Mourner Going on Vacation

The Aish Rabbi Replies

I’m sorry for the loss of your mother. You may not go on a festive outing – such as a cruise or group trip. But you may go on an ordinary vacation in order to take time off and rejuvenate. It should be a relatively quiet getaway – which does not include live music and partying. A museum and the like would also be fine – assuming they are basically educational.

Note that this ruling applies both during the 30 days of mourning and the 12 months.

(Sources: Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 391:1-3; Gesher HaChaim I 21:7:9.)