The Art of Escapism
What it’s like to be a traveler trapped in place during the Corona virus
My absolute favorite thing is traveling. And with all this alone time, I could even say that I’ve discovered it’s my chosen addiction. Traveling allows me to escape my regular routine, work, responsibilities, and relationships. I have a love affair with travel Pinterest boards, and checking sites like Skyscanner and Airbnb is basically the equivalent of a bump of cocaine for me. With Covid restrictions in place and nowhere to go, I’ve had to sit still and have often found myself pondering this very question: What am I running from?
The definition of escapism is —
“The tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy.”
My “seeking entertainment” has always been getting the hell out. It’s normal to flee while dealing with anxiety and depression because it’s putting a physical distance between yourself and the stressors, and it makes you feel safe. This “safe” feeling is always what I’m after, even if that means putting myself in a situation where I am completely out of control — such as not knowing a language or my way around a foreign city. That feeling puts me at ease because I am essentially…
