockholm, ....

You all have great ideas, I see that Paris keeps popping up, and yes I have been there twice, so I agree, the only thing with that is I try not to repeat a place when there are so many places I haven't been. I like the idea of possibly Habbitat for Humanity, go away for a while, do some volunteer work and travel at the same time! Thank you all, I mean it! J

I second Habitat for Humanity Global village programs:
http://www.habitat.org/cd/gv/schedule.aspx

The programs are all over the world. I did one in Portugal a few years back, and am planning to join the Cameroon trip in the Fall.

You'll be doing something meaningful, with a group of like minded folks. Talk about getting a true slice of local culture.

But more importantly, it should give you some perspective of what you do have in life.

More volunteer options, with housing included:

http://www.workaway.info/

When my father passed away unexpectedly I was heartbroken and devastated. After the funeral, I decided to fly out to Spain solo trip for a week to distract myself. Bad idea. I found out the hard way that, when nursing a broken heart, is probably best to face off the pain surrounded with people who love you unconditionally. It is a process and trying to "waterdown" its course may backfired. Just a thought. Whatever you decide to do, hope all goes well. The best thing God created was one day after another.

jewles, my best friend and i also posted.. we are planning a 30th bday, post divorce girls on the go trip! feel free to come with us (not until february) our dream destinations are a tour of southern italy or ireland!

Hi Jewles,

Since you are open to other ideas, let me share with you my favorite destination for November: Queensland and New South Wales, Australia! A long trip from Canada, but it will be late spring, beginning of summer there, a wonderful time of year to be in Australia.

Fly in to Brisbane, and go to Noosa Heads, a chic little resort on the Sunshine coast. Visit Fraser Island and other local attractions, then either work your way down the coast or fly directly to Sydney, one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

I have been to Australia as a single traveler twice in the last ten years (I am in my 60s), and they were wonderful experiences. Just the planning alone will take your mind off your troubles. The Aussies are friendly, welcoming people, and you will have the time of your life.

dear jewles, i hope your heart heals soon
cheers
AndrewDavid

Hi Jewles, I hope your heart heals soon and you can smile again. I suggest a big city where there is lots to see and do, where you can people watch and eat by yourself without feeling self-conscious and keep busy, doing guided walks or visiting museums and galleries, shopping etc. There is an endless array of cities to choose from - New York, London, Rome, etc. Also November is off season in most places but big cities always have a buzz about them with lots going on, even in the cold weather.

Kay

Again, this is fun, and I thank you,and girlstrip, thanks for the invite, must take my holidays this year, but will keep it in mind for next.

Your heart will be filled with love once again soon.
Traveling always makes me think so.
<3

Jewles, your request has ignited the caring hearts of contributors on this board. In 24 hours you have received an amazing 47 replies. No better idea to heal a broken heart than a journey to reflect on life. Anywhere you chose will fit the bill. Even if Greece is your pick when the weather is not optimum, the caring folks there will renew your faith to trust again. If you can find your way to travel in mid to late October you may be lucky with the weather. The ocean anywhere has healing power in any weather,

Jewles, your request has ignited the caring hearts of contributors on this board. In 24 hours you have received an amazing 47 replies. No better idea to heal a broken heart than a journey to reflect on life. Anywhere you chose will fit the bill. Even if Greece is your pick when the weather is not optimum, the caring folks there will renew your faith to trust again. If you can find your way to travel in mid to late October you may be lucky with the weather. The ocean anywhere has healing power in any weather,

Beautiful as it is, Paris was the only city that made me feel a bit lonely and wistful while on my own. I never felt that way in London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Leipzig, Copenhagen, Edinburgh or Vienna.

By contrast, I once took a two week vacation in Costa del Sol with family and sometimes wished I were alone!

Good luck deciding, Jewles.

Hi Jewels, I also hope your heart heals soon. I started out on here today to find someplace new and exciting to go, I stumbled on to your post and the curious side of me had to read. I have never been there but I think you should meet some handsome Aussie in a bar in Sydney. There is only one way to mend a broken heart and that is someone else. Once you decide where you are going, post back and everyone will help you. Another option is NYC, nothing like shopping to help you feel better.

I would go here and am actually planning on doing so.

[link]http://www.visitnorway.com/[/link]

zeppole, good try but people seem to like misery.

Not sure I would choose Paris, or Norway even more, in November. Paris can be quite cold and cheerless at that tiem of year. And Norway definitely is cold. I once had a miserable time in Oslo, alone, in November.

It's a tough call. I'm from Ontario too, and in November I'd go somewhere warmish at least. Rome comes to mind. Egypt on some kind of tour sounds great. Costa del Sol, Andalucia, Grenada would probably be great. Morocco? Probably not alone.

How easy is it for you to connect with others? Or do you even want to? What's your budget? A cruise can be quite supportive of solo travellers.

I love the idea of "meeting some handsome Aussie in a bar." But you need at least two weeks if you're going to travel that far. I found the jet lag very hard to handle when I returned to NYC after a 9-day stay in Sydney and The Great Barrier Reef.

And speaking of New York, I live just outside the city, and I don't think November is a great time for a solo visit. The days are shorter, it's chilly, and we're not that friendly. I'm sort of kidding, sort of not.

You guys are funny, I am going to the travel agent today, possibly a bus tour, of turkey, but then I am still open I have a while to make up my mind. , thanks for all your help your ideas you can tell, come from true travellers....J

Jewles, I also suggest a big city: Barcelona. In Barcelona you have the possibility to relax at different parks like Park Guell, get a tan at Barceloneta beach and enjoy the great architecture like the Sagrada Famillia, which is amazing. You can also eat many different things, authentic Catalan food, the best tapas, Italian, Chinese, fastfood, great icecream for dessert and so much more..

It´s also the city of fashion, that has to make you feel better. When you´re in the mood to party you can go to many different clubs or bars. There are many kinds of people so you meet whoever you want. It´s a great place to get your head on straight!

If you need more information you just let me know, I´ve been here for a while now and I love it! Good luck and have fun.

OHcarlos

Look at all of the wonderful responses! As a female traveler in my mid-forties, I am usually alone on my trips. As my name indicates, I am partial to Rome and I would definitely say from experience that November is a good time to visit the Eternal City.

For more suggestions, and maybe even to find a group, try http://www.travelsisters.com/

Also, for volunteering and other options, look at the website http://www.goabroad.com/

Good luck and if you do go to Europe in November, I'd be happy to meet you for a coffee/drink

Tahiti! Moorea, Raitai, etc.

There are a good number of responses, and I will admit I haven't read them all, but I agree with the concept that an island isn't your best option. Has anyone recommended a cruise? Depending on your age (I'd say up to mid 40's) you might consider the new NCL Epic. It has solo traveller rooms so you don't have to pay the huge single supplement. It also offers access to a "living room" where the other 126 solo travellers can meet, have a coffee, watch the latest sports show. That way, you get warmth, to visit the islands, but not commit to any one. Take a shore tour to snorkel some of the prime water spots. It's a fun loving ship, but it has mixed reviews and I think that would be age related. Give it a checkout and see it it would work for you. Otherwise, I would agree with Italy for a boost in you morale. Don't choose a place too isolated. I'd say Rome for a bit and then maybe Amalfi coast south of Naples. Think Under the Tuscan Sun rather than Shirley Valentine.

odd as it may sound, i must agree with BillJ and recommend Tahiti, Moorea, Rangiroa, Huahine...i know most think of the south pacific as a honeymoon destination. i've traveled there alone several times and found if you stay away from Bora there are usually other singles, or non-honeymoon couples to hang out with. by far the most fun i've ever had anywhere were in these islands, in the water, snorkeling or diving. no better way to gain perspective on life in general than in these waters. november is a good time of year to go, the people are lovely and kind, the food is excellent, and then of course there are those lagoons.

I second Zeppole's first post: "I would want a big heavy shot of history and personal accomplishment and humanism to put things in perspective." Wherever you decide to go, decide to learn something new and achieve something new. Remember to keep things in perspective - Grow into your new self and have fun with it! Safe Travels!

Paris cheers me up because it's so beautiful. And I think it's a great place to go solo. But November...? I'd probably head to Rome for the chance of sunnier skies. Tons to do and see, lots of beauty, so much history to contemplate, buzzy excitement, lots of good food and wine.

Ah-ha! Susansothermail, another person smitten with the Tahitian flu. iorana.
Well, I know if I had been in an emotional train wreck, that's where I would head. In a heartbeat!
You can loose yourself in those lagoons and beaches. Stay away from Bora. Too crass.
Stay at a pensione with a friendly Tahitian hosts. (They're all friendly.) Maitai's to soothe the soul.
Ah, yes, I think I hear the drums calling.

Yes Tahiti, you make it sound so appealing, I am going to check it out. Now don't worry folks all your thoughts and ideas are taken seriously, and when I decide where I am going I will be sure to let you know. Drums did you say Bill?... and Maitai's I'm thinking really hard about this one....J

I have the Polynesian flu as well, but didn't suggest it, not sure why. It's a long way to go, and very expensive. Ten days is doable. Think about the Paul Gauguin cruise ship (pgcruises.com). It is an amazing experience, a small intimate ship. The staff are so wonderful, you would never feel lonely. And the islands are magnificent. Been there 4 times.

TahitiNui Air has some quite reasonable fares at this time, and if you pick your pensiones well (Travel agents typically don't book pensiones), it can really be surprisingly affordable. On the other hand, I learned a long time ago that the words budget and Tahiti aren't usually found in the same paragraph. That was about 5 trips ago. And those overwater bungalows are sooooo tempting.
To each his own, I've been on cruises, but I would not cruise there. Too much to experience staying on land.
I should warn you, Jewles, whether land or sea based, as you can see, once there, you will forever be suffering from the Tahitian flu.
Check out the info and forums on
http://www.tahiti-explorer.com/
Now that we've thoroughly confused you; Good luck Jewles, we're all pulling for you to find the right place, where ever that turns out to be.

Hi Jewles, so sorry your heart is broken! Thirty two years ago I was an Army Lt stationed in Europe, and my heart was broken by my first serious love... it was horrible! I could not stop crying. When my heart was broken, a friend and I explored Switzerland, which is gorgeous anytime of the year, and then drove south in France to Nice and Monaco. It was mid-October; the weather was cool and sunny, and the crowds were gone. I would also go to one of the bigger European capitals like Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, etc.suggested by others. Florence is a great place in late fall. Immerse yourself in Renaissance art, shop until you drop, pray at the cathedrals, and rent a car for a drive in the Tuscan countryside. Do your Christmas or Hannukah shopping too. Your mind will be engaged while your heart is on the mend.

Aloha, Jewles!

Keep your chin up...better times are coming.

There are many recommendations to go to Paris, which is such a magical city. There is so much to do and see that even if you didn't plan a tight itinerary, there would be no shortage of different things to do and see each day. Probably an easy trip from Ontario too.

For something warm and exotic, how about Bangkok? Not as easy to get to as Paris, granted, but it would keep you seriously occupied. For a few days of relaxation you could wander over to Phuket and spend some time on the beach as well.

I can very much sympthasize with you here. I'm kind of doing the same thing - I'm running off to Berlin for Christmas, gives me something to look forward to.

what a great opportunity! wherever you select join a language school or take cooking lessons, pick grapes, olives, get involved in the culture. of course i always pick italy and can give you some GREAT places to go.
or take a one week class in london, GB also has great walking holidays where you walk for the day and stay in a hotel with meals etc.
love the train? go across the USA by train!

cruise. went trans atlantic last year was GREAT there are a few trans pacific too. i could go on and on

I'd hate to be a big city if travelling alone. If you're in a group, then it's OK, but alone? That would just accentuate the "alone" thing.

May I suggest a Nile Cruise? The boats are not that big, you'll get to know most people and they mostly speak English. There's an enormous amount to do and see, fantastic to sit on deck with a drink and watch Egypt go by and the weather will be warm. Most of Europe will not.

Because the boats are much smaller than cruise on one of the big lines, you'll always have someone to talk to and have fun with.

All I can say is wow, how great it is to talk to people who have the same interest as myself. The suggestions are great, and the words of encouragement they are pretty good too!! I am certainly being entertained thats for sure....J

If you are some where near to UK then I will suggest you Cyprus , the beaches are perfect for relaxing .

I do have to say - not sure if anyone will see this or not - but feels good to get it out - I am in the process of fixing a broken (smashed to pieces) heart. I am 28 and looking for somewhere to run away too and your ideas on here have been fantastic!! I have really appreciated them. I know Jewles, it has been awhile since you posted on here, hope you are doing well and that slice in your heart has been sewn back together!! Thanks again, I truly do appreciate all this.

Adrienne, I invite you to join the fine company of some of your fellow-travellers for a gathering on the Full Moon in Oia, Santorini on May 17 at 7pm at the Laokasti Restaurant. We'll be happy to help you take your mind off your troubles. The first glass of wine is on me!