Find the Best Blue Monday Travel Deals for January 2024

We are all keenly aware that the period after the holidays can feel like a long, tough uphill grind, and Mondays are notoriously associated with low spirits year-round. But, did you know there’s actually a scientific formula indicating that the saddest day of the entire year falls on a specific Monday in January? In 2005, Dr. Cliff Arnall—a psychologist who specializes in seasonal affective disorders at the University of Cardiff (Wales)—devised a mathematical equation that takes numerous factors into account, including debt levels, motivation, climate, and the time that has passed since Christmas Day.

According to this formula, the most miserable day of the year falls on the third Monday after New Year’s. This is the point at which reality kicks in after the initial optimism of making resolutions and the joy of reuniting with loved ones during the season’s celebrations has worn off. The date was soon baptized “Blue Monday.” Fortunately, the travel industry came to the rescue with the happy idea of offering Blue Monday travel deals. Because one of the best ways to ward off the winter blues is to have a plan to look forward to, and all the great offers for bargain holidays in January are ideal for making Blue Monday travel plans to help banish the winter blues once and for all.

If you’re a retiree or happen to work in a creative field with a more flexible schedule and calendar, winter can sometimes feel like a never-ending barren wasteland, void of any and all innovation or inspiration. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Winter is also a great time to score incredibly affordable January travel deals so you can get away from the cold and gloom and have something to look forward to once you’re done putting away the Christmas decorations. Let the fine white sand beaches of Punta Cana fill your mind with inspiration or, if you prefer a burst of color, discover the fascinating world of the ancient Mayans while basking in the sunshine in the Mexican Caribbean. Tempting, isn’t it? So we thought. Here are some of the best January beach vacation deals to keep your eyes peeled for:

With its fantastic climate, robust economy, and well-developed eco-tourism industry, Costa Rica consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world. The country’s motto, “Pura vida”—“Pure life”—, exemplifies its vibe as an ideal place to fully enjoy the simple pleasures nature has to offer.

The 800 miles of coastline divided between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean have also made it a surfer paradise, a popular place for both yoga retreats and full retirement, and a great destination for affordable vacations in January. You’ll find spectacular, mood-boosting beaches on either coast and top-class accommodations throughout the country.

For further inspiration, Guanacaste is the place to go for music lovers looking to experience traditional Costa Rican root music, while the capital, San Jose, is a sure bet for art fans. The Costa Rican Art Museum—housed in a 1930’s Neoclassical building that once served as the city’s main airport terminal—is well worth the visit. With its impressive outdoor sculpture garden, the museum houses a collection of over 3,200 works by Costa Rican artist dating back to the 19th century. Or check out the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design—housed in a building that used to be the national liquor factory—to get a sense of how the latest international trends have played out in “the Switzerland of the Americas.” And if you decide to stick around for carnival, make sure to visit Puntarenas to enjoy its popular parade.

Gazing at the Caribbean Sea in mid-January will no doubt make winter easier to bear. And the less effort you need to put into planning your getaway, the better. Cheap January vacation deals make the luxury of staying at an all-inclusive hotel on the Riviera Maya surprisingly affordable so you can enjoy the ultimate relaxing vacation experience. The laid-back, relaxed vibes and warm temperatures of the Mexican Caribbean make it a tempting destination for a mid-winter getaway.

To give the winter blues the final death blow, indulge in a spa break—many January all-inclusive deals include spa treatments right on the premises, so you can start the year afresh. Once your worries and tension have melted away, venture onto the streets where brightly colored street art murals act as the backdrop to the burgeoning art scene. And don’t forget to stop and taste the delicious street food that can be found on every corner—this is truly authentic Mexican food at its best.

You’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the roots of the Riviera Maya as you explore the region. The ancient Mayan civilization is a rabbit warren of visual delights that will keep your mind engaged for hours. Archeological complexes like the majestic Chichen Itzá are a great starting point for those interested in discovering the mysterious world of the Mayans. Fast forward to today and seaside towns like Tulum have become bohemian hotspots and a must-visit for anyone interested soaking in some international artsy vibes.

The Dominican Republic is famous for its endless supply of sunshine, paradise beaches, and rum. No wonder the island nation has ended up on our Blue Monday hotlist. This slice of paradise is the ideal place to shake off the blues. It also happens to be the birthplace of fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, singer Juan Luis Guerra, and painter Olivia Peguero, to name a few. Thanks in part to its melting pot of cultures—most notably Spanish, French, and Haitian—the Dominican Republic is blessed with an outpouring of creative talent.

So, if you are suffering from a case of winter blues and in urgent need of a pick-me-up, look up cheap vacation destinations in January and hop on a plane to Punta Cana.

The relaxing murmur of the crystal-clear waters lapping against the Coconut Coast will melt all stress away. And while you’re still buzzing from the adrenaline rush of windsurfing, ziplining, or kayaking, exploring the island’s creative scene is a fantastic way to engage with the locals. Blue Monday travel deals offer an excellent opportunity to book one of Punta Canaʼs top all-inclusive hotels to use as your base. From there, venture to Uvero Alto, a swanky neighborhood in northern Punta Cana, where you’ll find Taino, a high-end souvenir shop offering everything from works by local artist to precious gemstones. Then as night falls, retreat back to the resort and enjoy a cocktail to the soundtrack of gentle Latin tunes as you relax and settle into one of the best mid-January all-inclusive vacations imaginable.

January travel sales are one of the best things about the new year. With a little luck, you’ll find surprisingly cheap getaways in January when you choose Cancun as your destination. Check into an all-inclusive hotel and restock your levels of vitamin D while lounging on the 13 miles of fine white sand. Let your creative imagination run wild as you explore the incredible coral reefs beyond the gleaming shoreline.

If you are fond of scuba diving, you can visit an underwater art gallery. If dry land is more your thing, stroll around the city streets of the residential development off Avenida Bonampak in downtown Cancun and contemplate the imposing street art murals painted onto buildings by local artists. Fans of Frida Kahlo will enjoy a trip to the Frida Kahlo Riviera Maya Museum, which houses exhibits and curiosities from the life of the great Mexican artist.

January getaway deals to Cancun are a bargain. And let’s not forget that Mexican food, music and culture are food for the soul. Simply unwinding while relishing the colorful vibrancy of day-to-day life in Mexico is enough to say “adios” to the winter blues. Mexican handicrafts are packed with folklore and tradition and make wonderful souvenirs for friends and family. Pack your suitcase full and use them to decorate your home as a reminder of your heart-warming mid-winter travels. 

There is nothing like watching the sun gradually melt into the Caribbean off the coast of Aruba to soothe a tired soul and keep the blues at bay. But don’t just take our word for it, make the most of travel deals in January and discover it for yourself. Restore your body and mind while sunbathing on picturesque beaches and enjoy being pampered at a luxury hotel when you snag one of the cheapest all-inclusive vacations in January. And when you’re done contemplating the pretty sunset and have had your fill of the island’s spectacular natural beauty, make sure you check out Aruba’s art scene. The local artisans are keen to share their unique dose of island charm.

It is impossible to feel blue when faced with the colorful creations at Korteweg. This local pop-up art fair is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for friends and family or expand your personal art collection. Dive deeper into the Aruban cultural scene with a trip to Etnia Nativa, a local art gallery and museum; and, to lift your spirits further, enjoy a stroll through the brightly colored streets. If you are staying in Palm Beach, consider setting off on an adventure to San Nicolas, the sunrise city, for a taste of the real Aruba. 

Experience the soul of Aruba’s cultural scene coming alive with Latin rhythms, art exhibitions, and spontaneous dance performances supercharged with positive vibes. It is impossible to have a bad day on this happy island.