If the start of September has left you feeling down, you don't need us to tell you that booking a holiday will fix the blues quick-smart. But not just any break will do, it seems. if you want guaranteed happiness, there are three destinations that should be top of your list.
Dan Queiroz, Flickr.com
Australia, Canada or South Africa have just topped a list of the world's happiest destinations, according to more than 1,000 people polled by cheap flights comparison site Skyscanner. Yes, you might have to grit your teeth for the long-haul flight, but you'll come back beaming.
It's not hard to see why the trio fared so well with voters; Australia alone boasts the city delights of Sydney and Melbourne, vineyards galore, the incomparable Outback, the Great Barrier Reef and the beaches of the Gold Coast for starters.
Meanwhile, film buffs love Canada's movie central in Vancouver, along with the country's stunning wilderness (bears and all) plus the cities of Montreal and Quebec among other attractions. And now the distractions of the World Cup are over, South Africa should stay on your must-visit list - who cares about football when you can go on safari, wine tasting, enjoy beaches on two coasts, as well as shopping, restaurants and penguin spotting in Cape Town.
Don't fancy a long flight? Well, six of the top 10 cheerful countries were outside Europe, with India, Thailand and the USA also making the list, although France, Italy, Portugal and Greece did squeeze into the happy list. The UK itself only scraped in at number 14.
And the longer you can spend on holiday, the more it'll make you smile, while money can actually buy happiness, with those spending over £3,000 per person having the best time – presumably until the credit card statement arrives at least!
Even if you can't jet off tomorrow, the survey found that just booking in advance will give you a boost. Still stuck for ideas? Never fear, we've got some thoughts to get you going.