New Year Breaks to Beat Blue Monday
Everyone knows Monday’s can be miserable, especially one particular Monday in January known as ‘Blue Monday’, the most depressing day of the year. A mathematical equation has even been devised to prove why this is the case, looking at factors including: weather conditions, debt level, time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take action.
There is no fool proof way to combat Blue Monday and improve your mood in the post-Christmas slump but one certain way of cheering yourself up is by planning a holiday to remember whether that’s getting away for some sunshine, having a go at a new activity or indulging yourself with a cultural city break. Here then are our top 5 recommendations of places to visit early in the New Year.
Skiing in Val d’Isere
With plenty of snow and plenty of entertainment, the New Year period is a perfect time to jet away for an energising skiing break, leaving stress behind and making this a truly exciting experience. Val d’Isere is one of the livelier French ski resorts offering reliable snow, and wonderful snow sports options in the area for people of every level. For relaxation away from the slopes there are endless options within the hustle and bustle of the vibrant village centre with shops, coffee bars and lively nightlife.
Ski holidaysspecialist Mark Warner offers a range of great activity getaways to Val d’Isere and currently has deals on holidays in the region starting from £695 per person.
Safari in Kenya
Journey into the extraordinary with a safari in Kenya, taking in the renowned Rekero Camp, perfectly located for the migration and the big cats of the Masai Mara. Whilst there you can also enjoy the private safari house of Acacia House where you enjoy your own private 4x4 game drive vehicle, before hitting the rustic luxury of the Kenyan coast and Funzi Keys. This trip offers a little bit of everything for all ages with some world-class game viewing and pristine beach relaxation.
Kenya Safari experts Natural World Safaris offer the ‘Kenya Family Migration Safari’ from £3900 per person.
Historic Sherwood Forest
If you are looking for something closer to home, how does a short break in a beautifully furnished log cabin with a wood burning stove and panoramic views of Sherwood Forest sound? Forest Holidays has cabins available set amongst the 3,300 acres of Sherwood Pines Forest Park. The winter months are a fantastic time to wander through the forest, when the fantastic shapes of its gnarled and ancient oaks can be seen in all their glory. There’s even the opportunity to stroll through the ancient glades of Sherwood with an experienced ranger, looking for winter wildlife.
For a UK breakto remember visit Forest Holidays - Prices start from £36 per person per night.
Luxury in Tuscany
Although January in Tuscany is usually one of the coldest months of the year, the region is still bathed in winter sun, perfect for walks in the countryside or for visiting the towns and cities. January is also a fantastic time to visit for great deals, because the tourist areas are so quiet, most businesses drop their prices to attract more custom meaning that you’ll not only have Tuscany to yourself but you’ll find it cheaper too!
Tuscany Now offers a wide variety of villas in Tuscany ideal for a New Year break. Prices start from £571 per person.
Jet over to Dublin
Dublin is an immensely popular destination for short and weekend breaks and with everything it has to offer visitors it’s easy to see why. The old Guinness Brewery and Dublin’s cultural quarter, including the famous Temple Bar is a great place to start for a perfect pint of the black stuff. Make sure you head to Dublin Zoo, Ireland’s No.1 visitor attraction which welcomes almost one million visitors a year. You can see many rare and exotic animals whilst you’re there such as tigers, hippos, bats, gorillas and even red pandas.
London City Airport offers flights to Dublin which take just take 80 minutes. Prices start from £97.81per person
