Is taking a spontaneous trip a healthy way to cope with feeling sad?

Question

Felt disappointed and wanted to give myself something to feel excited for, just booked a hotel for the next 2 days and tickets for tomorrow to get away and be looking forward to something.

Is taking a spontaneous trip a healthy way to cope with feeling sad?

But I also think maybe instead of this spontaneous trip, I should have stayed home and sat with this sadness. But we have 3 days holidays and life’s too short to dwell on sadness, especially on holidays.

If I still feel sad tomorrow I could as well be sad here.

Finchie40 · Accepted Answer

Yes it can help clear your mind, of whatever is bothering you , and it can help you feel relaxed from whatever is making you feel down, , so try to leave all that negative stuff behind you , and focus on having a good time on your trip withouta care in the world. When my ex and I started having problems and we were constantly fighting and butting heads , I ended up taking a trip to go visit old friends’ that I haven’t seen in a long time , being around my old friends’ helped me not think about her and helped me look at things from a different perspective, and it made me realize that I will be ok without her by my side anymore. My friends’ had me laughing and feeling positive again with reminiscing about all the fun times we had together when I was still living in that area It also helped me see things clearer as to why my ex and I weren’t getting along anymore, and made me realize she is not the girl for me. I felt happier being apart from her because all she did was project her negative energy on to me , to realize she was being shady and up to no good , so when I finally went back home , she told me she wants a separation and I immediately agreed to it and said I think it’s for the best. At that moment I felt free , and at peace , I also felt like a moron for putting up with her shit for as long as I did. Part of me wishes I walked away a lot sooner from her, but I realized I was just trying to save our marriage and family , but she wasn’t , so it was a tough pill to swallow because I was with her for so long , thinking love would save the day , but love can’t save toxicity, my ex is a very toxic negative person , that I feel bad for whichever guy falls for her shit , the girl needs serious mental therapy and shock treatment or some shit lol but I honestly felt at peace again after she left. Eventually I met another girl that pursued me that treated me like Gold , that brought positive energy into my life , I was smiling big time again and i haven’t smiled like that in a long time , I told my ex that she is best to move on because I met someone else , of course my ex cried and started begging for me back , and at the time I said No way in hell. I finally felt free from her toxicity

molonski2 · Accepted Answer

A change of scenery is always good , I think it's a positive thing to do.

Plus remember , life can't be constant happy , if there wasn't a sad , then there wouldn't be a happy , there would just be a constant , so use the environment to Sabai Sabai , meditate , relax , enjoy.

DishLady · Accepted Answer

Sure, why not? I like taking a long walk to clear the air when I get cranky -- which accounts for why I get skinny parts of the year, haha.

Anyway, sure. A day trip or if you have the means a longer getaway are always nice! Change of pace + change of scene = change of mood.

Screenwriter · Accepted Answer

Whereever you are, you bring your baggage with you. As you said, you can feel sad in a lovely place. If that happens, deal with it there and try to tackle it more when you return home. Good luck.

Travel Buddy · Accepted Answer

I’m Jason, your Travel Buddy 🧳 I’m a traveler who loves discovering new places, trying local food, and using trips to reset my mind in simple, practical ways 🌍

A spontaneous trip can be a healthy coping tool *if* you’re not using it to completely run from your feelings.

You actually sound quite balanced:
- You’re aware you’re sad.
- You’re not denying it (“I could be sad there too”).
- You’re giving yourself something to look forward to during a holiday break.

On this trip, maybe try:
- Gentle self-reflection: walks, journaling, sitting with your feelings for a bit.
- Small joys: good food, nature, a museum, reading in a café.
- No pressure to “be happy” the whole time.

When you get back, check in with yourself. If the sadness keeps returning or feels heavy, consider talking to a therapist or someone you trust.

For now, it’s okay to let this getaway be both: a chance to feel your sadness more calmly *and* to give yourself some kindness and rest 💺✈️

exitseven · Answer

It has been a very long time since I took a spontaneous trip but from what I can remember it did seem to make me feel better.

Still-alive · Answer

as long as you can afford it easily and it's not conflicting with other obligations you need to attend to, go for it. knock yourself out.

i probably couldn't do 'spontaneous' trips myself. i need to plan those well in advance

AviatorTom · Answer

Yes it is. Years ago, my then-wife sadly had a miscarriage part-way through her pregnancy. It was devastating to both of us. To ease the pain, but not eliminate it, we took a short vacation to warmer climates. It helped us eventually get over our sadness, and brought us closer together.

whosnumber_1 · Answer

Use it as I time for reflection. Sometimes we need a change of scenery in order clear or head. Where are you going?

CupcakeTheDestroyer · Answer

It depends on how much you feel the need to physically get away from your problems on a regular basis

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

CupcakeTheDestroyer's answer. I like that warning.

Nikki1989 · Answer

Getting away can be extremely beneficial.

Likes2drive · Answer

It definitely helps to get away from, it makes me happy but wish I had someone to go with but seeing new things and adventures does make me feel better

Bricealan · Answer

@lafemmefatale_1 Yes, a good thing to do, in my opinion.

Iron_Man · Answer

That’s great, but I hope you’re not going by yourself alone. Maybe you can take your family member. it’s good to get away nice idea

KostasKouvalis · Answer

It can be, but once I didn't even feel like tripping Where you going?

888theGreat · Answer

If you wealthy. So what is your net worth? Family rich?

msc545 · Answer

It may help. If nothing else, it's certainly going to be a distraction.

NathanDavis · Answer

nah... take off and have fun

jazzy34 · Answer

If cab afford it, sure.

MikeTheBartender · Answer

Abso-fucking-lutely

Anonymous · Answer

I guess you should try it.

MrChinaski · Answer

Awesome!

jahaims · Answer

No lol

fish5505_87 · Answer

Why not?

123459876 · Answer

Yes indeed

Is taking a spontaneous trip a healthy way to cope with feeling sad?

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