The credit crunch, rising unemployment, a failing currency, record high energy prices.
Feelings of doom and gloom have not been so prevalent for many years.
Yet if you are fortunate enough to not be one of those in financial meltdown, there is some great value to be had from current offers for long haul flights to the Far East, Australia and New Zealand.
Some of the best (but not the only) offers include fares of £620 return from London to either Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington for just £620 with Air New Zealand.
These are direct flights with one of the world's best airlines, including an optional stopover in Hong Kong (as opposed to several flight changes in Eastern Europe and Africa).
British Airways currently can offer flights to Sydney and Melbourne for just £699 and £700 respectively.
Qantas are currently offering flights to Perth for just £639 return and Brisbane for £641 return, plus their own Melbourne offer which is even cheaper than British Airways' offer! There's probably never been a better time to book a long haul flight to any of these great destinations.
You'll need to take urgent action though as these offers end on the 5th February.
If you want slightly longer to make up your mind, Emirates will allow you to book flights from London to Perth for just £636 return, if booked by 15th February, Melbourne for £691 return, Sydney for £696 and Brisbane for £699.
Flights to Christchurch, New Zealand are on offer for just £764.
You'll need to hurry though, as not surprisingly at these prices tickets are selling fast.