Holiday Planning After a Significant Life Loss

Quietly remembering a loved one while you’re away is a powerful way to acknowledge your ongoing connection

As the summer holidays draw to a close, many parents and caregivers might manage to find a moment to breathe. With children returning to school, there can be a welcome opportunity to rest or return to a more normal routine.

For those without children, it might be a time to plan a holiday while destinations are quieter and more affordable.

But if you’ve experienced a bereavement or another significant life loss, the thought of planning a holiday might feel overwhelming. You might wonder if it’s appropriate to take time away. You might worry what others will think. You might feel unsure how it will affect you emotionally.

And yet, with thoughtful preparation, a holiday can also be a source of quiet healing.

Grief doesn’t stay behind when you pack your bags. But neither does your need for rest, reflection, or relief.

Taking a break, even in the midst of grief, is not a betrayal of your loved one or your feelings. A change of scenery, some gentle rest, or even just a pause in routine can be deeply supportive for emotional healing.

Choosing where to go is a personal decision. For some people, returning to a familiar place filled with memories can bring comfort. For others, it may feel too painful. A more peaceful, restorative setting, perhaps in nature, by the coast, or at a wellness-focused retreat may feel more appropriate and soothing.

There’s no need to pressure yourself to have fun or pack your days with activities. This isn’t about ‘getting over’ your grief; it’s about creating space to reflect, to rest, or simply to exist in a different rhythm. If joy appears in small moments, let it. And know that feeling glimpses of happiness again doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten or moved on. It means you're human.

The company you choose can make all the difference. Travelling with someone who understands your grief can feel supportive. But equally, solo travel can be empowering, a chance to connect with your thoughts, your feelings, and your next steps if you feel emotionally ready for that experience.

It can help to bring something meaningful with you, such as a journal, a photograph, a keepsake, something that grounds you and allows space for your emotions. Quietly remembering a loved one while you’re away, perhaps by lighting a candle, writing a letter, or visiting a meaningful place, can be a powerful way to acknowledge your ongoing connection.

Remember to look after your physical needs, too. Grief can affect sleep, appetite, and energy. Try to eat regularly, stay hydrated, and get the rest your body is asking for. Keep plans flexible and gentle. You don’t need to do it all. If things feel too much, it’s okay to change your mind, take a step back, or return home early.

A holiday won’t fix your grief. It’s not supposed to. But it might offer a little peace, a shift in perspective, or a much-needed breath of fresh air. However and whenever you choose to travel, be kind to yourself. Go gently. You’re doing the best you can, and that is more than enough.

About Tracy

Tracy Beavis brings both professional expertise and profound personal understanding to her work as a certified Edu-Therapy Grief Resolution Specialist. Based in Doncaster, Tracy supports individuals navigating not only the loss of loved ones but also the grief that comes with shattered hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Tracy offers both one-to-one and small group sessions, either in-person or online. You can find out more about Tracy here.