Ok, here it is. I've just gone through a pretty bad break-up, and am alone for the first time in a very long time. The way work is going, I think I will be able to go away for a month around Jan /Feb.

I need somewhere that's peaceful and comfortable, and somewhere that I can recuperate and regroup without having to be stressed about travelling.

I don't have a huge budget, but can afford to go somewhere and get a rental for a month I believe.

I am an avid photographer.

I must go somewhere that has great food, and am a food adventurer.

I am ok being a woman travelling alone. Have been to Europe, live in San Francisco. Don't mind if it's somewhere that rains a lot -- probably wouldn't want to go somewhere with a lot of snow however.

I don't care if the location is in the US or overseas.

I speak English, Italian and a little French, but that's it.

As a hobby, I write about farms / farmers / local foods, so working any of that in would be interesting.

At the moment, Bali is somewhere that I am considering. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Break-ups suck. Sorry that you're going through that.

If it were me and I had a full month to go somewhere for vacation, no work. I think I might look at South East France and/or North West Italy. I've never been there but this is my dream long vacation/retirement area. Someday!

Hope you find some place nice and have fun.

Might not be right for you, but I'd go to Mexico (I'm in Seattle)... but that's because I have been many times before, am very comfortable there, love the people, love the weather at that time of year, know how to live fairly cheaply there and entertain myself well. Food's great BTW.

My second choice would be Hawaii.

I'd go to Rome. And before you go, read Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Glazer.

I think big cities are the best place for me to get lost in (and heal if need by). Rome is a photographer's dream. And you'll never feel particularly alone amid the people in the City. It's also a very comfortable place to eat solo and you can find lots of reasonably priced apartments. www.sleepinitaly.com

By the way, don't worry if you can't speak Italian. You'll get along fine.

Ooops, sorry. I see that you said you speak Italian.

I recommend Vietnam, from Hanoi to Saigon. It's cheap, different than usa, and great food.

Rent an apartment in Paris for a month?

Not just Vietnam but S. E. Asia in general. Laze in Luang Prabang in Laos, marvel at Angkor Wat, eat in Thailand and Vietnam....

New Zealand is definitely an option. Great weather that time of year since it's summer in New Zealand/Australia. Travel is very easy for the independent traveler and can be relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, New Zealand isn't really known for its food, though it's gotten very good in recent years.

Australia is also an option with great beaches and better chance at good food.

As noted, Mexico - specifically, Baja - would be great as long as you stay away from the big resort areas. Good opportunities for whale watching in February.

Thailand and/or Laos.

Take the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur-Penang-Bangkok SE Asia trail; just nice for 1 month journey. It has enough fascinating details to make you coo like a child again - and forget about bad thoughts. The contrast and diversity will make anyone forget about home for a while.

They don't call the jungles there rainforest for nothing. Cheap food and hotel. Except Thailand, most people in Malaysia and Singapore speak English. No problem getting around and enjoy some off-grid activities like trekking, caving or perhaps some tropical beach time. Fancy watching fire-fly colonies make trees glow like Christmas tree? Or eat food that's a fusion between Spanish and Chinese? See child monks frolick in lotus blanketed pond?

Happy travels!

OH MY GOSH. Where to start. These are all great ideas. Vietnam. Italy. Mexico. South of France. How could you go wrong?

One of the upsides to a breakup is that you DO have the freedom to do what you want. It's liberating and you'll have a fabulous time, fogcity. Make sure that you stay in places (like youth hostels) where you'll meet lots of people so you don't find yourself feeling lonely. Hang out at cafes where there are a lot of other travelers and have a blast!

Thanks everyone for these great replies. They helped me more than you know.

I ended up booking an Intrepid tour to Vietnam that is focused on food! The trip is 15 days, and then I am staying another 6 on top of that. I cannot wait.

That sounds wonderful Fogcity! Enjoy your trip and be sure to let us know how it went.

Have a great trip, fogcity! I've traveled with Intrepid, and they have great itineraries and interesting fellow travelers. Give my love to Hanoi. Oh yes, trip report when you get back, please!

That sucks about the break up. It sounds like you need a vacation that's hassle free where you can meet lots of new people. I went on a Contiki Holidays tour alone and it was a great way to have my schedule planned out for me and meet people from all over the country with my same interests. I highly recommend this company because the staff was fun and knowledgeable and willing to change the schedule around a bit if we let him know that we were interested in something else.

Since you seem like you have a bit more traveling experience you may want to look into one of Contiki's resorts. They have one in Bali, which you said you are interested in, but there is also one in Mykanos, Greece. The web site is www.contiki.com.

Just a question since I'm into food as well. What's the strangest food you've ever had?

I know this feeling.I've experienced this.Although you would like to be left alone ( for no one else can understand the situation better than you do)you'd need some one to bounce off, when you are feeling low.A quiet lonely getaway is fine.Beleive me it can get very lonely ( when you are away from home).You'll need to talk to somebody.My advise is to take along someone you think will listen to you when you are low.It helps!!
A destination that offers quiet and allows you to let your hair down when you are up to it.
Bali or perhaps Maldives!!

Hi Fogcity. Sorry about the break up. I don't know what your budget is, but since you're an avid photographer, an Africa safari would be fantastic. It might be difficult to arrange something on such short notice, but then again, you might get a great discounted deal.

How about a European cruise or more exotic ports. Your as alone as you want to be on a ship.

Taken many a solo cruise or crossing. Have yet to finish a book....to many things to do and people to meet.

Strangest food: Maggots- in Vietnam!