Travel for less with Blue Monday deals
The start of the year doesn’t always have to mean excessive spending and the well-known “January slump.”
With Blue Monday deals, you can find unique opportunities to travel without your budget being seriously affected.
The origin of Blue Monday
Blue Monday is considered the saddest day of the year and always falls on the third Monday of January. The idea dates back to 2005, when Cliff Arnall, a British psychologist, claimed he had “discovered” a formula to calculate the most depressing day of the year. According to him, the cold winter, Christmas debts, and lack of motivation after the New Year celebrations combine to make us feel low.
Recommended destinations to escape the routine with Blue Monday discounts
Blue Monday can be a great excuse to start the year by planning an unforgettable trip. However, it’s wise to think first about the most interesting destinations for that big trip this year. Remember that the best choice depends on your personal preferences and the type of experiences you want.
A blend of culture and gastronomy in Spain
Spain is a country that, despite being one of the most visited in the world, can still surprise tourists with its variety of landscapes and its cultural richness. Many travellers think of Madrid or Barcelona when considering a trip to Spain, but forget about places like Seville, Granada, or Valencia, which conceal unique cultural treasures and amazing gastronomic experiences.
One of the main tips when visiting Spain is to avoid fast-food chains. Forget about them and enjoy the local cuisine: tapas in Andalusia, paella in Valencia, or any kind of cured meat you can imagine all over the country. Your stomach will thank you. Oh, and make the most of the huge number of museums and historic monuments. You’ll find something worth seeing in practically every small town you come across on your journey.
Tradition and beaches in Mexico
If you’re looking for warm weather and paradise-like beaches, Mexico is your destination. Cancún, the Riviera Maya, and Puerto Vallarta are some of the most recommended areas if that’s your goal. But don’t stop there: Mexican culture and traditions are lovely and well worth experiencing.
The recommendations for Mexico are very similar to those for Spain: the food is very varied and different from what you’ll find elsewhere. But don’t just stick to tacos—try pozole, cochinita pibil… And, very importantly, don’t just lounge on the beaches. Please, take in the culture and the pre-Columbian monuments that can still be found all over the country.
Costa Rica’s wild natural beauty
Central America in general boasts enormous biodiversity, thanks to its connection to both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. However, no other country embodies this feature quite like Costa Rica. It’s an ideal country for adventure lovers, offering activities like zip-lining, surfing, hiking, and volcano excursions.
The main recommendation when visiting Costa Rica is obvious: enjoy nature. It’s lush, rich, and incomparable to anywhere else. Volcanoes and national parks will be your must-see stops.
Why the third Monday in January?
According to Arnall himself, the third Monday in January is when most people start to realise that the Christmas festivities are over and their New Year’s resolutions have already been put to the test. Moreover, in Northern Hemisphere countries, the weather is dark and the days are grey, which influences our mood. In 2025, Blue Monday will fall on 20th January.
How to plan your travels on Blue Monday
Blue Monday usually comes with promotions on the day itself or even during the preceding weekend. This means you’ll have a bit more time to research, compare, and decide on the Blue Monday Barcelo that best suit what you’re looking for. However, you’ll still need to plan carefully. Here are some recommendations:
1. Define your budget: Don’t get carried away by the excitement of special offers—set a maximum budget and stick to it. Take advantage of deals to save money, not to get further into debt.
2. Be flexible with dates: If you can, avoid the busiest times, such as peak season, and consider less crowded dates. Many hotels offer better rates during the week or off-season, allowing you to save a bit more.
3. Compare prices and conditions: Thanks to the internet, it’s much easier to check multiple websites and booking platforms. Read the small print in each offer, especially the cancellation or date-change policies, which will give you more freedom to plan.
4. Look for destinations with varied activities: Consider places that offer a range of cultural, gastronomic, or leisure experiences, whether that’s a country steeped in history, a cosmopolitan city, or a tropical paradise. That way, you’ll be sure you can enjoy yourself even if the weather changes or your plans shift.
5. Consult forums and social media: Other travellers’ experiences can give you hints about what to expect from each destination and help you discover some of the best local secrets.
Italy speaks for itself
Anything you could say about Italy has probably been said before. The country is a feast of history, art, and cuisine in every corner. Wandering down any alleyway is to dive into centuries of tradition, monuments, and artistic works by some of the greatest masters of all time.
It’s practically impossible to recommend just one or two things in Italy. There are simply too many unmissable spots in such a large country. Museums, gastronomy, cities… everything you find there will captivate you. So, the best advice we can give is: make the most of it and get lost for as long as you can.
Tips for finding the best Blue Monday deals
Once you’ve chosen your dream destination, it’s time to hunt for the best deals. These tips will help you find even better prices:
- Subscribe to travel newsletters:Many travel agencies and airlines offer exclusive discounts to their subscribers, so stay on top of your emails. Make sure to select your travel preferences and set them for the destinations that interest you.
- Take advantage of loyalty programmes: If you’re a frequent traveller, use any points or miles you may have accumulated with your preferred airline—be it Iberia, Qatar Airways, or any other.
- Look for coupons and promotional codes:Social media, blogs, and forums are often sources of codes that aren’t always published widely.
- Book in advance and stay flexible:Last-minute deals can be tempting, but it’s usually better to plan your trip well in advance to save a fair amount of money. Playing around with your departure and return dates can also help you spend a bit less.
- Check cancellation and refund policies:Let’s say you’ve managed to book the trip of your dreams… but something comes up and you can no longer travel on those dates. The possibility of cancelling or rescheduling without hefty penalties is then incredibly helpful. Many companies have relaxed their terms and conditions, but make sure to read them before confirming your booking.
