The Best Post-Breakup Destinations Around the World: An Anti-Valentine's Day Guide

Valentine's Day isn't for everyone, especially if you're nursing a broken heart this year. But here's the thing: heartbreak, as brutal as it feels when it happens, might just be the universe's way of telling you it's time for an adventure. Forget the couples' dinners and heart-shaped everything. This year, you’re celebrating yourself, your independence, and your next chapter.

If you're ready to turn the heartache into a one-way ticket to somewhere amazing, we've got you covered. Based on comprehensive data analyzing safety, affordability, spa amenities, nightlife attractions, museums, and nature access, we've identified the top post-breakup destinations that'll help you rediscover yourself, no plus-one allowed.

1. Porto, Portugal (Score: 70.6/100%)

Topping our list with an impressive overall score of 70.6%, Porto combines exceptional safety with stunning riverside views along the Douro River. With top marks for nightlife (86/100), museums (88/100), and nature access (85/100), Porto offers the perfect combo: cultural enrichment by day, wine tasting sessions in the evening, and exciting nights out to let loose and have fun.The city's abundance of wellness amenities and spa options (scoring 83/100) means you can pamper yourself all day.

2. Osaka, Japan (Score: 69/100%)

Osaka comes in at number two with a 69.0% score. Known as Japan's kitchen, this city takes "comfort food" to an entirely new level. The exceptional nightlife scene (87/100) and generous spa offerings (84/100) create the perfect environment for heartbreak recovery. Plus, with a solid affordability score of 60/100, your healing journey won't break the bank.

3. Lisbon, Portugal (Score: 68.7/100%)

Lisbon ranks third with a score of 68.7%, offering a strong mix of affordability, culture, and solo-friendly activities. The city scores highly for spas (86/100), museums (86/100), and nightlife (85/100), giving you plenty to do without needing a packed schedule. Lisbon is easy to explore alone, whether you’re riding Tram 28, walking through historic neighborhoods, or sitting at a viewpoint overlooking the city. It’s a good choice if you want structure during the day and relaxed social options at night.

4. Prague, Czech Republic (Score: 66.6/100%)

Prague takes fourth place with a 66.6% score. With the highest safety score on our list (76/100) and excellent marks for nightlife (84/100) and museums (79/100), this medieval city feels like stepping into a storybook, one where you're the main character on a journey of self-discovery.

Wander across the Charles Bridge at dawn, explore centuries-old castles, and drink incredibly affordable Czech beer.

4. Denpasar (Bali), Indonesia (Score: 66,6/100%)

Also scoring 66.6%, Denpasar serves as your gateway to Bali's legendary healing powers. With the highest affordability score in our top 10 (80/100) and exceptional spa offerings (78/100), this is where you go when you need to completely reset without emptying your savings account.

Bali has built an entire industry around transformation and self-discovery, from yoga retreats to wellness resorts, sound healing to sunrise hikes up volcanic peaks. The island's spiritual energy, stunning nature (70/100), and welcoming culture create an environment where healing happens naturally.

6. Chiba, Japan (Score: 62.7/100%)

Scoring 62.7%, Chiba might not be as famous as its neighbor Tokyo, but that's exactly why it's perfect for your healing journey. With the highest nature score in our top 10 (86/100), this prefecture offers beaches, mountains, and everything in between, all without the overwhelming crowds.

Chiba provides access to Japan's incredible wellness culture while offering the space and natural beauty you need to breathe and reset. Visit temples, hike coastal trails, and enjoy the therapeutic simplicity of watching the ocean.

7. Taipei, Taiwan (Score: 62.6/100%)

With a score of 62.6% and the highest safety rating in our top 10 (85/100), Taipei is ideal for anyone feeling vulnerable post-breakup and wanting to travel solo without worry. The city combines modern convenience with traditional culture, offering both exciting nightlife and serene natural escapes (73/100).

Soak in the hot springs of Beitou, night market hop through Shilin and Raohe, and take the gondola up to Maokong for tea with mountain views. Taipei's efficient public transportation and welcoming atmosphere make solo travel effortless.

8. Hanoi, Vietnam (Score: 62.4/100%)

Hanoi comes next with a 62.4% score and exceptional affordability (75/100). If you're worried about post-breakup finances, Vietnam's capital offers incredible value alongside outstanding spa experiences (85/100) and vibrant nightlife (69/100).

The city's chaotic energy is oddly therapeutic; you'll be too busy navigating scooter traffic, exploring the Old Quarter, and eating incredible pho to dwell on the past.

9. Krakow, Poland (Score: 61.8/100%)

With a score of 61.8%, Krakow combines strong safety levels (77/100) with rich history and a relaxed but social atmosphere. The city scores well for museums and cultural attractions, making it a good choice if you want meaningful daytime activities without feeling rushed.

Krakow’s nightlife (57/100) is more low-key than party-heavy destinations, but that works in its favor for solo travelers looking for conversation, cafes, and casual evenings. It’s affordable, walkable, and easy to settle into for a few days of quiet reflection mixed with exploration.

10. Marrakesh, Morocco (Score: 61.2/100%)

Rounding out our top 10 with a 61.2% score, Marrakesh offers something completely different: a full sensory immersion. With excellent affordability (73/100) and exceptional spa experiences (79/100), this Moroccan city is where you go to completely escape your reality.

Get lost in the medina's winding souks, experience traditional hammam treatments, and watch the sunset over the Atlas Mountains. Plus, the access to nature (72/100) means you can combine urban exploration with desert adventures and mountain retreats.

Tips for Traveling Through Heartbreak

Before you book that flight, here are some tips for making the most of your post-breakup journey:

Give yourself permission to feel everything

Travel won't magically erase the pain, and that's okay. There are moments you’ll feel like crying and the beauty of solo travel is that you can process these emotions on your own timeline, in your own way, surrounded by new experiences that remind you the world is so much bigger than your heartbreak.

Balance solitude with connection

While solo travel offers valuable time for reflection, don't isolate yourself completely. Join a group tour, take a cooking class, or chat with locals at a café. These small human connections can be surprisingly healing and remind you that meaningful relationships, romantic or otherwise, are everywhere waiting to be discovered.

Try to step out of your comfort zone

Book a paragliding experience, try the language you barely speak, eat at at that restaurant alone without hiding behind your phone. Post-breakup is the perfect time to prove to yourself that you're braver than you thought. Each small act of courage rebuilds the confidence that heartbreak might have damaged.

Unfollow, mute, and detach digitally

Before you leave, take the necessary steps to protect your peace. Mute or unfollow your ex on social media so you're not checking their updates constantly. Consider this trip a digital detox from your old relationship. Your focus should be on the adventure ahead, not the relationship behind you.

Document your journey

Keep a journal, take photos, collect memories. But do it for yourself, not for social media revenge or to make anyone jealous. Years from now, you'll look back at this trip as the moment you chose yourself, and that narrative deserves to be captured authentically.

Be patient with the process

Healing isn't linear, and one amazing trip won't "fix" everything. But it will give you new memories that aren't tied to your ex, experiences that are entirely your own.

Stay Connected on Your Adventure With Nomad

No matter which destination calls to your healing heart, staying connected shouldn't add stress to your solo journey. Whether you're exploring Porto's streets, booking that last-minute spa treatment in Osaka, or simply wanting to share your glow-up moments with friends back home, reliable connectivity is essential.

With a Nomad eSIM, you can skip the hassle of hunting down local SIM cards and get instant activation, affordable data plans in over 200 destinations, and the freedom to stay connected on your terms.

Methodology

To determine the best destinations for a post-breakup getaway, we analysed six key metrics across each city and assigned weighted scores based on their relative importance. Each destination was then given a final score out of 100.

The metrics were weighted as follows:

• Safety: based on crime rates (30%)
• Affordability: based on cost of living (20%)
• Spas: based on total number of spas (12.5%)
• Nightlife: based on total number of bars and clubs (12.5%)
• Museums: based on total number of museums (12.5%)
• Nature: based on the number of nature activities and wildlife tours (12.5%)