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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to go to america alone for 4 weeks

115 replies

whyisthepathsounclear · 20/01/2013 18:33

So, my husband left me a few months ago, after only 5 months of marriage. Horrible situation.

Anyway, I am trying hard to move on and am coping very well duringbthe working week. The weekends are pretty sad and lonely though. I am atteacher and the school hols are the hardest time. Xmas was horrid. 2 whole weeks alone with my sadness! So, even though it is a while away I am already dreading the summer. 6 weeks is an awful lot of time to fill.

I have been thinking of going over to the states for 4 weeks, maybe travelling around a bit and doing something I would never have donew if we were together. However, when I told my parents and some friends my plan they were horrified. They think I am being rash. I am preferring to think of it as being impulsive and enjoying my youth now I am free of cheating ex.

Is it really a stupid idea? Anyone else done this that can offer advice?

OP posts:
MushroomSoup · 20/01/2013 18:45

Grin at mummytime's 'childfree parent'!
She's not leaving them locked in the house for 4 weeks to tour the USA! even though that's what I would do if I could get away with it

ILikeBirds · 20/01/2013 18:47

Summer camp unlikely to work as the States generally have their summer holidays much earlier than we do in the UK. They start back to school mid August.

Trek America or similar may be a good option for you if you don't want to do your own thing entirely.

Merrylegs · 20/01/2013 18:47

You should go. And if you really want to freak the chorus of doom out, tell them you are going to be doing it like this

(Couchsurfing. My US friend does it and has stayed in some great places and met some great people. Definitely not studenty - lots of older professional people involved. Because actually you have to have a house in order to host)

Nancy66 · 20/01/2013 18:49

yes ILikeBirds is right - American kid break up quite early in June for their hols

Blu · 20/01/2013 18:49

I love travelling alone, and have done it a few times. It is good to have some sort of focus though, and I think it's easier for the very young to hook up and make 'on the road' friends than slightly older people.

Volunteering, or a summer camp, or an activity for part of the time could be really enriching, anyway, and give you a deeper experience of the country.

Exciting!

whyisthepathsounclear · 20/01/2013 18:50

Virgin - I think they are worried that it is just very unlike me. I think they wonder if I am having some sort of breakdown!

Apprentice - thanks for the tip, I will certainly look in to that!

See, I knew it was a good idea! I can't wait, already.

I am only 25 and have been with ex my whole adult life. Need to find me again! (Corny)

OP posts:
ILikeBirds · 20/01/2013 18:51

You could also look at something like auto driveaway (presuming you have a licence). Basically you get a set amount of days to drive someone's car from place A to place B

PassMeTheWino · 20/01/2013 18:51

Sounds like a fucking awesome idea.

I left England when my EX was being a dick and went travelling on my jones. I was 20 and it was amazing. I loved it.

It'll be the best time O' y'life.

Rosduk · 20/01/2013 18:51

I did it when I was 18 and loved it! Do it while you can!

WeAreSix · 20/01/2013 18:52

Do it! My DBrother got over a broken relationship by going trekking in Nepal. It gave him a whole new perspective on life and he seems much happier and self confident since going.

I suspect those telling you not to go may be slightly jealous of your opportunity. Life is for living so grab the chance with both hands and don't let go :)

LindyHemming · 20/01/2013 18:53

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kim147 · 20/01/2013 18:56

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BettySuarez · 20/01/2013 18:58

You should do it, I'm struggling to think of anything more fantastic Grin

You are single and currently without kids, so this is an opportunity that won't come way ever again for a long, long time.

What States would you like to visit?

I would recommend that you check out City Data Forum. It's broken down by State and it's populated by locals who will be more than happy to advise on best places to stay, local attractions.

You will be welcomed with open arms by our American cousins Smile

Adversecamber · 20/01/2013 18:59

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kim147 · 20/01/2013 19:00

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Nancy66 · 20/01/2013 19:00

You've been through a horrible time - as wanky as it sounds it will definitely help you heal and recover.

....you might even have a little harmless fling.

I'm imagining a one night stand with a cowboy or rodeo hand

Toptack · 20/01/2013 19:02

If you're 25, def check out Trek America, I went away with them two or three times in my 20s when I was teaching and had long summer holidays, always had a fab time.

whyisthepathsounclear · 20/01/2013 19:03

I never thought that they might be jealous. Most of my friends are smug marrieds and have just had babies. I have been so busy being jealous of them that it never crossed my mind that my crappy situation has actually opened some doors that are closed to them!
I quite fancy san Francisco, my brother went this summer and had a great time. Have been to Vegas, new York and Chicago with ex so they are on the 'avoid' list.
Can't wait to finish my lesson planning so I can do some trip planning!

OP posts:
Kungfutea · 20/01/2013 19:05

Some states start back mid-August but not all. In NYC where I am, they finish end June and back first day after labor day in early September cant belive i ever complained about 6 weeks summer hols Camps here usually run through August and there are often two 4 week sessions. The op will probably miss the first session but might be able to do the second.

Yanbu op. you need to grab these experiences when you can

Kungfutea · 20/01/2013 19:05

Oh dear, strikeout fail on iPad!

whyisthepathsounclear · 20/01/2013 19:07

Nancy - thanks for putting a big smile on my face. Would love a nice cowboy,. Maybe I could wear his hat? :D

OP posts:
BettySuarez · 20/01/2013 19:08

nancy66 I was trying to avoid mentioning the opportunity for a 'liaison' or two Grin

But it's definitely something to aim for a possibility Grin

blueraincoat · 20/01/2013 19:09

Envy x1000

Go, have an amazing time Smile

coldinthesun · 20/01/2013 19:10

Give me ONE GOOD reason why you should go?

What do you mean, you can't? Better go then!

(PS I've been on holiday on my own to Australia. Loads of people thought I was crazy. Strangely no one said this to the many male backpackers doing exactly the same thing).

BillyBollyDandy · 20/01/2013 19:15

Excellent idea

One word of warning, Greyhounds are cheap for a reason. I spent 13 hours on one

Boston amazing

If it was me I would be doing San Francisco, LA, Vegas...

Envy