Is 'Dry Tripping' the New Spring Break Trend? Here's What You Need to Know.

Micah Dusseau, a 24-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, spends three consecutive nights at bars with his friends during his vacations. “There’s no hangover, so we can stay out late without worry,” he says. Like many members of Gen Z, Dusseau opts for alcohol-free holidays. Even his friends who drink appreciate his choice, with some even cutting back on their alcohol consumption as a result. "They end up drinking less," he told BBC Travel.

For decades, holidays were often centered around indulgence and nightlife, but now, a new trend called "dry tripping" – traveling without alcohol – is gaining popularity and changing the way people view vacationing.

“I’m not trying to get everyone around me to stop drinking because I know that’s unrealistic,” said Mary Honkus, a 26-year-old writer from New York. “But it’s personally rewarding. I can still have a blast and enjoy myself in a beautiful place without alcohol.”

The rise of dry tripping shows that younger generations, particularly Gen Z, aren’t as drawn to alcohol as previous generations. According to International Wine and Spirit Research (IWSR), more than half of American Gen Zers of legal drinking age – about 54% – haven’t consumed alcohol in the last six months.

For many Gen Zers and Millennials, traveling alcohol-free feels like a natural and appealing choice. Going sober can enhance the vacation experience physically, emotionally, and financially. Without alcohol, sleep tends to be more restful, making early mornings less daunting. Activities like hiking or sightseeing feel more achievable, and dining out becomes more affordable.

"Alcohol-free travel means hangover-free travel, which I think everyone can support," said Elizabeth Gascoigne, founder and CEO of Absence of Proof, a non-alcoholic events company.

Traveling itself can be physically taxing, with long drives and jet lag, and alcohol can exacerbate these effects. But removing alcohol from the equation can lead to better physical well-being. As health awareness grows, dry tripping is influencing not just how people travel but also how they approach dating and events like weddings.

“People are more likely to enjoy their vacation without alcohol,” explained Victoria Watters, co-founder of Dry Atlas, a media company focused on alcohol alternatives. She noted that alcohol is a depressant, and cutting it out can help prevent anxiety and depressive symptoms, which are often exacerbated by drinking.

Just like hotel gyms cater to travelers who want to stay fit, more people are prioritizing maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle while exploring new destinations. This shift challenges the traditional "five-o'clock-somewhere" mentality of vacation drinking. Watters emphasizes that "sober curiosity" and alcohol alternatives aren’t just passing trends—they’re here to stay.

“With the rise of social media, more people are discussing and embracing this change,” Honkus said, noting how platforms like TikTok are filled with people sharing their alcohol-free journeys. The growing focus on self-care and mental health also plays a significant role in the shift. “People are starting to realize alcohol may be doing more harm than good,” she added.

As this movement gains momentum, businesses are adapting. Airlines and hotels are offering more alcohol-free options, making dry travel increasingly accessible. Airlines like Delta, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines now serve mocktails and non-alcoholic beers both in-flight and at lounges. For example, Delta offers mocktails like the "Citrus Fizz" and "Pomegranate Lemon Cooler," while Alaska Airlines serves Best Day Brewing’s craft non-alcoholic beer on every flight.

Cruise lines are catching up too. Virgin Voyages, for instance, revamped its mocktail menu to appeal to non-drinkers, and Disney Cruise Line has partnered with the non-alcoholic cocktail brand Free Spirits to offer creative alcohol-free drinks.

Hotels are also on board. “Hotels are introducing delicious mocktails, adaptogen drinks, teas, and even serotonin sodas,” said Melanie Fish, chief trend tracker for Expedia Brands. Hilton now offers mocktails made with Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits, and Marriott has added non-alcoholic options to its lounges and bars. Notably, the Fairmont Kei Lani in Maui includes non-alcoholic cocktails on both its bar and restaurant menus, with its beverage director being sober for over two years.

The UK is leading the charge. With a generation of drinkers less focused on alcohol, UK-based travel agencies like We Love Lucid are offering alcohol-free tourism. The US is following suit, but Sheinbaum pointed out that the UK was the birthplace of Dry January and is home to many emerging non-alcoholic beverage brands.

Dr. Subhash C. Pandey, director of the Alcohol Research Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago, believes that cutting alcohol from vacations makes them more meaningful. Studies have shown that alcohol does not offer any health benefits, making it clear that an alcohol-free holiday can lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable experience.