4 Holiday Destinations to Beat the January Blues

January has a reputation as one of the most depressing months of the year, and it’s no wonder why. The post-Christmas high is fading; it gets dark early, and the pressures of a new year, as well as the restrictive resolutions we put on ourselves.

As a result, anywhere between 268,000 and 1.6 million people in the UK suffer from seasonal affective disorder (AKA the January blues).

Luckily, getting away on holiday is a surefire way to break up the period of gloom. You can soak up some vitamin D to help you get through the rest of the month at one of these stunning locations:

1. Canary Islands

The Canary Islands offer year-round sunshine, and during the start of the year, you can enjoy warm temperatures without the summer crowds. Tenerife and Lanzarote are great, family-friendly locations offering plenty of affordable accommodation options. This is particularly useful since many Brits tighten their purse strings after the splurge in December.

Outside of soaking up the sun on the volcanic sand beaches, you can take an unforgettable day trip to Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote to witness how volcanoes have sculpted the island’s landscape. Or visit Tenerife’s Siam Park, Europe’s largest waterpark, for a splash of waterslides and excitement.

2. Dubai

Thanks to its tropical desert climate, Dubai has emerged as a popular destination for escaping the January gloom. Its accommodations and architecture ooze luxury, but the great range of deals on flights and hotels means it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

The whole family can enjoy thrilling theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubar Parks and Resorts. At the same time, the picture-perfect beaches along the Arabian Gulf are perfect for some relaxation. The city’s annual Dubai Shopping Festival also runs through January, offering incredible discounts on everything from fashion to electronics.

 

3. Florida

If the idea of shorter queues at Disney World or Universal Studios sounds appealing, January is the time to visit Florida. The post-holiday lull means fewer crowds and cooler weather, making it perfect for long days exploring the parks.

While theme parks are the main draw, January in Florida also offers pleasant weather for beach days, wildlife experiences in the Everglades, and visiting the Kennedy Space Centre. Whatever your family fancies doing, there are so many holidays that can help you escape the January blues.

 

4. Thailand

If you’re seeking a far-flung adventure without spending an arm and a leg, Thailand is a winner. January is the peak dry season, so it’s the optimal time to visit this tropical paradise. You and the family will enjoy clear skies and warm temperatures across locations like Phuket or Koh Samui.

You can go island hopping, visit ethical elephant sanctuaries or explore the ancient temples and markets of Bangkok. Best of all, food, transport, accommodation and activities are incredibly affordable, so you don’t need to worry about going over budget.