Three Ways to Beat the January Blues with a Family New Year Trip Abroad

Three Ways to Beat the January Blues with a Family New Year Trip Abroad

January often arrives with a thud: the dark evenings and the post-festive slump that makes everything feel a little heavier. One of the most uplifting ways to counter this is to plan something positive for the whole family.

Booking a New Year escape provides a sense of anticipation and breaks the monotony of winter. With holidays easy to browse and compare online, you can start the year feeling energised rather than overwhelmed, especially when you know you already have your January family getaway booked.

Escape the Cold (Canary Islands, Spain)

Trading grey skies for guaranteed sunshine is one of the simplest and most effective ways to beat the January Blues. The Canary Islands, including favourites such as Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, enjoy spring-like temperatures all year. That immediate burst of warmth as you step off the plane, combined with brighter light and natural Vitamin D, can lift energy levels and improve mood almost instantly.

Here, families can swim outdoors even in the first week of January and dine al fresco rather than huddle indoors. Resorts are exceptionally family-friendly, offering kids’ clubs, heated pools, splash zones, and safe, sheltered shores. Gran Canaria, in particular, is home to some beautiful beaches ideal for younger children.

Beyond the beach, you can enjoy whale- and dolphin-watching trips, and hikes through Teide National Park’s volcanic landscape. The combination of sunshine and stress-free downtime provides a real escape from Ireland’s winter chill, and gives everyone something to look forward to after Christmas.

High-Energy Thrills and Alpine Excitement (Austrian Alps)

Embracing winter rather than fleeing from it might be the perfect solution if your family thrives on activity. The Austrian Alps offer a fresh, high-energy start to the New Year thanks to world-class skiing and lively alpine villages that feel a world away from January’s usual sluggishness.

Active travel is a well-known mood booster. Learning new skills like skiing or snowboarding releases endorphins and creates a shared goal for the whole family. Resorts such as Mayrhofen and Zell am See are particularly family-friendly, thanks to excellent ski schools with friendly instructors and dedicated beginner zones.

Off the slopes, the Alps still deliver excitement: think tobogganing runs, ice skating rinks, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and cosy mountain restaurants serving classic Austrian comfort food.

Cultural Immersion and Historical Exploration (Lisbon, Portugal)

For families who prefer cultural experiences to beaches or snow, Lisbon offers the ideal city break to brighten the New Year. The Portuguese capital is vibrant without being overwhelming, and January’s mild temperatures make it perfect for outdoor exploring.

The city’s colourful streets and tiled buildings help shake off any lingering post-festive sluggishness. Lisbon’s hills naturally encourage gentle exercise, while its iconic yellow trams (especially the beloved Tram 28) provide fun and convenient transport for families.

Kids and parents alike will enjoy the Belém Tower and the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of Europe’s top aquariums. With shorter queues and lower travel costs after Christmas, sightseeing here feels pleasantly relaxed compared with major tourist cities like Paris and London.

Guest Article.