Need to get away? Here’s a 5-step guide to healthy escapist travel

Traveling for escapist purposes won’t solve the problems you might be dealing with, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea. According to clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly, Ph.D., a little travel escapism can be a powerful coping strategy when real life feels a bit too heavy, which might be the case for a lot of us lately. When a situation is too stressful, Manly says, travel escapism can allow the psyche to “escape” the situation mentally and emotionally in order to avoid further distress and psychological harm. Being away also gives us a moment to relax and rejuvenate. Since we are living in a pandemic, it may not be possible to travel without exposing ourselves and others to risk. The good news is that a stay-at-home vacation can also do the trick, as long as you give yourself the time and space to actually get some rest and fall into the escapist traveler’s blissful state of mind—as Manly puts it. If you’re in need of a little reset, check out this 5-step approach to healthy escapist travel.

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