Where would you go in Europe for two months of healing time ?

[Magnoliainbloom]

I’ve had the most horrific year with ex. Sadly, I’ll have to leave my home in a few weeks. I was hoping to buy a new place, but nothing seems to be working out for me. So much has happened and feel so overwhelmed and like I can’t cope anymore. Thinking of sticking my stuff in storage and leaving the UK to go somewhere peaceful for a couple of months to process everything.

Where would you go?

@Magnoliainbloom I'd taken an unpaid sabbatical, but when I returned to work I couldn't take the bullshit any more. Resigned after a year, sold my house, travelled a bit more then settled in France. Very happy!

Thank you all for such thoughtful responses.
I’m feeling better/hopeful already. Today, I got quotes for storage and am searching for free packing boxes. Never thought I’d see a day like this - technically homeless at 46. I’m fortunate that I have some financial security. I feel like I’ll resign from my job - sort of let my whole life burn so that I can start again.

Good suggestion to have a base for at least a month. I have travelled extensively and am quite an adventurer.

@Sundaefraise thanks so much for the book suggestions - I’ll certainly look these up!

Less exotic but I ran away to the west coast of the Ireland in similar circumstances. Didn’t have the mental energy for proper ‘abroad’. Rented a cottage within comfortable driving distance of Cork and the Dingle Peninsula. I didn’t know green fields could be so green! And sometimes I could drive for half an hour without encountering another car. It’s probably all changed now.

Taormina is beautiful, but it felt busy. Maybe I didn’t venture out too much from the centre.

I would go to Turkey.
Specifically Fethye/Ovacik. They currently have huge inflation but (if careful) still cheaper than here.

Lots of ex pats but not a 'British Community', friendly and helpful locals most of whom speak some english. Lovely, lovely people who make you feel so welcom.
I go on my own a couple of times a year and feel far safer there as a single woman on my own than I do in the UK.

Switzerland is indeed beautiful, the mountain villages especially - that's where I go when I want to get away from it all.

Go somewhere where they speak a different language OP, makes you feel as though you are a million miles from home - which is a good thing. Mountains or ocean, both are good.

Austria, Tyrol specifically.
or Croatia or Bulgaria, underrated and beautiful countries

That takes courage - it’s great you found your feet. I dream of owning a flat somewhere in Provence.

Greek islands- well connected and lots of simple but relaxing places- 2 weeks on Hydra, 2 weeks on spetse, 2 weeks in Porto heli- all connected by SeaCat - few days in Athens at beginning and end

Are there a lot of tourists on these islands?

@Magnoliainbloom it came from desperation rather than bravery 😬 but I love it. Provence is beautiful but everywhere in France is!

If I was going to disappear for a while I'd choose Thailand. In Europe I'd look at ibiza. Not playa den bossa or San an, somewhere quieter, but I love the island and think it is really a magical place

A lot of the places mentioned are going to be extremely hot when you're looking at going, so that's worth taking into account unless that's what you want.

Unless you want to spend time now researching and developing an itinery, I think I'd just book the outward flight and the first two or three weeks accommodation somewhere relaxing but in striking distance of a city - eg somewhere like Cascais, where you can relax, but get the train to Lisbon if you feel like it and then just play it by ear from then on.

I dream of owning a flat somewhere in Provence.

The Le Corbusier unité d’habitation in Marseille absolutely has my soul. I could be happy there forever.

Not recommending a place but a book to read whilst you're away. Devorgilla Days by Kathleen Hart. I'm reading it right now and it's a comfort of a book about recovery and rediscovering yourself after hard times.

I found Gozo a peaceful retreat.

West coast of Denmark.

A Greek island.

Cantal in central France.

I too , am thinking of doing this after a very stressful couple of years . I did something previously and had a summer adventure on the East Coast of the US . So great to be alone , on your own schedule but still interacting with people if you want to . Hope it goes well for you .

How attached are you really to your own things? If I were you, I’d have a major clear out and keep nothing or a minimal amount in storage. It can cleanse your life. I know a few people who did similar to you: one did not want any of her stuff when she came back and one started a new life abroad and the stuff became a bit of a burden. Just a thought. Good luck.

Thank you for the book recommendation. This looks very interesting and it resonates - I suppose I’ve had a lack of community in my life through all the trials and turned inwards for a very long time. Feels like things will always be this way if I don’t change things soon.

Rome.

I love the feeling of being alone in a city. Anonymous in the bustle, but so much to explore.
I'd walk and walk until I knew every bit of the city. I'd find my 'own' special places: a little coffee bar where I became known, a favourite little piazza where I'd have April spritz most evenings.
I'd shop in the local markets in the mornings and live off simple pasta and salads.
I'd find works of arts which spoke to me and I'd just keep returning to spend time with them.
I'd find a few trattorias I loved where I'd go and eat and read while I drank red wine.
I'd aim to go to every church in the city and learn the history.
I'd read and read and read. Roman history, travel books, art books and fiction whatever absorbed me and spoke to my soul.

You might be able to tell I've thought about this quite a bit, but I can't go, too many responsibilities. Go for me 😁

Ithaca in Greece. Specifically Kioni. It is wonderful. A beautiful place :)

If you don't want to spend too much time inside your head think about volunteering with Workaway or HelpX - you get free food and accommodation in exchange for 4/5 work a day. You'll meet lots of interesting people and (maybe) get a different perspective on life.

I don’t own a huge amount of stuff as I’m pretty minimalist. My ideal life would be a simple but cosy house with very little stuff. It’s burden owning a lot of things.

No recommendation as I haven’t been anywhere truly beautiful in ages but I just wanted to wish you well.