Divorce and travel are becoming increasingly intertwined.
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You might have heard of one new trend in this realm: Divorce getaways.
Over the last decade, the concept of the humble bachelor and bachelorette party has been revolutionized. Once upon a time, a long night of wayward partying was enough to usher in a great wedding. Today, however, groups are more likely to pack their bags for a multi-day getaway to a place like Nashville or Palm Springs.
The same notion has extended to divorce.
Newly single divorcées are ringing in yet another new chapter with their loved ones at their sides. And, just like those multi-day pre-wedding parties, some divorce getaways are elaborate and upscale.
They’ve started to generate chatter in the worlds of hospitality and culture. For example, hotels in places like South Florida are opening their doors to divorce parties seeking a bit of downtime, while publications like Marie Claire are challenging the idea altogether.
In reality, the drive to travel due to divorce isn’t actually new. It started back in 2012 when a Dutch entrepreneur launched a new hospitality brand called the Divorce Hotel.
Traveling for a divorce 101
In case you missed out on the zeitgeist, the Divorce Hotel is an actual company that simplifies the art of divorce.
Unhappy couples at the end of their marriage book a stay at a Divorce Hotel (which offers locations around the world) where qualified staff are available to mediate.
It might sound like a headline from The Onion, but Divorce Hotel is still up and running. While the idea sounded controversial and crazy at the outset, thousands of couples from around the world have contracted Divorce Hotel to help them mediate the complexities of their situation.
Couples check in (to separate rooms) and start meeting with their official mediator, who has been briefed on the couple’s background and goals. When things get heated, couples separate—to play a game of golf or head to the spa, for example.
When they’re calm, they meet again and get back to work.
By the end of the weekend, they check out with a more holistic view of what comes next in their divorce. No pricey lawyers or dragged-out deal-making.
Over a decade after the launch of Divorce Hotel, it looks like its nailed its formula. In the meantime, it seems divorce getaways have taken center stage.
The rise of divorce getaways
At their simplest, divorce parties and getaways allow burned-out ex-spouses to renew their lease on life. They often involve friends and family and are focused on opening a new chapter in life.
That being said, there’s plenty of variation.
Some groups like to treat divorce getaways like born-again bachelorette parties, as outlined above. Usually, the rockier the marriage, the greater the call for a full-on escape. In some cases, divorce getaways might even involve the same bridesmaids or groomsmen.
Other divorce getaways are focused on self-transformation. They might involve one or two participants who accompany their recently divorced friend on a meaningful adventure. Wellness retreats are a popular choice for shorter and more inward-focused escapes like these.
The rules of divorce getaways
Already have someone in mind for a potential divorce getaway?
As this trend becomes more popular—and as more hotels roll out divorce getaway programs—it might be helpful to know the basics of divorce party etiquette.
According to Christine Gallagher’s The Divorce Party Handbook: How to Throw an Unforgettable Divorce Party When “Divorce Do Us Part”, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Anyone can throw a divorce party, from the divorcée to a good friend
- Getaways and parties don’t need to be expensive or multi-day
- Keep the guest list very small—only those who ‘understand’ should be there
- If you’re hosting the event, you should be paying—many attendees already paid to be at the wedding
- Be mindful of gossiping—it’s usually best to look ahead and celebrate rather than dwell
