Nora

Obviously you wouldn't catch a flight
to NYC and hit Times Square. I would
go to some place like Sedona or Santa Fe.

Cass

Nora, I hope this isn't on your own behalf.....

But actually for some, under some circumstances, Times Square -- or better maybe Broadway -- might be just the thing. Look at all those people, who keep on keeping on -- having survived their own tragedies, etc. Noise, lights, movement, life.

But if you want reassuring, mind-refreshing solitude, there is nothing, nothing like waves breaking over rocks for me -- Maine, Northern California or the Northwest top the list. But wherever there is moving water, sounds of the grand parts of nature coupled with the small ones like birds and ferns, that's the place to decide it's okay to keep yourself company in this world for a little while longer.

Laura

Nora ... Having been through the divorce thing, a change in job, and then a real bad rebound relationship all within 6 months time, I went to Club Med in Huatulco. I know what you might think ... swinger. But actually, this Club Med was very low key but a lot of fun. I made great new friends, older than me (I was 35 at the time) and younger, and had a really good time. It was good to "get over myself" as they say.

Go somewhere and have fun. Don't dwell on the past. You'd be surprised what a different outlook can do for you going forward.

Just one person's humble opinion, for what it's worth.

Beamon

Lake Como in northern Italy
Scotland
small/rural towns along the south coast of France
Queensland, Australia
anywhere outside of Auckland in New Zealand
Tahiti
Sedona was a good suggestion above
the national parks in Utah
northern California: redwoods, Big Sur, Yosemite
Lake Tahoe
western Montana
coastal Maine

Cathy

I know where I went when I was recovering from an auto accident (after I was healed physically but still scared about driving etc) and that was to the Esalen Institute in Big Sur California. And am I ever grateful someone told me about it and I went there for a week. It's just so peaceful and quiet and incrediably beautiful. And so many other people visiting there are there after some big life change like a divorce or retirement etc. So there are many people to talk to when you wish to talk...and many places to go and sit by the ocean alone and think if that's what you prefer. They have a web site and are open year round. I didn't go for a workshop, I just stayed in a motel room there but they do have a big schedule of workshops of all sorts too.

Teresa

I'm of two minds about what to recommend. I lost my wonderful Dad very suddenly a year ago (when I was 37) and definitely suffered a bruising of the spirit. As the one-year anniversary of his death approached (which happened to be Thanksgiving weekend), my husband and I decided to literally leave the country. We packed up the kids and headed to Beaches Negril for some well-needed R&R--it had been a horrid, sad year for us all and this was wonderful medicine...money be damned, just this once. The simple act of having FUN again was a huge bonus and was very healing. My other thought is a little more self-directed. What about a spa? If you can't swing a week's worth, even a weekend would go a long way in restoring body and spirit. Best wishes in whatever you decide.

xxx

I had to leave my job due to harrassment problems from my boss. Fortunately he fessed up to the situation and I got a good settlement. I took the money and have done some traveling before heading back into the rat race. I found a trip to Ireland and Scotland to be just what I needed to clear my head.

ldsant

A couple of places I'd recommend:

Cannon Beach, Oregon
Big Sur, California
San Juan Islands, Washington
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Whister, BC
Sedona

I hope you feel better soon.

Ess

I went to a mountain resort to get away by myself for a few days, and spent the entire time outdoors, hiking, communing with nature. It was one of the best getaways I ever had, really helped me at a time I was going through some severe emotional turbulence. I find solace and peace in natural surroundings. But some people like to be around a lot of other people, to escape their sorrows in a crowd, to feel the warmth of other human beings. Maybe a city escape would be better. Depends on your temperament.

herself

A place that feeds your soul. It isn't your head that needs healing. Logic won't do it. It's the spirit, soul, chi, or whatever else you call it that needs healing. For me it is mountains or watching the Grand Canyon for a week.
Good luck.

ilisa

A few weeks after my father-in-law died, we went on a cruise. It has already been booked, and we saw no reason to cancel it. My husband says it is one of the best things he did. It was relaxing and really allowed him to collect himself during such a devastating time.

xxx

Please let us know which magazine or newspaper you are researching this topic for. Let see if yet another Fodor quote lands in Takeoffs and Landings, Destinations or Practical Traveler.

Jeanette

These people have all made some wonderful suggestions. It is your spirit that needs to be feed, just as herself said. Anyplace that lets you feel a certain peace or maybe even awe- that may replenish the soul toward some joy, can help do that. For me it does require some degree of solitude. For others a rebirth of joy might come from almost no introspection, but rather from plain old fun in a crowd. Sedona did it for me once, as did Southern Italy. I must have some empowering element that feels connection with red rocks and golden light.

Whynot

Some suggestions: Alaska, Lake Louise/Banff areas of Canada, Greece, south of France, Fiji, China, Hong Kong. The more exotic the better....

Helpful

If you're getting over a divorce, I would stay away from couple places and swinging singles resorts.

xxx

Having been to mainland China, I wouldn't recommend this to a single traveler who is looking for a relaxing get away. Hong Kong might serve the purpose, but it's a very long flight there and back to dwell on one's problems.

I have to agree with a previous poster that this is probably research for a magazine article. So don't say anything too personal that you don't want to wind up in print on the newstands.