How sober took over
From teetotal trips to wellness weekends, Dry Tripping is one of 2024’s hottest vacation trends
Holidays have long been associated with alcohol, be it that celebratory glass of fizz on the plane or sipping a sundowner while drinking in the views. But with alcohol consumption in Australia recently reaching its lowest point since the early 1960s, younger Aussies, are seeking holiday experiences that aren’t centred around drinking.
Meanwhile, their parents are also becoming increasingly sober curious and drastically reducing their alcohol intake. Close to 40% of Australians* admit they would be interested in staying at a hotel that offers easily accessible alcohol-free options like mocktails or non-alcoholic beer.
“Hotels are rolling out delicious mocktails, adaptogen drinks, teas and serotonin sodas,” says Daniel Finch, Managing Director of Expedia Brands.
“I promise you won’t miss the alcohol while drinking a pink virgin gin spritz at QT Newcastle and with Wotif.com’s app filters making it even easier to book your perfect hotel, these are some of the clear-headed holiday experiences you can expect to find in 2024.”
Minibar makeover
The gin miniatures in your minibar are now likely to nestle up against a sip-worthy non-alcoholic drink or a reviving cold-pressed juice. Head down to your hotel bar and you’ll note far more non-alcoholic options these days. Whether it’s in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, the Gold Coast or Newcastle, there’s a delicious Lyre’s mocktail waiting for you at QT Hotels.
Outside of your hotel, Australia is now home to a growing number of non-alcoholic experiences, with more sure to come in the years ahead.
Wotif’s top picks include:
SOBAH, Burleigh Heads: Newly opened Sobah Brewery & Café, proudly Aboriginal owned and led is bringing a fresh perspective to the Gold Coast’s sipping scene.
NONHQ, Melbourne: World First Non-Alcoholic Cellar Door where you can meet the makers and experts behind Non’s delicious drink range, while participating in a flavour workshop.
Brunswick Aces Bar, Melbourne: First non-alcoholic bar in Australia and the only place where every drink on the menu is available in non-alcoholic and alcoholic options.
Seadrift Distillery, Sydney: Australia’s first non-alcoholic distillery, having opened the doors to Sydney’s first non-alcoholic bar, Seadrift So-Bar. The bar serves cocktails that contain Seadrift Classic (a gin, of sorts, infused with botanicals of tarragon, coriander and subtly saline sea-kelp), as well as a huge selection of international and local non-alcoholic spirits.
Sidewood Estate, Adelaide Hills: Launched Adelaide Hills’ first-ever zero-alcohol wine and tasting flight.
Based on consumer research conducted among 20,000 respondents across 14 countries by OnePoll between Sept. 12 – Oct. 5, 2023, on behalf of Expedia Brands.
Kerry Potter
Writer
Kerry Potter is an editor and writer specializing in travel, health, culture, fashion and lifestyle. A former editor on Elle and ES Magazine, she also advises brands on content strategy, curates and hosts literary events, and is an associate lecturer at Oxford Brookes University’s journalism department. She is the co-author of a book about the future of sport and fitness, All To Play For.
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