Days are getting shorter and busier, the holiday rush looms, and there’s less and less time to take a minute for ourselves.

We’ve put together a guide of ways you can escape the chaos of daily life — even if only for a little while.

Escape with an international cuppa

Photo from Render Facebook page

A strong Colombian coffee can go a long way on a dreary afternoon.

Caffeine is an essential component of getting through that to-do list. Thanks to Boston’s local cafes, there are plenty of places to fuel up with international flair. Woman-owned ÉgaliTea Organic Café on Newbury Street has an extensive selection of pure, high-quality teas from all over the world. If you’re more of a coffee drinker head to Render. The South End cafe offers a strong cup of Colombian or a bag of beans to-go.

Escape with a flavorful meal from afar

Photo from Curio Spice Co. website

Can’t find garam masala at the grocery store? Curio’s got you covered.

’Tis the season of warm, comforting stews. But, what will make a dinner even more indulgent are flavors like fresh rose harissa, spicy and umami seaweed salt or tangy Greek saffron. Curio Spice Co. in Cambridge offers a unique array of spices and seasonings from many different cultural traditions, whether you crave North African flavors or experimenting with Latin American recipes.

Escape with an evening of foreign-to-you sounds

Photo by Julian Parker-Burns

One show in a new genre can revolutionize your future playlists.

Looking to liven up your nightlife? Buy tickets to a Global Arts Live concert to discover a new, vibrant style of music. Global Arts brings musicians and dancers  from Cape Verde, Argentina, the Middle East and many other countries to Boston stages.

Escape with island aromas

Photo from Nantucket Candle Co. website

As their tagline says, on island even when you’re off.

Swap those over-sized apple-pie scented jar candles for a more nostalgic scent. Nantucket Candle Co., a newly launched local brand out of Nantucket, creates candles inspired by the island. Its motto — “On-island, even when you’re off” — pretty much says it all. Its signature scent is inspired by roses and sea salt aromas of Sconset.

Escape with sweet spicy and smooth chocolate

Photo from L.A. Burdick Facebook page

Try a chocolate from each of your favorite vacation spots

Both science and rom coms agree that chocolate can boost your mood. At L.A. Burdick, you can sample chocolates with hints of flavors from the kinds of exotic locations you might reserve for your PTO days. Pick out a spicy cayenne bar from Chile, or a smooth hazelnut bar from Belgium.