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Why Do Americans Drink So Much While Traveling?


Drinking On While On Vacation
Drinking On While On Vacation

When Americans go on vacation, alcohol consumption often increases. Whether lounging on a beach, hitting city nightlife, or enjoying an all-inclusive resort, freedom, and excitement lead to more drinking than usual. But why is alcohol so closely tied to travel experiences?


1. Escaping the Routine


For many, vacations offer a break from everyday life and responsibilities. This sense of freedom can lead travelers to drink more than they would at home. "Vacation mode" often means feeling less inhibited, which can result in excessive drinking. When combined with local drinking culture or peer pressure, limits blur, and the consequences can be severe.


2. The Social Experience


Partying is often a social experience. Whether meeting locals or fellow tourists, alcohol is commonly the bond. Conversations flow easier over a drink, but this can easily lead to overindulgence. Travelers tend to feel justified in drinking more than usual, which can lead to poor decisions and risky behavior.


Driving and Drinking While On Vacation
Driving and Drinking While On Vacation

Alcohol-Related Risks: A Serious Problem


While drinking may seem like harmless fun, it's essential to acknowledge the risks. In the U.S., alcohol-related causes result in over 99,000 deaths each year, with about 37 deaths daily from drunk driving alone. While there are no specific nationwide statistics on how many Americans get in trouble on vacation due to alcohol, data shows that alcohol consumption plays a significant role in vacation behavior.


For instance, more than 53% of vacationers drink during their trips, and over 1 in 5 adults base their vacation destination choices on alcohol availability. Unfamiliar environments and alcohol can increase the chances of accidents, poor judgment, and even violence.


Drinking On The Airplane
Drinking On The Airplane

Drinking While Flying


Consuming alcohol during a flight can lead to dehydration, impaired judgment, and worsened jet lag. While it might feel like a way to kick off a vacation, drinking responsibly or choosing alternatives like hydrating mocktails can help travelers avoid arriving at their destination feeling unwell.


The Global Drinking Culture


Americans are known to drink more during vacations compared to countries like France or Italy, where alcohol is more integrated into daily life in moderation. In contrast, binge drinking on social occasions or during holidays is more common in the U.S., which can lead to dangerous situations during travel.


Tainted Alcohol & Vacations
Tainted Alcohol & Vacations

Tainted Alcohol: What Travelers Need to Know


In some countries, street-purchased alcohol may be tainted, leading to severe health risks, including poisoning. Sticking to licensed bars, avoiding cheap, unverified sources, and buying sealed bottles from reputable vendors to avoid these dangers is best. If something feels off about your drink, trust your instincts and leave it untouched.


Safer Ways to Drink and Party on Vacation


  • Pace Yourself – Avoid drinking excessively by mixing in non-alcoholic drinks and staying hydrated.

  • Know Your Limits – Don’t let vacation mode lower your guard. Drink responsibly and avoid peer pressure.

  • Stay Aware – Avoid risky situations, designate a driver, and steer clear of street-purchased alcohol unless it’s from a reliable vendor.

  • Consider mocktails.


Share A Story
Share A Story

Have a Memorable Story?


Leave a comment below about a drinking experience or one you observed while traveling so we can all learn to do better. 


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