Banish the January blues by filling your holiday diary

It’s the gloomiest month of the year, so bag a mini-break then keep spirits high by looking forward to a big-ticket trip, says Sophie Butler

Blue Monday. A load of marketing codswallop? Well, considering the term was coined only in 2004, when Sky Travel asked psychologist Cliff Arnall to come up with a “scientific formula” to explain the January blues, yes, probably. But whether or not the third Monday of January really is the most miserable day of the year, there is no doubt that this month can be a challenge when it comes to remaining cheerful.

The festivities are over, bank accounts are depleted, the weather is dodgy and those New Year resolutions are already falling by the wayside. For many, it is back to work, back to school and back to reality. The days may be getting longer, but it doesn’t feel like it – and spring is still a long way off.

So how better to keep yourself upbeat than to book a holiday and look forward to some time away? And with plenty of tempting offers dangled in front of us by the travel industry, it is a good moment to think about saving some money on 2024 mini-breaks too.

Deals include low deposits, complimentary hotel upgrades, reducedprice flights, free or discounted child places, cheaper car hire and less expensive travel insurance. And these offers usually come with a “book by” date, where tour operators make their reductions available for a specific time period only. Currently, most sale periods end on January 31, but some deals have a shorter or longer expiry date. For example, Explore (explore.co.uk) is reducing prices on its adventure holidays until January 20, while First Choice (firstchoice.co.uk) has a Summer 2024 sale which applies to bookings made until February 29. Other deals are simply available until they sell out.

Of course, it is always worth being circumspect when it comes to these offers. Check the details carefully and bear in mind that prices are often based on early-morning or late-night departures from a specific airport, which may not be convenient for you. If you want to fly in the daytime or from your nearest airport, there may be a supplement to pay that wipes out any saving.

But if it ticks the boxes, why not take advantage of a January deal and get planning? Below are 10 suggestions for mini-break pick-me-ups to keep you going in the short term, plus 10 longer holidays for later in the year.

So what are you waiting for? Turn Blue Monday on its head and fill 2024 with spirit-lifting, wallet-friendly fun.