Its OK to go NoLo: No one feels guilty any more

It is OK to go alcohol free.

No guilt.

The team at Heineken 0.0, which is the best-selling non-alcoholic beer, has revealed that almost three-quarters (72%) of people are confident enough to skip alcohol over the holidays without fear of being judged or excluded. 

A recent study, carried out in five countries in partnership with the author of Sober Curious, Ruby Warrington, shows attitudes are changing fast.

It revealed over two-thirds (67%) of people surveyed now say it's outdated and inappropriate to ask why someone isn't drinking alcohol in 2025.

Also, 81% agree it's acceptable to say "no" to alcohol at festive events - with no explanation required.

"The question 'why aren't you drinking?' belongs firmly in the past," Warrington says.

"People everywhere now feel free to choose if and when they drink alcohol without fearing social pressure or awkwardness. When I coined the term 'sober curious' nearly 10 years ago, the goal was to normalise the choice not to drink – and we're finally here."

It was the second survey in 12 months recording positive attitudes.

Heineken’s partner in its original January study, Charles Spence, Professor of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford, said: "These two studies show how quickly attitudes shift. Alcohol has been central to social life for generations, but the data now proves moderation is for everyone."

How people plan to celebrate this season also tells a story. 

At least 37% will moderate their intake, 27% plan to abstain altogether, and 1 in 5 will raise a 0.0 beer instead. Gen Z are leading the charge for balance with 30% planning to 'zebra stripe' their drinks, alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic all night.

Fear of missing out has finally gone out of fashion with 86% saying they are comfortable drinking low or no-alcohol options at festive events, and 76% say they don't need alcohol to feel included.

In fact, 90% say they'd support a friend choosing to drink low or no-alcohol versions this festive season - showing social pressure has given way to social acceptance.

# The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 10,001 adults aged 18+ in the UK, US, Spain, Japan and Brazil.

Lyvin Melasti adds a new luxe option in Bali

Done Kuta, Legian and Seminyak?

Looking for somewhere brand new to stay in Bali?

How about Melasti Beach, located in the Ungasan area on the southern coast of Bali?

It is about a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and is situated along the Bukit Peninsula, an area known for its dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches.

Recently opened Lyvin Melasti is set high above the beach and is a boutique collection of villas and suites that claims "a refined new take on barefoot luxury, where minimalist architecture, sweeping ocean views, and heartfelt hospitality converge across four levels of cliffside serenity".

The property features 18 ocean-facing villas (each with private pools) and 20 ocean-view suites that will launch in December.

Designed by co-founder and product director Victoria Sokovykh, Lyvin Melasti features locally sourced Sulawesi marble floors, custom teak furniture, soft neutral tones, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Each villa is positioned to capture 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean

“We designed Lyvin Melasti to feel both grounding and expansive - a space that invites rest, reflection, and reconnection,” says Sokovyhk.

“Everything is intentional, but never overdone. It’s a place to breathe."

Set within a three-hectare estate surrounded by forest, the Lyvin Melasti complex includes a pond at its centre, with planned walking trails that invite slow strolls and quiet moments in nature.

The resort offers nanny services for family groups.

Coming soon: a signature restaurant by Tiga Bule (scheduled to open in December), and a wellness spa (2026).

I've added Lyvin Melasti to my list of places to visit next time I am in Bali.   

See https://lyvinproperties.co/melasti

Ruby the Kangaroo is back to promote tourism to Australia

Robert Irwin and Nigella Lawson are among the names that have been enlisted by Tourism Australia for its latest campaign that continues the adventures of Ruby the Kangaroo.

Tourism Australia today launched a new phase of its 'Come and say G'day' campaign with market-specific celebrities in five key countries.

Wildlife conservationist Irwin (US), foodie Lawson (UK), actor Yosh Yu (China), entrepeneur Sara Tendulkar (India), and media personality Abareru-kun (Japan) have been chosen.

International visitor spending in Australia reached a record $52.6 billion in year to March 2025, with predictions of 10 million arrivals by 2026.

Previous campaigns resulted in a 10% increase in holiday consideration in US, UK and China, with 22% jump in flight searches.

The campaign rollout begins in China, followed by India in August, US/UK/Japan/Germany in September, and South Korea in November 2025.

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, said “The previous campaign struck a chord with visitors, with Ruby the Roo bounding into the imagination of countless guests, encouraging them to book a holiday down under.

“I know this iteration, featuring popular talent like Robert Irwin, will be a smash. Tourism is the lifeblood of so many communities right around the country and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs.

“Come and say G’day is bringing more visitors to our shores, creating more jobs and growing our economy.”

The sun is back shining on the Sunshine Coast

Things are back to normal.

That is the message from the Sunshine Coast tourism industry in Queensland, which says it is ready to welcome holidaymakers with accommodation, attractions, and tours open and back to business as usual. 

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said his thoughts go to those who have been impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and offered thanks to the emergency services personnel who worked around the clock to keep the region and its visitors safe.

He said Sunshine Coast Airport was fully operational along with the public transport network, hotels, attractions, tours and restaurants. Some facilities, however, may remain disrupted due to a handful of roads remaining closed. Beaches suffered less damage than those on the Gold Coast. 

“We have a lot of ground to make up though - I haven't seen hotels this empty since the pandemic," Stoeckel said.

“But the good news is that our events are in full swing with everyone is looking forward to the Noosa Festival of Surfing this weekend that will show that our world-class beaches like Mooloolaba and Noosa are in great shape and ready to be enjoyed.” 

Stoeckel said the Sunshine Coast was getting back to business as usual. 

“To help the tourism industry, VSC has launched a new Real Time Social Media Campaign to show holidaymakers what the Sunshine Coast really looks like, right now, through photos and videos.

“The Real Time content will be shared using the hashtag #SunshineCoastForReal across VSC's official Instagram and Facebook pages and focus on showcase that our tourism industry is back open for business.  

“The best way to get people travelling again is by showing people exactly what the Sunshine Coast looks like right now.

“Some tourism businesses have not had any customers for a week, and it's so important that we get the tourism industry flowing again.”

Mixed messages as Japan is about to become more expensive

Holidays in Japan are about to get a little more expensive for foreign tourists.

Japan is expected to introduce a dual pricing policy for entry at major tourist attractions from this northern hemisphere summer, news portal Travel Mole reports.

The two-tier system will charge higher prices for foreigners as the country aims to combat over-tourism issues. That said, it sound like a price gouge.

Authorities say higher prices for foreigners will help ease pressure on overcrowded sites and fund tourism infrastructure improvements.

No price differentials have been disclosed yet in detail, except for citing one example: Junguria Okinawa, a nature-themed park which is opening in July.

Foreign tourists will be charged 8,800 yen, while locals will pay only 6,930 yen.

Japan has set a long-term target of attracting 60 million foreign tourists each year by 2030. 

But imposing extra charges on them is unlikely to help increase numbers.

Professor Star’s words of Christmas wisdom

When you have a name like Professor Star, people are compelled to pay attention.

With obesity surpassing tobacco as the leading risk factor for disease during 2024, Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) new Head of Nutrition and Dietetics is encouraging Australians to balance the joys of food and drink this silly season.

“I am big on the joy of sharing food, it’s such an important part of the Christmas season – but readers beware – is it really joyful when you’ve put on weight and injured your health with too much booze over the holidays?” Associate Professor Anita Star said.

Released this month, the Australian Burden of Disease Study reported Australians lost an estimated 5.8 million years of healthy life due to living with disease and dying prematurely in 2024.

Of the total disease burden, obesity or overweight health issues accounted for 8.3% surpassing the ills of tobacco use (excluding vaping) at 7.6%.

Listing pacing yourself, having a small amount of food you really love and making time to move your body as helpful ways manage intake over the next few weeks, Associate Professor Star also shared her rule of Joyful Five.

“I would encourage everyone to think of five other joyful activities to help them maintain balance and rejuvenate for the New Year,” Associate Professor Star said.

“On my to-do-list is go for a bushwalk with friends, read a book, complete a painting, spend lots of time in the pool with family, and plant some plants on my balcony.”

In a first for the Northern Territory, CDU will offer a Bachelor of Nutrition from next year, with the University also celebrating its first Master of Dietetics graduates in 2024.

“CDUs Bachelor of Nutrition is an important next step for attracting more local students to train to become Nutritionists, and if they wish, to go on to the clinical dietetics training in the Master of Dietetics,” Associate Professor Star explained.

“With the rates of obesity and chronic disease as high as they are, we need more Nutritionists and Dietitians in the Territory, and having local people means they are more likely to stay for the longer term.”

How to combine your vacation with doing some good

 

Forget being lazy by the pool with a cocktail in your hand. 

One leading international hotelier says more and more travellers are looking for "compelling experiences" as part of their vacation experiences. 

Community involvement, protecting the environment and wellbeing will be key elements of travel in 2024 says Alma Resort Cam Ranh’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, who has spent his entire career in the travel industry. 

Laubichler-Pichler says he and his team had created compelling experiences for 2024 to encourage holidaymakers to volunteer alongside the resort workers and give back to local communities in Vietnam. 

For example, guests can spend a morning with volunteers who cook meals and feed disadvantaged school children after class in a nearby community.

“Some holidaymakers like to kick back by the pool, and that’s perfectly fine, but we understand others are keen to bring extra depth to their trip in a kind-hearted way,” he said. 

“We’ve organised some half- and full-day volunteering opportunities for guests and staff. You get a real sense of the local community and feel rewarded doing your bit to help.”

Alma is in the process of implementing what is believed to be Vietnam’s most ambitious solar power project, installing 4470 solar panels totalling 23,290 square metres on the roofs of its 196 pavilions, two V-shaped towers housing 384 suites, lobby lounge and utility building. 

The solar power system will fuel between a quarter to 35% of Alma’s energy needs, depending on occupancy dictated by the low and high seasons.

The resort is also part of the “End Plastic Soup in Cam Ranh” campaign, attracting volunteers to collect plastic from Long Beach to be upcycled. 

Laubichler-Pichler says wellness tourism will continue to be a huge focus for the travel industry in the post-pandemic era. 

Alma’s Le Spa will soon roll out an array of wellness experiences including new wellness retreats and journeys up to three days long encompassing spa therapies, singing bowl meditation, power yoga, health drinks and more.

Not for me, but a nice idea. 

In a bid to be more sustainable and self-sufficient, Alma this year unveiled its own on-site herb garden, nursery garden and chicken farm, providing fresh produce and eggs served at Alma’s restaurants. 

“Our resort has started running complimentary guided garden tours to equip guests with handy tips on how to nurture their own veggie patch and look after chickens,” said Laubicher-Pichler. 

“Alma is also planning to roll out cooking classes by the garden, where guests pick, clean, and cook their own healthy meals.”

The resort’s Asiana restaurant is set to offer a vegan menu and vegan buffets in 2024.

“There are so many things hotels and resorts can do in the new year to not only boost the guest experience and guests’ health but also help the community and protect the environment; we hope to set a good example and encourage other hotels to take a leaf out of our book so that the hotel industry is a genuine force for change,” Laubichler-Pichler said.

Alma is situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach and has 30 hectares of land. See https://www.alma-resort.com/

Travel temptations aim to entice online

More than ever, given the tough times, Australians are loving a bargain.

Enter Click Frenzy Travel from 7pm today - a five-day online festival of travel deals. Think Black Friday or Cyber Monday with a travel focus.  

A recent survey by Power Retail revealed that 73% of Australians have cited rising cost of living as the main factor preventing them from booking domestic or international travel this year.

Click Frenzy Travel will run until 11:59pm on Sunday - giving would-be travellers plenty of time to browse and check out which deals suit them.

The Click Frenzy Travel event will spotlight travel providers and their deals with categories including flights and destinations, accommodation, cruises, car hire, experiences and tours, luggage and travel essentials.

Brands offering top travel deals include Air New Zealand, Flight Centre, The Bali Bible, Scoopon, G Adventures and Malaysia Airlines.

Daniel Thompson, head of marketing at Click Frenzy, says: “We know that Australians have been feeling the pinch of inflation but are still eager to explore domestically and abroad after years of not being able to do so.

"The Click Frenzy Travel event couldn’t have come at a better time. We’ve worked hard to curate the best travel deals so Aussies can book a luxury holiday at a fraction of the price.

“We encourage consumers to visit clickfrenzy.com.au to find our biggest range of travel deals, vetted and verified by our team. With online scams becoming a growing issue in Australia, consumers should be conscious of deals on external sites by brands who are not partners of the sale.”

Do your own research to see if the deals suit you or not, and check out the terms and conditions. 

Some of the promised deals include

Air New Zealand:

● Sydney to Auckland, Seat, one way from $269

● Sydney to Queenstown, Seat one way from $279

● Melbourne to Los Angeles, Economy return from $1,569

● Sydney to Los Angeles, Economy return from $1,449

Flight Centre:

● Phuket 7 nights from $899 per couple - save $415

● Vanuatu 4 nights from $999 per couple - save $250

● Gold Coast family 5 nights from $999 per family of 4 - $800 bonus value

The BALI Bible:

● Additional 5% discount on already discounted Bali Bible product


Scoopon:

● Novotel Nusa Dua Escape with one-way airports transfers, daily breakfast and nightly cocktails from $699. Save up to 59%.

● Thailand Khao Lak Retreat with cocktails, massages and daily breakfast from $549. Save up to 47%.


G Adventures:

● 25% off select Thailand, Cuba, India and Peru tours


Malaysia Airlines: 

Return fares to Japan from $969

● Return fares to Malaysia from $662

● Return fares to Thailand from $676

● Return fares to India from $883

Discover a new tropical island destination direct from Sydney

Done Bali? Visited Thailand? Love Fiji?

How about adding the Cook Islands to your list of tropical holiday destinations?

Jetstar announced today that it is launching non-stop flights between Sydney and Rarotonga from June 29 next year. Count me in.

It will be the first time the carrier has operated flights between Australia and the Cook Islands, and to celebrate the new route Jetstar is offering a special sale price of $229^ one-way in a 48-hour sale that has just started.

The new service will provide two weekly return flights on Jetstar’s newest aircraft, the new-generation, longer-range Airbus A321neo LR.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said the news was very important for the small island nation.

He said tourism was the backbone of its economy, contributing 75% of GDP.

“The new services from Jetstar will provide a major boost to our tourism sector and the financial impact for local tourism operators and the nation is significant,” he said.

“We are delighted that Jetstar is making this commitment to the Cook Islands.”

The Cook Islands are known for stunning lagoons, beautiful white sand beaches and warm temperatures.

It already welcomes more than 29,000 visitors from Australia annually, and the additional Jetstar capacity from June, 2023 will allow the market to grow further.

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said: “Rarotonga is a stunning tropical island and we’re excited to introduce our great low fares on this new route ahead of next year’s winter school holidays, offering Australians the opportunity to escape the cold and explore one of the most beautiful destinations in the South Pacific.

“The direct Sydney to Rarotonga will be our second route to the popular island, but the first from Australia and we thank the Cook Islands Government for their ongoing support.”

Jetstar already flies to Rarotonga from Auckland, New Zealand.

See www.cookislands.travel for more info. Or book at www.jetstar.com/au/en/

A tribute too far? Holidaymakers told to vacate their rooms for a day

Funerals for ordinary folk, crucial cancer treatment and surgery have all been cancelled or re-scheduled “in tribute” to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

And in Britain the absurdity of the long-running weep-and-wail festival reached new heights when it emerged some holidaymakers were to be evicted from their accommodation as part of the circus.

Meet Center Parcs, a "hospitality" business that announced it would close all its sites on the day of the Queen's funeral, with some holidaymakers expected to be sent home.

The holiday company said it would close its five parks on Monday, September 19, as "a mark of respect" on the day of the state funeral.

Guests part-way through their holidays were apparently required to spend the night elsewhere or go home early, the Eastern Daily Press reported.

Those due to arrive on Monday were told they would have to start their breaks a day later.

Center Parcs said in a statement: "We have made the decision to close all our UK villages on Monday at 10am as a mark of respect and to allow as many of our colleagues as possible to be part of this historic moment."

Center Parks is a short-break holiday company that operates six holiday villages across the UK and Ireland, and sounds like it might be well worth avoiding.

As you might expect, the bizarre decision sparked outrage.

Center Parcs later said it had “reviewed our position regarding the very small number of guests who are not due to depart on Monday and we will be allowing them to stay on our villages rather than having to leave and return on Tuesday”.

But it said there would be no facilities available in its holiday villages on Monday and it would offer a discount to customers to reflect this.

The company is still asking people who were due to arrive on Monday to delay their arrival until the following day.

Aussies want to spend more holiday time with their kids

What Australians want most from their holidays is time to spend playing with their children. 

New research has revealed Aussies feel guilty for not having enough play time and psychologist and parenting expert Michael Carr-Gregg says finding time and places to engage in play on holidays helps create positive memories, early brain development and bonds families together. 

Holiday house booking site Stayz has curated a list of top holiday playhouses available for vacations across Australia. 

The national research, commissioned by Stayz, found seven in 10 Aussies believe that playing with kids helps to create stronger bonds and memories while six in 10 Aussies agree that parents feel guilty if they don’t have enough time to play with their kids thanks to work and household chores. 

Psychologist Carr-Gregg, a specialist in parenting, children and adolescents, says play is not trivial. 

“Nothing lights up the human brain like three-dimensional play with loved ones," he says. 

"Not only does play relieve stress, improve brain function, enhance creativity but it also improves our relationships and our connections to other people. Play is what helps us feel young and energetic throughout our entire lifespan.” 

With holidays being a great time to engage in the magic of play, the research also found that playing board games, swimming in the pool and making sandcastles are among the greatest holiday memories for Australians.

“We’ve all had a very serious 12 months and it’s left us craving some good times with loved ones," says Stayz travel expert Simone Scoppa. 

"Time for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, nieces and nephews to escape into a game of cards, hide and seek, dress ups or Marco Polo in the swimming pool.  Time not to worry about work, homework or mowing the grass.” 

Stayz is Australia’s original holiday rental website and is part of Expedia Group. 

Stayz lists more than 50,000 properties across Australia, and now over two million properties internationally available for rent. See www.stayz.com.au.

No Irish. Holidaymakers banned because of their surnames

A leading British holiday company has admitted it used list of Irish names in a bid to exclude gypsies and "travellers" from its holiday parks.

Pontins has agreed to change its work practices after disclosure the disclosure it refused or cancelled bookings made by certain people with an Irish accent or surname.

The racism was investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission after it was revealed by a whistleblower, the BBC, iNews and other British media outlets reported. 

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said such discrimination was "completely unacceptable".

The EHRC said Pontins had an "undesirable guests" list on its intranet of mainly common Irish names to identify people it did not want at its parks. The names allegedly included Boyle, Keefe, Gallagher, O'Donnell, McGuiness, Murphy, and O'Reilly.

The EHRC said Pontins staff monitored calls and refused or cancelled bookings made by certain people with an Irish accent or surname, and Pontins' commercial vehicle policy excluded gypsies and travellers from its holiday parks.

By declining to provide its services to guests of a certain race or ethnic group, Pontins was "directly discriminating on the basis of race" and breached the 2010 Equality Act, the EHRC said.

Alastair Pringle, executive director at EHRC, said: "It is hard not to draw comparisons with an 'undesirable guests' list and the signs displayed in hotel windows fifty years ago, explicitly barring Irish people and black people.

"Banning people from services based on their race is discrimination and is unlawful. To say that such policies are outdated is an understatement."
 

Pontins aims at the family market and offers budget holidays.