Divorce isn’t anything out of the ordinary.
In fact, approximately 41% of first-time couples decide to legally end their marriages.
However, that doesn’t mean that going through major family changes isn’t difficult.
A separation involves quite a bit of stress, even if both parties are congenial.
If you’ve recently gone through a divorce, you probably used a lawyer.
As the more than 1.2 million attorneys across the nation can attest, getting through any kind of case, including divorce, can be tough.
That’s why many professionals who deal regularly with divorced individuals recommend doing something fun when it’s all over and the paperwork has been signed.
What should you do as a way to celebrate the changing makeup of your family structure?
One suggestion is to take a vacation.
You don’t have to overspend, either.
Even a modest weekend trip with your kids, friends, or close family members could be just what you need to turn a new chapter in your life.
Below are some ideas for a getaway that will leave you feeling recharged and ready for whatever happens post-divorce.
Spend Time at an Amusement Park With Your Children
A child experiences divorce in unique ways.
Help your children see that divorce doesn’t mean the end of the family by taking them to a nearby or far away amusement park.
Even just spending a day on roller coasters or a water park can make them understand that just because their parents don’t live together, they can still have a great time with mom or dad.
Of course, make sure that your kids are healthy enough to travel to an amusement park, especially if they have compromised immunity.
Though 86% of elementary and middle schoolers under age 12 will be in very good or better health, you may want to get them their annual physical before taking them to a place with a lot of other people.
Journey to Places Where You Can Buy Jewelry Inexpensively
Thinking about traveling overseas to visit a foreign location that you’ve always dreamed about seeing in person?
With your divorce in the rearview mirror, now could be the perfect time to jet-set around the world.
Pick a place where your money will go farther, such as a tiny country where you can buy beautiful jewelry for pennies on the dollar.
For instance, some countries sell jewelry made from silver that costs much less than you would pay in America.
Silver’s been a go-to jewelry metal for over 6 thousand years and remains a lovely setting for anything from earrings to necklaces to bracelets.
Who knows?
You may find a replacement for your wedding ring at a small shop in an exotic land!
Go to a Wellness Retreat
If you Google “wellness retreats” or “yoga retreats,” you’ll get a lot of hits.
Many travelers like you are in need of a more balanced life.
Some may have had their family routines disrupted by divorce, too.
Others may just need time away from the office and family duties to regain a sense of a balanced life.
Going on any type of healthy retreat is a gift you can give yourself.
You may feel a little guilty at first, especially if you’ve spent a lot on your divorce.
Still, it’s important to remember that you deserve to get yourself back on track physically, mentally, and spiritually.
It’s not selfish to learn to meditate as a daily habit or make your personal health a priority.
Use Your Vacation as a Time to Help Others
Have you always been excited to help other people?
Maybe that’s always been your family role since you were a kid.
If so, you could always look for vacation opportunities that allow you to make others’ lives easier.
For example, why not add yourself to a mission trip to an underserved city or community?
Being around people who have less than you, or whose struggles make your own pale in comparison, can offer you with tremendous perspective.
Yes, you’ve been through a divorce and that’s very difficult.
But you’ll get through it with perseverance and a positive attitude.
Going on a volunteer-based trip can recharge your batteries and also allow you to do something good for the world.
Try a Staycation Instead of a Full-Blown Vacation
Does the concept of spending money to head to the beach or mountains make you feel a little weak in the knees?
Are you worried about your financial situation?
Rather than taking a journey from your house, make your house your personal bed and breakfast!
Don’t worry about cleaning your home during your staycation, unless it makes you happy.
Actually, don’t do anything unless it makes you happy!
Your staycation is an opportunity for you to reconnect with your family and practice a little bit of self-care.
If your ex-spouse recently moved out of the family home and you’re still living there, you may want to spend your staycation redecorating.
Moving furniture and putting up different pictures can completely change the way you feel about your house.
It can also allow you to grieve for the loss of your marriage if needed, and help you take steps to move forward.
Go for a Cruise
Are you a cruiser or someone who thinks that you might enjoy the cruising lifestyle?
Cruises routinely leave from many ports of call.
Cruising can be an affordable, comfortable way for you to experience new things and sights.
In a matter of a few days, you can check out other countries and experience tons of exciting adventures.
Check out cruises that may be leaving from a location nearby.
Many are quite economical, and some cruise lines are perfectly suited for kids if you want to take your kids with you while you travel around from place to place.
Do your homework and find the perfect cruise line and cruise itinerary.
Relationships aren’t simple, and that’s why so many marriages end in divorce.
Yet divorce is just one door closing, allowing another to open wide.
Instead of sitting around after a separation, do yourself a favor by using it as a chance to do a little traveling.
Even if you just travel around your hometown to sights you’ve never toured before, you’ll clear your mind and open your heart for what’s around the bend.