The Healing Power of Travel: Coping with Grief

Whether it’s the novelty of new experiences, overcoming challenges on the road, or connecting with people from different cultures, travel has the power to uplift our spirits. Experiencing the world from a new perspective is known to enhance emotional well-being and is often praised as a remedy for heartbreak and depression. But what about grief?

A ‘griefcation’ may not alleviate the pain experienced after the death of a loved one, yet meaningful travels can be instrumental in coping. Since losing my dad at 17, travel has significantly helped me in various ways. Here are just a few of them.

Travel Gives Me a Sense of Purpose

When the future you envisioned is abruptly taken away, it’s natural to feel adrift. There is no map in existence that can guide you back to where you want to be. Eventually, a sense of normalcy returns – the world continues turning, despite everything – but grief doesn’t vanish; it is a lifelong journey filled with emotional highs, lows, dead ends, and solitary roads. Sometimes, it feels as though you’re making progress, only to find yourself right back where you began.

After a period spent drifting in autopilot mode, I decided to heed my internal compass. I needed a goal to help shake off my sorrow. Engaging in a barn restoration project in rural Provence kept me physically occupied and mentally distracted; solo travel across multiple continents elevated my self-worth; and my continued pursuit of breathtaking landscapes reinforces the notion that life, despite its pains, is undeniably beautiful.

Travel Keeps My Worries and Fears in Check

I was a notorious worrier during childhood. After losing a close family friend, my anxieties grew, leading to countless missed opportunities. Although I eventually outgrew some of that, after my dad’s tragic car accident, my nerves became permanently frayed. I constantly remain on high alert – especially concerning transport, which certainly makes travel intriguing.

So, how do I manage a newfound, illogical fear of death? I decided to face it head-on during turbulent flights, cliff-top bus rides, and precarious boat journeys. It might seem counterproductive, but the more I confront the things I fear, the better I can manage the anxiety that often accompanies my otherwise optimistic outlook.

On a positive note, missed trains and lost passports no longer trouble me – trivial problems simply aren’t worth the stress.

Travel Strengthens My Support Network

Relaxation, delicious food, and stunning views – essential components of any journey – can greatly benefit those grieving. Stepping away from familiar environments and daily routines creates space for processing pent-up emotions and focusing on healing, whether consciously or subconsciously.

Over time, I’ve discovered that trips with close friends and family fortify these connections. Enjoyable heart-to-heart talks, shared special moments, and a perfectly timed hand squeeze can deepen bonds during the inevitable moments of longing. Creating new, joyful memories with those we cherish is crucial for moving forward – why not forge them in Paris, Perth, or Peru?

Travel Can Be a Fitting Tribute

The anniversary of my father’s accident evokes poignant memories and highlights the duration since his laughter filled my life. In 2015, with the 10th anniversary approaching, I sought ways to honor him. He was always captivated by mountains, so I briefly considered trekking to Everest Base Camp before coming to my senses (or somewhat) and settling on the Three Peaks Challenge, which involves summiting the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours.

Raising funds for charity in my dad’s name and preparing for this challenge provided the perfect distraction during a tough period – I felt healthier and more focused than in years. Despite the exhaustion I faced (including nearly getting lost on Scafell Pike at 3 am in drenching rain), reaching the summit of Mount Snowdon at dawn on my least favorite day of the year filled me with immense pride. I knew my dad would be proud of me too.

Travel Eases Existential Woes

Experiencing trauma often leads to an overwhelming sense of confusion regarding life. Questions such as, “Why me?” “Why now?” and “What’s the purpose of it all?” arise.

While I do not have satisfactory answers to these inquiries, I suspect life is merely a roll of the dice. Gradually, as I started to reconcile with my dad’s passing, I identified a more pressing question to confront: How will you make the most of your time on Earth?

Living each day as though it is your last is impractical – doing so would likely leave me impoverished, exhausted, and possibly incarcerated – yet one can frequently engage in activities that bring genuine happiness. I feel a responsibility to do just that. For me, this entails embracing unpredictability: exploring unfamiliar terrains, sampling exotic foods, and trusting strangers; it involves skydiving in Hawaii, snorkeling in Fiji, and sleeping under the stars in Australia; getting lost among mountains and embarking on backpacking adventures with my mom. Ultimately, it means seizing the day – life is fleeting, and there remains so much left to explore.