Today - the 23rd of January - is officially the most depressing day of the year, known colloquially as 'Blue Monday'. It's not surprising, considering that naked Christmas trees line our streets, we haven't been paid since the Christmas splurge and we're all on a diet. The solution? An exclusive escape, of course!
Hygge
Denmark tops the charts as the happiest country on earth. The Danes maintain the belief that even the smallest and simplest actions can produce a wealth of happiness, an ethos summed up in a single term - Hygge.
Malawi
According to its visitors (us included!), Malawi is one of the warmest and friendliest places in Africa despite being one of the poorest countries in the world.
Pura Vida
Coined by the Costa Ricans, this phrase meaning 'full of life' is evident in their rich and vibrant culture through their seize-the-day approach to life.
Gross National Happiness
As opposed to the tradition GDP, this is a more wholesome way to measure the success of a country, as famously celebrated by Bhutan. Gross National Happiness values sustainable development, cultural integrity, ecosystem conservation, and good governance. So what's the secret of contentment? All answers are subjective, but looking at these examples it looks like the solution could be in a way of thinking. If I look at it that way, I suppose Christmas is only a year away, and as for the rubbish weather, well, I'll either buy a beautiful umbrella or I'll book a holiday to somewhere hot.
For more information on exclusive escapes in January, contact Original Travel.