'I just got back from my first sober holiday. Here's how it changed my trip.'

Ten years ago the mention of a “sober holiday” would’ve made me more than a little cynical. I would’ve rolled my eyes and imagined something boring and virtuous. Like one of those retreats where you’re not allowed to talk for 5 days and you only eat broth. 

Holidays have long been associated with alcohol – a vino on every plane, the standard few Aperols overlooking Santorini. But with alcohol consumption in Australia now reaching its lowest point since the early 1960s, we're seeing attitudes around alcohol change, taboos lift and more options become available to support a "sober-ish" lifestyle.

And the tourism industry are taking notes. According to the experts at Wotif, the growing low-alcohol movement is influencing the way we travel, with more of us looking for holiday experiences that aren’t centred around drinking.

In Expedia Group’s Unpack '24 report, using insights from 20,000 travellers, Wotif identified “dry-tripping” as a rising trend for holidaymakers: think travel and leisure experiences that can be enjoyed without a drink in hand.

In fact, almost 40 per cent of the Australians surveyed said they’re interested in staying at a hotel that offers easily accessible alcohol-free options like mocktails or non-alcoholic beer. 

Minibars without the booze? Yep, it’s a thing.

And I have to say, for a sleep deprived new mum there’s some appeal there. With a seven-month-old baby and significantly less “me-time” than I’m used to, my vacation fantasies revolve more around 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep than all-nighters (popping bottles has a whole new meaning with an infant).

Post-pregnancy, I’ve also found myself less interested in drinking in general. Much like the DrinkWise data shows, there's a growing number of us ditching the opportunity to drink, with gins and spritzes on the weekend being replaced with cold-pressed juices or our emotional support water bottles.

My own catch-ups with friends no longer revolve around wine (might have something to do with the 6pm bedtime routine), and my husband and I unwind with cups of tea. Put it down to self-preservation, but the postpartum phase has made it a necessity for our slower approach to life – and in this season, a lot of the time it makes sense for me to just skip the option of booze entirely. So it wasn’t much of a stretch to consider a “dry” holiday. 

We decided to give it a go on our recent family trip to Newcastle. Two hours north of Sydney, it’s a gateway to some of the region’s most beautiful beaches – the perfect destination for some much-needed relaxation. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tamara (Davis) Holland (@_tamaradavis_)

Our baby’s wake time is around 5am, bless her little circadian rhythms, so our drink of choice at the moment is coffee. Lots of it. And I’d heard the Novocastrians have an excellent bean scene.

The city has come a long way from its industrial roots – it still has the same gritty energy, only it’s channeled into a slew of cool cafes and makers’ boutiques. Wotif cites the “regional glow-up” as another major travel trend to look out for in the coming year, and if you’re considering booking a regional holiday, this severely underrated town deserves a spot on your list.

The place is buzzing with a creative energy that feels contagious – you could easily get lost eating your way along Darby Street, or spend hours scouring for vintage clothes and antiques in grungy Islington.

Image: Supplied.

With the juxtaposition of surf beaches and fitspo culture against the artsy soul that resides at its centre, there’s really something for everyone – in step with the mood to not need a drink in hand to enjoy yourself. It’s a true foodie’s paradise – the seafood at Thermidor Oyster Bar and Brasserie is fresher than anything you’ll try, and we couldn’t miss a meal at the iconic Merewether Surfhouse, which has a literal front-row seat to some of the best waves the North coast has to offer.

Image: Supplied.

Between all the eating, the shopping (for me) the surfing (for my husband) and navigating naps (all of us), I can honestly say the thought of a drink didn’t cross my mind.

Image: Supplied.

We stayed at QT Newcastle, one of the world-class accommodation options that has opened its doors in Newcastle, and were delighted by all the quirks and curiosities around every corner (like, the elevator applauds when you enter and sighs when you leave). 

Take said elevator up to the rooftop bar that overlooks the city and you’ll see an impressive cocktail menu with options for the growing number of us in our sober-curious era.

Image: Supplied.

Downstairs at QT’s modern fine dining restaurant Jana, you can pair your meal with mocktails crafted from Lyres non-alcoholic spirits. Created especially by their mixologist, they’re way more grown up than your standard sugary Shirley Temple (seriously, where were these when I was pregnant?).

Image: Supplied.

We left the meal buzzing, without a drop of booze. That’s the magic of travel – when you’re really lost in a beautiful meal, great company, and the atmosphere is just right. 

Would I “dry-trip” again? Yes. In a heartbeat. While I’m by no means teetotal, I no longer see drinking as the main attraction of a holiday. There’s just so much more to see. (Plus, we saved a bunch of cash we would’ve spent on drinks and put it towards… well, food and vintage clothes mostly. But also petrol for our drive home, because #costofliving.)

And after my baby and my husbands’ emphatic attempts to make me a morning person, I even managed to drag myself out of bed for a gorgeous beach sunrise. But not before a double espresso. 

Book your next trip with Expedia Group brands, Expedia, Wotif and Stayz.

Feature Image: Supplied.