Bay of Xlendi
Bay of Xlendi

Beat the Blue Monday Blues with a Sun-Soaked Holiday

If you hadn’t already heard, today is Blue Monday. It usually falls on the third Monday of January, and is statistically – according to research – the most gloomy day of the year. Why? Well, the research takes into consideration the following: bad weather, bad financial situations following the spending sprees that tend to happen over the Christmas period, the fact that by the third Monday in January many people will have already broken at least one of their New Year’s resolutions, and – as a result – low motivational levels.  

Here in the Brightwater offices, we seem to spend every cold, wet and dark January dreaming of sun-drenched landscapes in far-away places, so, with that in mind, we’ve rounded up a list of holidays that will see you soaking up vitamin D and boosting your serotonin levels in no time! As you’ll know, the only thing that’s better than fantasising about a holiday is actually taking one…

What’s more, our January sales offers end on February 2nd, so if you book your trip now, you’ll secure it for a very special price!

1) Andalucia

This autonomous region of Spain enjoys around 300 days of sunshine per year and records show that its city of Seville only ever sees around eight days of rain each year, making it the perfect destination for your next break.

Join our Gardens & Architecture of Andalucia tour – departing in April, May or September – and wander around the gorgeous Alhambra Palace, admire dramatic views over the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and stand beneath the mesmeric arched columns of Córdoba's Great Mosque. 

Click here for more information or to book yourself a place. 

2) Madagascar

Experiencing an average of 3,597 hours of sunshine per year, this incredible island should be at the top of your travel list for myriad reasons. Join our Flora & Fauna of Madagascar tour, which departs in November, and see what all the fuss is about. 

On our 15-day adventure, you'll encounter a nocturnal visit to discover the smallest frog and chameleon species of the rainforest, you'll spend a day at Berenty Reserve with its six species of lemur, and you'll be introduced to the country's iconic baobab trees. 

Click here for more information or to book yourself a place. 

3) Nice

Raking in an average of 2,724 hours of sunlight per year, Nice – the capital of the Côte d’Azur – is a fantastic place to visit all year round. Its glamorous appeal and refreshing position along the waterfront make Nice a popular holiday destination with travellers worldwide.  

On our Gardens of the French Riviera tour, take a charming walk around the historic Serre de la Madone garden, which was created by Lawrence Johnson – who is also responsible for the Hidcote Manor gardens in England. There is plenty more to discover in this region of France...

Click here for more information or to book yourself a place. 

4) Tirana

This Albanian city may come as a surprise, but it packs a golden punch with its 2,544 hours of sunlight per year, putting it at No.8 in the Top 10 or Europe list. You can join us there on our Albanian Archaeology tour, led by expert Clive Warsop. 

With us, you'll enjoy a walking tour of Tirana, which includes visits to the Skanderbeg Square, the Mosque of Et’hem Bej and the National Historical Museum. This is a unique destination that is well worth a visit, especially if you're a lover or archaeology. 

Click here for more information or to book yourself a place.

5) Valletta

Claiming the title of the sunniest city in Europe, the Maltese capital sees an average of 2,957 hours of sunshine per year. Valletta was named the 2018 European Capital of Culture and after a visit to this fantastic place, it’s not hard to see why.

On our Malta's Archaeological Heritage tour, you'll spend a day enjoying a full exploration of this city on foot. From the Upper Barakka Gardens and St. John's Cathedral, to the Grand Master's Palace and the fabulous Archaeological Museum – leave no stone unturned.

Click here for more information or to book yourself a place. 

To speak to a member of our friendly team about any of our holidays, please give us a call on 01334 657155 today. 


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Beat the Blue Monday Blues with a Sun-Soaked Holiday was published on 21 January 2019

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