If you haven’t returned to work already, chances are you will be heading back to the daily grind tomorrow, and after the fun and festivities of Christmas and New Year, you may be feeling those January blues that seem to appear the moment the Christmas tree comes down.

January can be a long cold month in the Northern Hemisphere, and as we still have a whopping three and a half weeks to go until the onset of February, now is the perfect time to dig out those travel brochures or head online (the environmentally friendly option!) and search for your dream 2013 holiday.

Most travel agents and tour operators allow you to book your trip with just a small deposit, and even though you may not be going anywhere warm and exotic until August or September, the thought that your spot in paradise has been confirmed, will help you stride into Monday with a spring in your step.

Australia consistently holds the title of the “World’s Most Popular Holiday Destination”, and while it is a very long way to go for those of us living in Europe or the east coast of the US, it has so much to offer the traveller, that I have yet to met anyone who doesn’t think it is worth every minute on the plane.

The Australian continent is huge, with a total land area of over 8.5 million km², and when you consider that the Island of Australia takes up almost 7.7 million km², you can be in no doubt that, this magnificent country has much to offer those travelling to its shores.

If you are visiting Australia for the first time, you will undoubtedly head to the famous city of Sydney with its Harbour Bridge and Royal Opera House, the majestic red rock of Uluru, and perhaps add a trip up the Gold Coast or to the Great Barrier Reef, all of these are ‘must see’ attractions, and they never disappoint.

If, however, you are heading to Oz for a second time, you might want to see something a little bit different and take up one of the many Outback Adventures that are popular with foreign travellers.

When it comes to Australian Outback Adventures, the choice is almost endless, from camping under the stars and Aboriginal bush walking tours, to 4-wheel driving trips and farms stays, there is something for everyone in this amazing country, and long-haul flights are now cheaper than ever before.

A New Year provides us all with a new start, so why not make 2013 your year, cross that dream holiday off your bucket list, and go Waltzing with Matilda Down Under!