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Blue Monday is globally known for being “the saddest day of the year.” Many brands have taken advantage of this by launching very interesting travel offers, as a way for travellers to soothe their bad feelings on this date with their travel project for the year. For this reason, it is the ideal moment to plan your escape from routine and enjoy exotic destinations, cities full of history, or paradisiacal beaches.
Where Does Blue Monday Come From?
The concept of Blue Monday originates in 2005, when Welsh psychologist Cliff Arnall presented a formula with different variables, including debts acquired during Christmas and the end of the year, cold weather, lack of motivation, and the distance from vacation periods. The result? The third Monday of January, specifically January 20th in 2025, would be the saddest day of the year. Although the concept does not have a scientific basis as such, it has become popular as the perfect excuse to break the monotony with special offers.
Despite its highly debatable origins, Blue Monday has become a key date for promotions, including those in the tourism sector. Blue Monday hotel offers help travelers secure discounts and exclusive packages for those seeking to escape the gray atmosphere typical of this day. It’s a unique opportunity to plan a getaway that recharges your energy and connects you with new destinations.
The Best European Destinations to Take Advantage of Blue Monday
Europe is one of the best combinations of history, architecture, and natural beauty for travelling. In Germany, you can explore some of the most iconic cities on the continent like Berlin or Munich, but you also have more daring alternatives like Hungary and its capital, Budapest, which will dazzle you with its thermal baths and neo-Gothic architecture.
If, on the other hand, you somewhat enjoy the bucolic atmosphere of these quieter days, Portugal can be a very beautiful option, thanks to the Atlantic coast views from Lisbon and Porto, along with a varied gastronomy and an interesting wine culture.
Talking about the Old Continent without mentioning Italy is, directly, a sacrilege for travel purists. Rome, Florence, and Venice are cities that appear on every map for a reason: history, beauty, and romance in equal parts.
Among the lesser-known destinations, we can highlight three: Malta, the Czech Republic, and Poland. In the case of the small Mediterranean archipelago, the passage of various civilizations has left unique architecture and cultures. The Czech Republic, with its capital Prague as the great jewel, mixes medieval history, with almost fairytale-like scenes, and the modernity brought about by the reconstruction of some of its parts. Poland, for its part, is a country that is modernizing at a fast pace but is still able to respect its own traditions.
The Caribbean Paradise
It’s a classic in tourism if you want to forget about the winter cold. Among the most interesting options is Aruba, with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxing under the sun.
Cuba, for its part, is one of the most unique countries in the entire Caribbean Sea. Culture and relaxation embrace each other, allowing a very laid-back visit to iconic places like Havana and Varadero.
In any of the countries you can visit in the Caribbean, you will enjoy a rich local culture, with live music, unique gastronomy, and water activities like snorkelling or diving among coral reefs. The hospitality of the region’s inhabitants also makes it a very beautiful experience.
Nature and Adventure in Central and South America
Costa Rica’s diversity makes this small Central American country one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Surfing in Guanacaste or walking through the cloud forests of Monteverde are some of the most requested activities on Viator for more than obvious reasons: they’re experiences you can’t live at home.
Nicaragua and El Salvador, two neighbouring countries, offer very tranquil alternatives in contact with nature. These are areas where you can seek relaxation from the hustle and bustle of routine, along with a rich local culture that both countries are very proud of. The unique traditions of these two states, with their local festivals, craft markets, and peculiar gastronomy, will make you enjoy a dreamlike trip.
Africa, the forgotten jewel
It’s the least explored continent, but even so, it has areas known worldwide. Among them, of course, are the Giza Pyramids in Egypt. But without the Nile River, there would be no Ancient Egypt, and without it, we wouldn’t have these architectural marvels. A boat ride along the Nile will let you enjoy the grandeur of the desert and admire one of the cradles of civilization.
Morocco is one of the North African countries that is gaining significant relevance as a tourist destination in recent times. Its traditional markets and the surprising cities of Marrakech and Fez have elevated it as an ideal country for those curious about Arab culture.
Tradition and Modernity in Asia
The Maldives is synonymous with luxury and tranquillity. Its overwater bungalows let you disconnect from the world with the calmness of a day where you have nothing to do, as if everything had stopped solely for your enjoyment.
Thailand is a destination with much more movement than the previous one. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the rest in the paradises of Koh Samui or Phuket, but if you explore Bangkok, the energy of this city will make your experience radically different. Here, you’ll find the hustle and bustle you know from any major world city, but also a culture that is certainly unlike anything you might find at home.
The “tear of India” is also a country awaiting discovery as a tourist destination beyond its spirituality. We’re talking about Sri Lanka, a country famous for its ancient temples but also for its virgin beaches and natural parks that many are yet to discover.
In the Persian Gulf, we find a combination of tradition and modernity that surprises everyone, even those most accustomed to seeing it on television. Bahrain has a practically unique cultural heritage, while the United Arab Emirates displays a level of luxury far beyond what one might expect from this region. Oman is something entirely different: much more intimate, with oases hidden from view and unique desert landscapes.
Tips to Make the Most of Blue Monday Deals
If you want to take full advantage of all the travel deals specific to Blue Monday, you need to follow certain guidelines:
- Book early: Blue Monday deals are more focused on last-minute offers, but being quick can get you a better price.
- Choose off-season destinations: Places like Eastern Europe or North Africa are usually cheaper at this time of year.
- Check cancellation policies: Given current uncertainties, and the fact that you don’t know what situation you might find yourself in three months from now, it’s better to choose options with flexible dates.
- Share on social media: Some agencies and hotel chains offer extra discounts if you share promotions on digital platforms. Check if your preferred option has such a program.
