Work feeling like an absolute drag? Finding yourself forever dreaming of warmer days and sunny shores? Before you come to the conclusion that your life sucks, your job is rubbish and all is terrible with the world, consider this – perhaps it’s time for a holiday. These are the telltale signs that indicate it may be about time you get those bags packed, and adventure mode switched ON.

Winter feels like it has been going on for an eternity

Well firstly, if you are from the UK or anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, as a fellow Brit I can confirm winter has now been going on for 14 months straight . Or so it feels, at any rate. The lack of sunshine, permanently drizzly skies, dark nights, and general ‘meh’ feeling are enough to get anyone down, so maybe it’s time to escape the bleak mid-winter for someplace sunnier?

Your productivity levels are falling

Work can be hard at the best of times, and sometimes just getting up, doing the commute, and seeing out the day is enough to make you feel emotionally and physically exhausted. Throw in actually having to be decent at your job whilst still finding the time for extracurricular fun, and it can often feel all a bit too much. If your productivity levels have taken a bashing of late, you're struggling to even think about the gym (let alone go), and making plans with friends feels like an effort, it really sounds like you need a break, my friend.

You’re getting grouchy at everyone around you

Friends, parents, boyfriend/girlfriend, postman, random man walking the dog, and absolutely everyone else pissing you off? We have news for you – perhaps it’s not them, but you. Doing the same thing day in, day out can grind you down, and often you take these irritations out on those closest to you. So, save yourself those unnecessary arguments and book a trip instead!

Food has become really boring

Eating leftover spaghetti bolognese for the third night in a row? Take it from us – food does not need to be this boring. Instead of bland pasta, you could be learning to roll sushi in Japan, tucking into fresh summer spring rolls in Vietnam, or enjoying a traditional beach BBQ whilst overlooking Bondi Beach in sunny Sydney. Food is a huge part not just of travel but of life, so maybe it’s time to fall in love with it again?

Your body is not feeling good

Oh hello, pale pasty skin. Oh hello, eczema. Oh hello, spotty face. Oh hello, blobby body that’s been hiding under layers of clothing all winter long. Listen to us when we say that your best self is out there. A little sunshine, a little ocean healing, some exercise courtesy of exploring new cities, kayaking, or learning to surf, and you’ll be feeling back to your (fabulous) true self in no time.

You’re in a creative rut

Take it from someone who works in a creative industry – there’s nothing better for a creative rut than a change of scenery. Whether you’re a writer, a photographer, an artist, or just someone known for coming up with good ideas, changing up your everyday routine for something new will work wonders for getting the brain cogs working once again.

You can’t even bear to look at other people’s holiday pics

Mate currently travelling in Thailand sharing snaps on the gram? NOPE. Another mate currently living the dream on a working holiday in Australia, also sharing snaps on the gram? ALSO NOPE. If the FOMO is so real you can’t even bear to look at what’s happening elsewhere in the world, do something about it.

So what do you say – think it’s about time to book a vacay? If you need us, you know where we’ll be… ( right here , JFYI)!