Indian company offers “divorce tourism” package to quarreling couples

For many happy couples, a trip is taken to commemorate joyful events, like a marriage or the impending birth of a child. Then there are other couples – the ones who certainly aren’t happy but who aren’t quite ready to rush off to Vegas for their divorce party. For them, there’s “divorce tourism”.

The Daily Mail reports that a company in India, called KV Tours and Travel, is offering packages to destinations like the Maldives aimed at helping couples on the brink of divorce to reconcile. India has typically had a very low divorce rate – only about one out of every 100 marriages end in divorce – but in India’s largest cities, it is becoming more common. The company offers a few different packages, ranging from local stays to more expensive exotic destinations. Vijesh Thakker, the company’s chief executive told the AP, “We’re trying to send them where they have not been before, where there are not many people – and no relatives”. For couples that don’t want to invest in saving their marriage, the company reaches out to family members and asks them to foot the bill on the couple’s behalf. Experienced marriage counselors accompany the couple on their trip and help them work through their issues and determine if they want to stay together or go their separate ways.

Can a seven-day vacation save a marriage? Not likely, which even the concept’s creator admits. “We’re not destiny changers,” Thakker said, but “we want them to treat the trip like a second honeymoon”.

Divorcing? Head to Vegas for your “Divorce Party”

Las Vegas, Nevada, may be the place to get hitched in a hurry, but it’s also becoming THE place to celebrate when that same marriage falls apart. The L.A. Times reports that it only takes 6 weeks to get a divorce in Vegas (and as little as 16 days if you’re in the know), and ex-spouses are whooping it up once those papers are signed. Celebrities such as “Dancing with the Stars'” Shanna Moakler (see photo) are bringing attention to Vegas’ divorce parties by throwing their own.

More women than men are booking “divorce parties,” planned and catered events that are specifically for celebrating untying the knot. Andrea Eppolito, director of special events for Sushi Roku and Boa, reports that men usually just want a boys’ night out, whereas women aren’t always ready to hit the club scene. She’ll book special events for groups of women such as pedicures and massages with Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Parties can average $125 a person for dinner and a toast to $2,000 each for a spa party. Parties range from the above relaxing girls’ weekend to vengeful nights out involving voodoo dolls and preceded by racy invitations — it really just depends on how you feel about your divorce.