Tag: Alcohol

Top 7 Destinations To Visit If You Don’t Drink Alcohol

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Last Updated 32 mins ago

More than one-third of Americans don’t drink alcohol. With healthier alternatives coming onto the scene, people are choosing to ditch the boozy drinks and live an alcohol-free lifestyle, and this also includes vacations.

#AlchoholFreeLiving has over 2.7 million views on TikTok, while #alcoholfreeholidays has almost 130,000. If you don’t drink alcohol or you’re just looking to cut back, below are the top destinations to visit that offer some fantastic alternatives for your vacation.

Bali, Indonesia

Alcohol is widely available in Bali, but buying certain alcohol can leave a dent in your wallet. Bali imposes a 150% import tax on brands, making wine and premium spirits more costly. Since most of the country is Muslim, you’ll find juices and ginger teas are extremely popular. You’ll often be greeted by one of these when you arrive at your hotel or resort, and the good news is, these drinks are very healthy for you.

The ginger tea is known to help with pain and inflammation (perfect for getting off that long flight), as well as managing other health concerns. Travelers boast online why Bali was responsible for their ginger tea addiction, and you’ll find each place adds its own flair to a Jamu Juice or Ginger Tea, which you’ll want to grab the recipe for.

Dubai, UAE

Although liquor just got less expensive in Dubai due to its latest alcohol rules, bars and restaurants are known to add a markup to alcohol, which can be pretty hefty. Dubai has strict alcohol regulations, where drinking is only allowed in certain locations, such as your home and licensed venues. These licensed venues are often targeted toward tourists and ex-pats, which essentially defeats the purpose of going somewhere authentic and having a local experience.

Dubai is known for its café culture, so you’ll have plenty of choices to enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee (or Gahwa), which uses spices such as cumin and saffron. It’s poured into a dallah, an Arabian coffee pot, and is usually served with dates. Karak is also a popular drink option and is considered Dubai’s national drink – a sweet chai tea with milk and spices.

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Istanbul, Turkey

Drinking a lot of alcohol is not part of Turkish culture, with most of the population choosing to have a glass or two here and there. Since it doesn’t have a large drinking culture, you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants in Istanbul that don’t serve alcohol, with most locals opting to go to tea gardens or cafes instead.

Tea is considered part of Turkish hospitality and is always offered to guests in homes. In fact, the Turkish are known to drink more tea per person than any other country in the world (yes, more than Brits!). It’s also the fifth-highest tea production country in the world. Black tea is the most popular, but there are also herbal options such as rose hip, linden flower, chamomile, and pomegranate.

Kenya

Kenya has the lowest consumption rate of alcohol in sub-Saharan Africa, which is a result of its alcohol policies that have been implemented for many years. The government uses initiatives such as reducing alcohol availability and imposing alcohol taxes to reduce people’s alcohol intake, and this is clearly working for the country.

Kenya has some of the most renowned coffee in the world and produces excellent quality beans. Similarly to other coffee culture countries, Kenyans like to socialize in coffee shops for several hours, enjoying this delicious beverage. Tea and tropical fruit juices are also popular throughout since the country has perfect growing climates.

Guatemala

The third-largest country in Central America takes the title for the lowest per capita consumption of alcohol in Latin America and the Caribbean, with more than one-third of the county never trying alcohol in their lives. You’ll find popular drinks include “limonada con soda”, which is a freshly squeezed lemonade with soda water, or “licuados,” a type of fruit smoothie made with local fruits and water or milk.

One of Guatemala’s traditional drinks is sold at markets and is a warm sweet corn beverage with cinnamon or vanilla. The drink has a creamy and silky texture since the corn kernels are lightly ground. Guatemala is also popular for its coffee since the country offers ideal growing conditions with its nutrient-rich volcanic soil that gives it a distinct flavor (think: tasting notes of chocolate and cocoa with a toffee-like sweetness).

Malaysia

Like Indonesia, Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, which contributes to its lower global average for alcohol consumption when compared to its Asian neighbors. Malaysia’s national drink is “Teh Tarik,” which is a frothy concoction of black tea and condensed milk. It uses a particular technique of pouring and pulling between two cups to achieve its frothy topping.

Malaysians love their tea, but there are also a variety of exotic drinks with bright colors and unusual flavors to try. Some of these include Air Bandung – a rose syrup drink, Nutmeg Juice, Ambarella juice, and Longan juice. A lot of these juices are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, so you’ll be returning home with an added glow.

Saudi Arabia

One of the most obvious places to add to this list is Saudi Arabia since even tourists aren’t exempted from its tough alcohol laws. Tourists aren’t allowed to drink any alcohol in the country, and if you do, it carries strong punishment.

Juices are very popular in Saudi Arabia, with Saudi Coolers (or Saudi Champagne) being heavily served at hotels and nice restaurants. Despite its name, it contains no champagne and is a mix of apple juice and sparkling water with slices of citrus fruits and fresh mint. Since the whole country doesn’t serve alcohol, you’ll find plenty of delicious and creative options to quench your thirst, including traditional Arabic coffee.

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January 28, 2023
The Latest Alcohol Rules For Tourists In Dubai After Government Reduces Prices

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Trips to Dubai just got cheaper for travelers who enjoy a drink on vacation with the government removing its 30% municipality tax on alcohol sales. The country has also removed its AED 270 (US$73) fee for liquor licenses that allow people to buy alcohol to drink at home. The reduction in fees and taxes has gone into effect now and will be trialed for a year.

Major alcohol purveyors are already celebrating the news on their social channels, instantly reflecting the new pricing on their stock in-stores but are caveating that the 5% VAT fee will still apply.

“You no longer need to make trips across the country to stock up on your favourite drinks. With the removal of 30% municipality tax and FREE alcohol licence, buying your favourite drinks is now easier and cheaper than ever!” said MMI Dubai, a major purveyor of alcohol, on its Instagram.

This move is expected to boost the appeal of Dubai as a destination for tourists and digital nomads, to compete with its neighboring countries that also carry hefty taxes on alcohol. Tourism is an important income stream for Dubai, with tourist numbers growing more than 180% in the first half of 2022, compared to the same time period a year prior, while new establishments are constantly popping up to meet this demand.

Do I Need A Liquor License To Drink At My Accommodation?

For tourists staying in hotels, the answer is NO.

Tourists that are staying in private accommodations like rentals or Airbnb’s will have different rules if they are looking to buy bottles to bring home. Tourists can apply for a free 30-day license to purchase alcohol, which is a simplified process that you can do at two of the main purveyors of alcohol in Dubai – MMI and African + Eastern. You just need to be at least 21 years of age and will need to bring your passport and a valid visitor visa to the store to obtain the license.

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Where Can I Buy Alcohol?

MMI and African + Eastern are the two main legally operated liquor stores in Dubai and collectively have almost 40 stores in Dubai, which stock the most popular wines, spirits, and beer brands.

Tourists also have access to the Legal Home Delivery service, which is the only legal alcohol delivery service in Dubai operated by MMI and African + Eastern. This service means you can avoid going into the store and opt for delivery to your accommodation instead, which is available 7 days per week between 10 am and 10 pm.

The system doesn’t currently offer same-day delivery, so you will need to order before 12 pm to get next-day delivery and order a minimum of UAE 150 (US$40). Currently, there is no limit set by law on how much alcohol you can purchase, as long as you have a liquor license to purchase it.

Where Can I Drink Alcohol?

Drinking alcohol is restricted to certain locations that are considered legal. This includes your residence or accommodation, and in licensed venues around the city.

Alcohol is not widely served in Dubai due to its Muslim population and Islamic laws, so you can only drink at officially licensed establishments such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs that are targeted toward expats and tourists. It is recommended by the Embassy of the UAE not to ask for alcohol if it isn’t on the menu. If you come across locations with signs saying “dry,” this means they do not serve alcohol.

Dubai’s clubs normally kick into gear around 10am and close around 3am, with alcohol service stopping at around 1 am, but each location has its own schedule.

Is Alcohol Expensive In Dubai?

A wide range of alcohol is served in Dubai, but it typically comes with a larger price tag than home. Drinking alcohol in Dubai is considered a privilege, but the recent removal of the 30% of tax should make it more attractive for tourists.

Some remain skeptical that these savings will be passed on when drinking on-site at bars and restaurants. According to The Washington Post, a pint of Budweiser costs about $13 at a hotel bar close to Dubai airport, while Legal Home Delivery advertises prices for a 1L of Absolut Vodka at UAS 191 (US $52), while wines start from UAE 22 (US $6), excluding 5% VAT tax.

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January 9, 2023
American Airlines Begins Selling Alcohol On Flights Again

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The carrier will allow customers to buy beer for $8 and spirits and wine for $9 during flights

The carrier American Airlines announced on Thursday that they will be resuming inflight alcoholic beverages sales starting on April 18 on domestic and short-haul international flights. On the same date the mask mandate for flights is set to expire.

Alcohol has been banned from economy class for almost two years due to passengers’ inappropriate behavior towards crew members and passengers. The decision to bring back beer, wine, and spirits comes after all other airlines lifted this restriction and travelers requested the service.

The airline confirmed in a statement: “Our customers have expressed that having these options onboard is important to their experience with us.” The prices for inflight alcohol in the main cabin have also been shared and are the same as before the pandemic: $8 for a beer and $9 for spirits—gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey— and wine. Snacks are also coming back and prices range from $4 to $6.

The first alcohol restriction started in March 2020, after that, only first-class had access to alcoholic beverages. Starting in April, passengers in Main Cabin Extra—a section with extra legroom— will receive free alcohol as they did before the restriction.

Other airlines had also banned alcohol sales during the pandemic but resumed services during the past few months. American Airlines has been the last carrier to return to inflight alcoholic beverages sales.

Why American Airlines Restricted Alcohol Sales

After the pandemic, there were many reports of unruly passengers from different airlines across the United States. The Federal Aviation Administration shared a report in June 2021 and informed that, since the beginning of the year, it had received around 3,100 reports of unruly passengers’ behavior.

Many of these reports—which include verbal abuse and physical violence— were related to the mask mandate and passengers refusing to wear it. After this, the Agency implemented a “zero tolerance” policy and said fines could raise up to $35,000.

Last year, American Airlines was about to lift the non-alcohol sales mandate implemented in 2020, but decided to postpone this decision. Brady Brynes, the carrier’s Vice President of Flight Service, said in a memo in May 2021: “Over the past week we’ve seen some of these stressors create deeply disturbing situations onboard aircraft. Let me be clear: American Airlines will not tolerate assault or mistreatment of our crews.”

Brynes also added that they understand that customers and also crew members are eager to return to “normal”, but that they had to be cautious. He also told the staff: “We also recognize that alcohol can contribute to atypical behavior from customers onboard and we owe it to our crew not to potentially exacerbate what can already be a new and stressful situation for our customers.”

Other Airlines Restrictions

Two years ago, Southwest Airlines was the first airline to implement the alcohol sales ban due to unruly behavior on March 18. After this mandate, American Airlines, United Airlines, Easyjet, Asia’s Virgin Australia, KLM, and Delta Airlines followed the lead. British Airways also suspended alcohol services but only for short-haul economy.

After prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages, the return of this service in recent months has been offered intermittently. In 2021 Southwest announced that they will resume selling alcohol during flights, but after a passenger physically assaulted a flight attendant, decided to extend the ban.

A spokesman from Southwest Airlines said: “We realize this decision may be disappointing for some customers, but we feel this is the right decision at this time in the interest of the Safety and comfort of all Customers and Crew onboard.”
Delta Air Lines resumed inflight alcohol beverages sales in April 2021—but made them more expensive— and United Airlines in November 2021. Southwest Airlines resumed alcohol sales on its planes in February 2022. American Airlines was the last American carrier to reimplement this service.

Read More:

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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March 21, 2022