Gen Z Travelers Are Dry Tripping—and They’re Having Way More Fun

For generations, the typical vacation has looked something like mimosas at brunch, a winery or distillery tour in the afternoon, and bar-hopping after pre-gaming at dinner.

But a growing number of travelers, especially younger ones, are changing things up entirely. Welcome to the world of dry tourism, where alcohol takes a backseat or doesn’t come along for the ride at all.

According to Contiki’s Voice of a Generation survey, 79% of Gen Z travelers would consider booking a sober travel experience, while an EF Ultimate Break survey found that 68% of 18 to 22-year-olds specifically want sober activities during spring break.

A StudentUniverse report from 2024 found that 77% of Gen Zers chose alcohol-free vacations, and a different report found social media conversations about “sober travel” and “dry tripping” surged 205% in 2025 when compared to the same period in the previous year.

These numbers prove this isn’t just a fleeting fad, but a full-blown movement.

Mental Health and Wellness Are Top of Mind

“Since the pandemic, there’s been an increase in desire to see more of the world. When it comes to a more sober generation, we crave a digital detox and wanting to step away from all things bad really. People want to be healthier versions of themselves. That all comes with drinking less,” says Gen Z lifestyle writer Leah Fan in an interview.

Gen Z has grown up with a keen awareness surrounding mental health and wellness. Almost two-thirds of Gen Z worry about the emotional impact of alcohol, with 86% believing mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to drinking alcohol. 

The result? They’re choosing yoga retreats over pub crawls and sunrise hikes over late-night bar scenes. “It’s a great time to not drink,” says Darci Murray, founder of Hooked on Travel, an alcohol-free travel company. “The whole mentality has switched, and the mocktail world has exploded with a vengeance.”

Murray talks about what she calls “full-sensory travel,” which is being fully present without numbing yourself with alcohol. “People who eliminate booze from their trips tend to see more,” she explains. 

The Travel Industry Is Finally Catching Up

Tour companies like EF Ultimate Break now offer sober options, and the response has been massive. EF Ultimate Break introduced alcohol-free spring break tours and quickly expanded its sober itineraries to Thailand, Egypt, and Costa Rica. Heidi Durflinger, CEO of EF World Journeys, notes, “We’re seeing a shift from the expected Spring Break priorities with many younger travelers opting for sober activities and trip options.”

Even cruise lines now offer alcohol-free beverage packages for travelers, while hotels are featuring mocktail menus that rival their alcoholic counterparts in creativity and presentation.

Hilton recently announced a partnership with Derek Brown, a prominent mindful drinking advocate and author, to refresh and expand Tempo by Hilton’s cocktail program. Derek Brown has been called “the face of mindful drinking in America” and is known as an “alcohol-free mixology wizard.”

What’s Driving Younger Travelers to Go Dry?

Safety while intoxicated abroad is a top concern for many, with 69% citing it as a motivator for alcohol-free travel. Solo travelers appreciate the peace of mind that comes with staying sharp in unfamiliar places. Another 53% simply want to avoid hangovers because they prefer not to waste their hard-earned vacation days feeling miserable.

We all know drinks can easily turn into the most expensive part of a trip, but skipping those $15 cocktails lets you use those funds for more fulfilling experiences like guided tours, spa days, and adventure sports. It’s about being more intentional with your money rathern than blowing it all on drunken shenanigans you won’t remember.

And the most obvious reason? When you’re not fighting off a hangover, you have a lot more energy for the fun stuff.

Sober Travel Doesn’t Mean Boring Travel

Companies like Sober Vacations International which has been around since 1987, are filling trips as fast as they can announce them. Their Sober Village trip to Turks and Caicos, which rented out an entire resort for 500 people, sold out within just 42 hours a few years ago.

Sober vacations don’t have to be meditation retreats in the middle of nowhere either (although if that’s your thing more power to you). They can look like Muay Thai boxing in Thailand, cooking classes with a local family, or wildlife safaris in Tanzania. The only difference? You wake up feeling great.

It’s Not About Deprivation, It’s About Elevation

With more Americans interested in booking detox or alcohol-free vacations and expressing interest in hotels with mocktail menus, the travel industry is finally starting to adapt.

Dry tourism isn’t about judgment or taking a moral high ground. It’s about wanting something different. A clear head, authentic experiences, and memories you’ll actually remember.

It’s not about deprivation, it’s about elevation.