in the know
From top : Tabacón Hot Springs in La Fortuna , Costa Rica ; the Quapaw bathhouse in Hot Springs , Arkansas
Trending : Alcohol-Free Travel Gains Favour
Are swim-up bars and in-flight cocktails soon to be a thing of the past ? Not necessarily , but Gen Zers are certainly proving that they don ’ t need alcohol to have a good time . Drinking at least 20 % less than millennials did at their age , they ’ re influencing older generations to embrace an alcohol-free or sober-curious lifestyle .
Hotels , restaurants , bars and cruise lines are getting on board with ‘ dry tripping ’, with many debuting extensive zero-proof menus . More people are travelling with the goal of returning home well-rested and rejuvenated ; a trend contributing to the rise of other types of wellness travel , including sleep tourism . Travellers also cite adventure tourism as their top reasons to travel , meaning early starts and exploration best undertaken without a hangover .
Destinations considered favourable to sober travel include Nepal , Morocco and Costa Rica , where there ’ s less of a drinking culture , nature activities are popular and wellness retreats are common .
Place to Be : Arkansas images : alamy
The growing interest in water-based wellness is potentially at the heart of increased tourism to Arkansas .
The Natural State is stepping into the spotlight with highlights such as the city of Hot Springs — nestled in the Ouachita Mountains , this historic resort destination is home to dozens of thermal springs , a national park and a few stellar hotels .
In northwest Arkansas , in the Ozark Mountains , Eureka Springs is a quirky city with curious Victorian architecture , a thriving motorcycle culture , hiking and biking trails , and more hot springs . And in Little Rock , the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts recently completed renovations , adding to the state ’ s reputation as a place for both culture and outdoor enthusiasts .
WINTER 2024 • 11