Blue Monday falls around the third Monday in January, a date confirmed by a slightly dubious mathematical formula that includes factors such as weather, motivation, debt and failing of New Year’s resolutions. It is also for many of us, around this time that the credit card bills from the Christmas spend hit the mat.
A lot of us are also feeling exhausted at this time of the year. We have met the demands and chaos of Christmas head-on and rather than having the opportunity to unwind a little, we are now back to our normal routines, including work.
Apart from taking a day off work and staying under the duvet to ignore the news that is telling us how depressed we all are, there are some other ways to beat Blue Monday. Some suggest that we should cheer ourselves up by singing or dancing, but for many of us, this probably will not be enough to lift the gloom.
So, rather than take a day off work, take a long weekend, or even take a week or two and get away from it all. The New Year sales can offer a variety of holiday discounts or you may want to be brave and book a last minute deal a few days before your holiday starts.
The fun thing about last minute bookings is that you are never quite sure where you will end up, guaranteeing a few very exciting days beforehand. It does not necessarily need to be somewhere very hot; remember that you still have to return to the British winter afterwards. Southern Europe offers many warm favourites at this time of year, including Spain and Italy. Southern Portugal can offer January temperatures of around 14 degrees, which may not be very hot, but is certainly warmer than the UK.
Barcelona has an average temperature of around 9 degrees in January, but as you move to the coast, it can be slightly cooler because of the coastal breezes. Eastern and Western Italy offer mild winters and another favourite European destination for January is Tenerife.
If you are considering travelling further afield, then why not consider Oman or Dubai? Both are guaranteed to offer plenty of sun as well as a huge variety of attractions.
Thailand can also offer a great value break, but make sure you check the rainy seasons for your destination. This time of year is also ideal to experience other Asian countries, including India, Vietnam or Malaysia. You may also want to consider the Caribbean, especially as holiday prices have now settled after the Christmas rush.
Venturing further north to Norway, Sweden or Russia can not only offer amazing winter sights, but also the chance to experience the traditional winter that offers activities such as skating on frozen lakes or even the chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
A skiing break will also get you away from it all. Yes, it is cold, but it is also exhilarating and a great way to work off those Christmas pounds. Most European destinations have fresh snowfall in January, with favourite countries including France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.
One of the many resorts in France, Val d’Isère offers something for all abilities and both Switzerland and Austria have plenty of other destinations available. For more advanced skiers, Pelion Mountain in Greece offers some amazing terrain.
If you fancy going further afield to ski, then consider North American resorts, especially as these tend to have more frequent snowfall than the Alps.
Major North American ski destinations include Breckenridge, or Aspen in Colorado. Breckenridge offers some great nursery slopes for beginners and Aspen has slopes for all abilities and a unique Wild West charm.
Jackson Hole in Wyoming offers slopes for intermediate and advanced skiers. It has three key resorts that are located in the magnificent backdrop of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
If you manage to book a weekend break and get away over Blue Monday but you still feel gloomy on your return, then think about the happiest day of the year that is yet to come. This will fall around Midsummer and thinking about those long and hopefully warm summer days will help to make your winter blues fade a little faster.
Written by Gaz Morris
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