After experiencing severe burnout during the pandemic and being diagnosed with PTSD and ADHD, 34-year-old Caitlin Gibson knew she had to make some changes.

'I realized I wasn’t taking good care of myself and was stressed out both personally and professionally," said the former healthcare worker turned wellness blogger. "Self-care and self-love are now a priority."

As Gibson’s priorities changed, so did her summer vacation plans.

"Usually I’m running around doing what the kids want to do — Disney, Universal. But this summer, I’m planning on taking a self-care trip."

On her agenda: a two-week stay in Phoenix, Ariz., with her best friend. "We’re going to relax with some drinks by the pool, get pedicures, talk about life, make dinners together, brainstorm ideas to take over the world and make all of our dreams come true."

Amid all the chaos the world is facing, this type of trip — as well as spiritual retreats and outdoor and adventure travel — is gaining momentum, said Ben Harrell, US managing director at Booking.com. “This summer is going to be 'the summer of escape.'"

"It’s an escape that we need — physically, emotionally, and mentally," Harrell said. "For some people, an 'escape' means going to a new place for a new kind of experience; for others, it's a place that’s old and familiar."

While Orlando, Fla., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Las Vegas, New York and Ocean City, Md., are among this summer’s most popular destinations, Harrell said the mission is to have a break from the "everyday doldrums."

For 38-year old Kristen Valenti, an 'escape' means staying close to home and keeping things simple.

She and her fiancé (along with their dog), who live in the West Hartford, Connecticut area, recently bought a trailer and are planning on taking a 3-week road trip through New England this summer. "We’re going to head up to Vermont first and spend a week hiking there, followed by Maine, and then New Hampshire."