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Original poster

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

130 replies

Magnoliainbloom · 04/05/2023 20:43

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?

OP posts:
Original poster
Magnoliainbloom · 04/05/2023 21:43

Eyesopenwideawake · 04/05/2023 21:40

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.

Yes I had forgotten that I looked at this a few days ago. Thank you for reminding me. I checked out opportunities in Japan, but it will be too hot and humid over summer.

OP posts:
Eyesopenwideawake · 04/05/2023 21:45

You're welcome. As a host of over 12 years (and 200+ volunteers!) I think it's a great way to heal.

thisisallquitecomplicated · 04/05/2023 21:45

What about the Azores? Remote and really pretty.

ThreeLocusts · 04/05/2023 21:46

For mountains Slovenia, Austria and Italian Alps are peobably all cheaper than Switzeland.

Or how about a Tuscan or Umbrian hilltop town? Perugia, Assisi?

And I second Rome. Trastevere quarter near the river, or near Piazza Navona...

Actually, if you like that kind of loneliness, Berlin - or for somewhere smaller and cheaper but still busy, Leipzig?

So many options, I'm getting the travel bug. Sorry you've had a shit year but I think you're onto something good here.

ohfook · 04/05/2023 21:47

Tortiemiaw · 04/05/2023 20:51

Eastern algarve. One of the quieter fishing villages. Definitely a place to reflect and refresh!

Oh I came on to say the same, or Sagres in the south, so many gorgeous little villages in the Algarve. It's a beautiful place.

Drywhitefruitycidergin · 04/05/2023 21:48

Southern Germany - lakes and mountains & fresh air.

BigcatLittlecat · 04/05/2023 21:51

I would go to Cala Llonga in Ibiza, beautiful beach. It has soothed my soul several times! I would read, read and read some more! And eat loads of tomato salads! I'm thinking of going by myself for a week. 2 months would be amazing!

BlackieGrey · 04/05/2023 21:51

Ischia.

Beula82 · 04/05/2023 21:52

I did exactly the same at the lowest point in my life ten years ago and it changed me forever. That time I went to Cuba but whenever I need a pick me up and change of perspective I go to a Greek island or to Portugal. I also love Ithaca, as well as Tinos or Paxos. Very few tourists in any of those. Just the lapping of the waves in the harbour, friendly locals and cats. In Portugal I love Sitges, magical setting in the mountains bht so easy to get to Lisbon. I also love Cascais. Do it. Just book that flight.

DuranNotSpandeau · 04/05/2023 21:53

France. We went years ago to a rural area about an hour from Bordeaux. Not particularly majestic or dramatic but fields and fields of sunflowers (it was June so they would be out if you are going in a few weeks), vineyards, village markets with beautiful fresh food and endless quiet roads to cycle. Wonderful.

Wowzel · 04/05/2023 21:53

Hungary

Loads of cool things to do in Budapest and lake Balaton is just amazing

BlueKaftan · 04/05/2023 21:54

The Hague and Amsterdam. The beaches at The Hague are big and beautiful. Expensive but possibly good hostels. Best of luck OP.

Original poster
Magnoliainbloom · 04/05/2023 21:55

thisisallquitecomplicated · 04/05/2023 21:45

What about the Azores? Remote and really pretty.

Been there 5 times and LOVE it. I think I need a new destination.

OP posts:
Beula82 · 04/05/2023 21:55

*sorry, half asleep, Sintra not Sitges..

BlueKaftan · 04/05/2023 21:56

Oh, also, I did this in 2009, and went to Turkey. If you go there make sure to be careful if you don’t have a male companion!

BlueKaftan · 04/05/2023 21:57

Loads of lovely villages along the Danube

TomatoSandwiches · 04/05/2023 21:57

Switzerland, they have amazing retreats/centres for improving your wellbeing and out of this world scenery if you pick the right place.

Muppetshair · 04/05/2023 21:59

Are you looking for a road trip or to base yourself somewhere? I am imagining “Eat, Love, Pray” - didn’t like the personality of the writer but fell hook line and sinker for the Italian part - nourishing emotionally and physically.

Orders76 · 04/05/2023 21:59

Switzerland, southern Germany, northern Holland and Italy, southern and west France, coastal vilages in Spain. Depends on budget really.

FinanceLPlates · 04/05/2023 22:00

Austria in the mountains - as their main tourist season is in winter you can find beautiful places for very reasonable prices. Austria and Germany also have amazing public spas and saunas that are perfect for relaxing.

Beula82 · 04/05/2023 22:01

I would add Sifnos to that list, so beautiful, spiritual and quiet. The ferry to get there makes you slow down and just breathe. You lose all that baggage you came with, slowly, slowly. Good luck.

blackpearwhitelilies · 04/05/2023 22:02

Annecy is gorgeous and only 30 miles from Switzerland, but much cheaper.

Original poster
Magnoliainbloom · 04/05/2023 22:03

Eyesopenwideawake · 04/05/2023 21:45

You're welcome. As a host of over 12 years (and 200+ volunteers!) I think it's a great way to heal.

I’m really not very good around people at the moment - it’s been an intensely difficult year that’s dredged up lots of other shit. I feel so lost when I’m around people. Just spent a lovely few days in Norway at a celebration at my dearest friend’s house. I found myself dying to escape to my room for silence every so often as it was all too much. I fear this has become my normal. Awful really. But I think I do need to learn to socialise again, and some time working might be good whilst away.

OP posts:
Original poster
Magnoliainbloom · 04/05/2023 22:05

blackpearwhitelilies · 04/05/2023 22:02

Annecy is gorgeous and only 30 miles from Switzerland, but much cheaper.

Ahhhh I had a conversation about Annecy 2 days ago and it looks divine!

This thread is opening my eyes to so many wonderful places. Maybe multiple locations would be good. I love using trains and buses to get around. That would be easy across Europe.

OP posts:
MissBridgetJones · 04/05/2023 22:06

Whilst the Italian lakes are famous and absolutely beautiful- the German lakes are stunning. A scenic train from Munich (cheap flights) to Garmish Partenkirchen (check spelling). Glorious x

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