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! ;-)

Go to Mykonos in July or August. It's soo beautiful, there are young people from around the world, and so many people to meet! Everyone's happy and friendly since they're all happy to be on that beautiful island. There are beautiful beaches, great clubs and bars, and gorgeous people. You'll forget your broken heart, I promise.