Deeper Diver: Destinations Are Raising a Glass to Dry Tripping

Dry tripping. Sober tourism. Dry travel. It goes by many names. But one thing is for sure. Low or no-alcohol lifestyles are on the rise. And as a result, traveling sans alcohol is a thing. A big thing. Especially among Millennials and Gen Zers who boast about the health (and monetary!) benefits it offers them.

We first blogged about dry tripping as one of the hottest travel trends of 2024. Now, one year later, the concept is still going strong. As reported in Forbes, as many as 41% of Americans are trying to drink less these days. Savvy destinations are catering to the sober-conscious crowd and bringing their best experiences to the table instead of a bottle of bubbly or chardonnay.

Dry tripping isn’t about not enjoying yourself. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s about thoroughly taking in all the fabulous elements of a vacay through a clear lens. Dry tripping means no hangovers. No overdoing it one night and feeling less than amazing the next day. It also means that money previously spent on expensive drinks at the bar can now be spent on more activities and attractions. So now is the time to:

Pour on the experiences.

Showcase all the fun and excitement that your destination has to offer. Award-winning cuisine. Nearby museums. Attractions. Sunset cruises. Behind-the-scenes excursions. Now is the time to put it all out there.

Mock-up your drink menus.

Boldly flavored and garnished to the hilt, non-alcoholic versions of mainstays like mojitos, margaritas and pina coladas allow vacationers to take part in the social aspect of drinking without the alcohol.

Stock zero-proof options.

Although you may be serving non-liquor options, be sure to stock them too — in the mini fridge that is. No-alcohol options will be much appreciated by the heads in your beds who don’t partake in spirits. Craft sodas, artisanal teas and specialty coffees or wellness drinks like kombucha are good options as well.

Bump up the a.m. activities.

Present your guests with things to do during rise and shine time at the resort. Up your offerings as far as sunrise experiences, yoga on the beach and morning nature walks that promote a relaxing, stress-free start to the day.

Quench the Thirst for In-SPA-ration.

It goes without saying that sober living goes hand in hand with wellness and self-care. Offer guests a bevy of detoxifying spa services including relaxing saunas, body wraps and massages that allow them to feel their best and unwind without a glass of wine.

Engage in sober socializing.

With the rise in dry tripping, people are seeking sober ways to socialize while on vacation. An alcohol-free event that focuses on shared experiences and connections with like-minded dry trippers fits the bill. Think liquor-free tours, booze-exempt boat rides or mocktail-making workshops.

Be inclusive in your marketing.

When promoting your destination, position it as an ideal getaway that appeals to a broad audience including sober-conscious guests, families, couples, wellness-centered visitors, etc. Let it be known upfront that your space is one to be enjoyed, whether a drink is in your hand or not.

Thirsty for more? Celebrating 45 years in the travel and tourism arena, Dana Communications has raised the bar on results-driven strategies, brilliant creative, multi-faceted media strategies and up-to-the-minute design. Let’s talk tourism. Contact Lynn Kaniper at 609.466.9187 ext. 117.