The Sober Traveller’s Dilemma

I am incredibly proud of my husband who gave up alcohol for medical reasons at the end of March. He’s now fully recovered but has decided to stay alcohol free. For now, at least. Maybe forever, maybe not. 

I have always been fairly good at moderating my own drinking, cutting back when things got a little enthusiastic and making sure I had a couple of alcohol-free days each week. His approach to life, however, has always been all or nothing. I genuinely never thought I’d see the day—or more accurately, the end of the day—when there wasn’t a little something to help him unwind.

We both abstained throughout April. I rather enjoyed waking up with clear skin, a clear head and no urgent need for a pint of water and two paracetamols. Not exactly bursting with energy, but definitely an improvement. That said, I still enjoy a few glasses of wine two or three times a week when we’re out with friends.. 

We no longer keep alcohol at home unless we’re entertaining. Even here in Mauritius, alcohol-free alternatives have improved enormously. Nosecco Rosé and Red, Chavin Sauvignon Blanc, Peroni Zero, Heineken Zero and Savannah Zero cider are all perfectly respectable substitutes. Anything sparkling, however, is still disappointingly sweet. I imagine the UK has an even bigger selection these days, but bars, restaurants and supermarkets here are definitely catching up.

In one respect, our new-found sobriety makes me rather glad I’ve left corporate life behind. FinTech and financial services had a famously enthusiastic drinking culture—perhaps they still do. There were endless business trips, generous expense accounts and the legendary Thirsty Thursday after-work drinks in City bars. Expat life isn’t exactly dry either. Sunshine, beach bars and perhaps just a little too much spare time seem to encourage another round.

Our social life hasn’t suffered at all, but we’ve discovered an entirely unexpected dilemma: travel.

Does Business Class have quite the same appeal when you’re not looking forward to the pre-flight champagne, aperitifs at the onboard bar and carefully selected wines with dinner? Especially on a daytime flight when you probably aren’t planning to sleep anyway.

Is it worth paying extra for a hotel Club Room if you’re no longer waiting outside the lounge at five o’clock to maximise the complimentary gin and tonics? And are all-inclusive resorts still such good value when you’re not working your way through cocktails beside the pool?

It becomes an interesting calculation when only one of you is taking advantage of those perks.

Lounge access? You can buy that.

Airport transfers? An Uber is considerably cheaper than a Business Class ticket.

Breakfast and evening canapés? You need to eat an awful lot of miniature quiches to justify the room upgrade.

All-inclusive? Well… if it’s adults only, that’s probably still worth every penny.

It’s funny how giving up alcohol doesn’t just change what you drink. It changes how you think about value, indulgence and even the way you travel.

So now I’m curious…

Would you still pay for the upgrades if the champagne no longer mattered?