While most of last year has been a blur for many, travelling in the new decade is now all about staying in the know. The latest travel trend predicted to do the rounds in 2021 is sober travel, and we’ve demystified it for you. By Bayar JainWhat is sober travel?
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Much like the name suggests, sober travel is all about exploring destinations completely alcohol-free, immersing in local cultures, and having an enriching holiday without having to rely on booze to enhance the experience. A subset of wellness travel, this form of holidaying aims to stray away from the temporary euphoria obtained from drinking.
Not only does sober travel equip one with the right mindset to savour a destination’s offerings, but it also brings with it an inherent gusto to go on with the day’s activities without having to fret over a ghastly hangover, courtesy nightlong partying and excessive drinking.
How did it begin?
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For a large chunk of the world, teetotalism is nothing new. In fact, most religious sects frown upon this choice of living. In an era when making informed choices is gaining momentum and healthy living has taken centre-stage, this choice of holidaying comes naturally.
Besides, as travellers increasingly wish to dip their toes into unchartered domains for a more immersive experience, wanderers have come to take notice of the varied beverage offerings available across regions apart from intoxicating booze. Take Britain’s tea culture for instance, where a hot cuppa’ is synonymous to the region. Or South East Asia’s coffee concoctions, including the more quirky ones like Vietnam’s egg coffee. In India, lassi from Punjab, kehwa from Kashmir, mahua from Chhattisgarh, kokum from Karnataka, and many more are ideal.
Where to go?
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The biggest flex of sober travelling is that one can choose to visit any destination in mind, simply by shifting one’s gaze and purpose. Be it far-off destinations requiring multiple transits or hidden gems closer to home, the traveller’s intention must be to explore it with a renewed gaze. Take Germany, for instance. While famous for their lagers, the country has many historical avenues tucked in its kitty too. Think Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall; the Imperial Baths of Trier; Cologne Cathedral; and many more.
In India, dry states such as Gujarat, Bihar, Mizoram, Nagaland, or even the Lakshadweep islands naturally lend themselves to sober travel havens. However, the other states have an allure of their own too. Apart from the countless tourist destinations, one can simply enjoy live theatres; public readings and performances; vintage bookstores; traditional eateries; and many more.
Related: Here’s The Story Of The New Miracle Drink Known As The Yellow Tea
Bayar Jain
Senior Content Manager
Equipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi, and a post graduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing the next frame, dabbling in arts and crafts, or gushing over puppers and kittens.