🛫 Divorced, 40, and Passport-Ready: Why Solo Travel is the Midlife Plot Twist You Deserve

So… Your Marriage Ended. What Now?

Cue the awkward texts from friends, unsolicited advice from family, and way too many sad Spotify playlists. Divorce hits different after 40 — especially if you’ve spent years in family mode, couple’s mode, or “what do I do with my weekends now?” mode.

But what if, instead of wallowing in your recliner, you hit “book flight” instead?

Because spoiler alert: solo travel isn’t a crisis move — it’s a comeback.

1. You Finally Get to Be Selfish (In the Best Way)

No more compromising on beach vs. mountains. No one rolling their eyes when you want to wake up at 11 and eat a burger for breakfast. No one to tell you the spa day is “unnecessary.” Bro, it’s your life now. Live it.

On my first solo trip post-divorce, I went to Portugal, sat in a café for 3 hours sipping port and eating pastries, and literally didn’t speak to a single soul. I’ve never felt more at peace.

2. You’re Not a “Divorced Guy on Vacation.” You’re a Dude Living His Damn Life.

Let’s rebrand this thing. You’re not “recovering.” You’re rebooting. And there’s no better way to rewrite your story than by doing something bold, refreshing, and 100% out of your comfort zone.

You’re not the guy whose wife left him. You’re the guy who took that pain and turned it into a passport stamp.

3. You’ll Remember Who You Are Outside of “Dad” or “Husband”

Sometimes we lose ourselves in relationships — even the good ones. Travel strips all that back.

When you’re alone in a new city, ordering unfamiliar food, or navigating a chaotic train station in Bangkok, you realize you’re still capable. Still adventurous. Still funny as hell when you get lost and have to mime “toilet” to a confused shopkeeper.

It’s not about escape — it’s about rediscovery.

4. You Might Even Meet Someone (But That’s Not the Goal)

Let’s not pretend travel doesn’t open doors. You might flirt in a rooftop bar in Medellín. You might share a bottle of wine with another solo traveler in Florence. You might even fall into something spicy and short-term and wildly good for the ego.

But this time, you’re the prize.

5. You’re Gonna Have Epic Stories

Would you rather say, “Yeah, I spent last winter rewatching old movies and eating sad takeout,” or “I accidentally joined a motorbike gang tour in Vietnam and drank snake whiskey”?

Exactly.

Where to Go if You're Divorced and Don’t Know Where to Start

Lisbon, Portugal – Solo-friendly, laid-back, great food, and even better wine
Medellín, Colombia – Digital nomad city full of life, dance, and gorgeous mountain views
Chiang Mai, Thailand – Budget-friendly, peaceful, and full of chill temples to sort your brain out
Barcelona, Spain – Tapas, late nights, and a whole lot of life
Mexico City – Culture, tacos, and the thrill of being somewhere so alive

Final Thought: It’s Not Over. It’s Just Getting Good.

Divorce isn’t the end of the story — it’s the twist in the middle that makes the second half way more interesting.

So take the trip. Sleep in. Drink the weird juice. Laugh with strangers. Dance even if you suck at it. And know that the guy you’re becoming? He’s actually pretty damn awesome.