Escapism. It’s defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as ‘The practice of seeking distraction from what normally has to be endured.’

There’s been a lot to endure in the world lately, and 2019 isn’t giving widespread cause for optimism. So we could all do with escaping from time to time.

According to Dr Michael Brein, the self-styled ‘Travel Psychologist’, one way to do this is to travel: ‘We simply need to break patterns and allow for novelty and self-expression to expand ourselves, which often puts problems – psych or otherwise – in a fresh light’, he says.

‘Travel involves learning at a quickened pace – so fast, in fact, that we are personally emboldened by such things as increased self-esteem, self-confidence and self-accomplishment.’

But escapism isn’t just plonking yourself on a nice beach: it’s about shifting your mind, taking a break from 24-hour media and pushing boundaries, too. In the experiences that follow, we’re sending you on mettle-testing treks, Arctic safaris, VR adventures, spiritual cleanses and to wellness festivals, as well as introducing great apps, movies and books to help you get away from it all – whatever ‘it all’ is in 2019.

The Antarctic

Let’s start dramatically: a trip to the end of the Earth. From Cape Town, Blue Flower Travel put you on a chartered jet. You can stay for as little as one day, or spend up to eight days exploring the southernmost point on Earth. You’ll meet emperor penguins, walk through ice tunnels and relax at Whichaway Camp, home to tech-savvy sleeping pods that keep you warm in the glacial environment.

Cape Town, South Africa

Babylonstoren, in the wine valley of Franschhoek, is about an hour’s drive east of Cape Town. Dating back to 1692, the rustic farmyard and garden retreat sprawl out over 3.5 hectares. Follow one of the secluded walking trails, stop at the Garden Spa and tuck into wholesome farm-to-table food at one of two dedicated restaurants. In the evening, curl up in one of the converted farmhouse rooms – each suite is a haven of whitewashed walls, four-poster beds and soul-warming fireplaces.

Phuket, Thailand

Teakwood villas, spa treatments and palm trees more your style? Book yourself in for a retreat at Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary Phuket. The Sense of Wellness programme focuses on mind, body, fitness and lifestyle, with more than 50 activities on the menu. Will you achieve enlightenment after just a few days? Probably not. But with daily spa treatments and Andaman Sea views from the comfort of your pool villa, this feels like a great place to start.

Indonesia

Sometimes, escaping is about pushing past perceived physical and mental boundaries. That’s where the Adventure Academy comes in. Former fighter pilot Matt Prior guides groups of three on intense expeditions across the Indonesian archipelago. Running from May to October, the one-week itinerary will have you hiking up active volcanoes, staying in local villages and learning the ins and outs of adventure travel. If you crave creature comforts, you might want to sit this one out.

Western Sichuan, China

One guaranteed way to lose phone reception is a trip to the Tibetan plateau with Whistling Arrow. In 2019, the Hong Kong-based adventure specialist will launch a small-group excursion through western Sichuan and southern Qinghai provinces. Beginning in Chengdu, the 16-day trip makes its way to the Tibetan plateau, where guests will stay at secluded clifftop retreats, and maybe even spot an elusive snow leopard. The next trip is scheduled for July.