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Blue Monday shunned as Record Booking Numbers Expected
Published: pá 13 led 2017 at 08:05
Updated: pá 13 led 2017 at 08:10
Despite approaching what is apparently the most-depressing day of the year, our new research suggests that Brits are taking it in their stride by taking steps to have a happy and action-packed 2017.
With one in four of the 2,000 adults questioned saying they are glad to see the back of 2016, just 6% of Brits expect to feel down this Blue Monday. Over a quarter claim not to know what Blue Monday even is! Instead, more than two thirds report that far from feeling blue, they are approaching the day feeling positive about the year ahead and are taking positive steps for a happy and healthy 2017.
Our research shows that as well as exercising, getting into new hobbies and eating well, booking a holiday is one of the things people will most likely be doing this Blue Monday. It also shows that our sense of adventure is alive and well, with well over half planning to book a holiday destination they’ve never been to before.
All of this is backed up by Jet2holidays data, as we gear up for record-breaking booking numbers over the weekend and into Monday.
We are expecting a fourfold increase on normal booking volumes over these days, a significant increase on peak periods last year. In response, we have increased capacity in our call centre and online and social media teams.
The majority of those making bookings over the next few days will be jetting away for beach holidays – with well-known favourites such as Majorca, Spain and the Canary Islands selling well. Destinations such as Costa de Almeria, Halkidiki and Croatia are also selling fast, and we’re seeing a spike in bookings to city break destinations such as Prague, Budapest and Barcelona.
Zoe Towers, Head of Product at Jet2holidays added: “This time of year has always been a popular time for bookings, but this year we’re expecting a surge of bookings over the weekend and into Monday. We’ve prepared for this demand by increasing the number of customer support staff, both in our call centres as well as in our online and social teams to help with enquiries.
“This year seems to be one of exploration, with people choosing to book new destinations as well as well-known hotspots, and we’re seeing this with ‘off the beaten path’ destinations such as Halkidiki, Costa de Almeria and Croatia proving very popular. With this appetite to get out, do things and see the world it means that the phrase ‘Blue Monday’ feels a bit wide of the mark this year, and our research certainly shows that.”
TV psychologist Honey Langcaster-James commented: “The start of January is traditionally seen as a fresh start with new ambitions set and life-affirming initiatives started. Unfortunately, the winter weather, the long period between pay cheques and the return to the daily grindstone has previously meant that by mid-January people tend not to feel as positive as they did.
“However, this research suggests that we are more resilient and motivated than ever to take action to make our own happiness. Starting a new hobby, getting fit and planning things to look forward to such as trying a new holiday destination is a great way of shunning those January blues.”
