Jewles

Looking for a place to go where there are things to do to occupy the mind, yet you are able to relax and think to get your head on straight! Somewhere pretty. I always think of "Shirley Valentine" going to Mykonos one of the islands in Greece, but what will it be like in November? Lend me a hand folkes...Jewels

ssachida

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.

Weadles

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!!

Heimdall

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...

zeppole

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.

walkabout

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.

Jewles

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

Michel_Paris

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

travelerjan

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.

Weadles

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.

travelerjan

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.

Fashionista

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

Jewles

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

Michel_Paris

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?).

cw

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.

cheriegal

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.

Jewles

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

Michel_Paris

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.

qwovadis

http://www.cruisecritic.com/cruisest...ea.cfm?area=28

Singles cruises can be nice...

might consider someplace warm

and make some nice new friends rather than

isolating...Have Fun,

Sue4

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.