Travellers stay high on life with ‘dry tripping’

Once a social drinker, travel influencer Smriti Bhadauria gradually reduced her alcohol intake when she began van life with her partner. “After starting van life — a lifestyle in which my partner and I live and travel in a converted van, exploring different places while carrying our home with us — I saw it as a great opportunity to begin my sober journey and haven’t looked back over the past four years.” Similarly, Mumbai-based traveller Dharmishtha Dagia decided to embrace sober travel after missing major sightseeing while caring for a friend with a bad hangover. Like them, many travellers prefer dry tripping — choosing to explore new destinations without alcohol. This helps them stay active, cut costs, and make the most of their travels.
WHY TRAVELLERS CHOOSE DRY TRIPPING
Exploring the destination should be the goal
“My husband and I always prefer dry trips, as avoiding alcohol makes our travels more enjoyable and safe. A memorable example was our New Year’s visit to Amsterdam. While many were tipsy and caught up in the party scene, we had the most fun, fully present to enjoy the stunning fireworks and the city’s beauty,” says travel influencer Kamakshi Bhatnagar, adding, “Staying sober lets us appreciate every moment deeply, wake up refreshed, and make the most of our time without any haze.”
‘Sober travel provides a break from the party circuit’
Gurgaon-based lifestyle and travel influencer Nikita Chawla expresses, “I’ve tried dry-tripping multiple times. For me, travelling sober is a great way to cleanse my body and take a break from the party circuit. Conversations with both friends and strangers feel more genuine and unfiltered. It also helps me focus more on my favourite activities while travelling, such as hiking, sampling local cuisine, and exploring lesser-known experiences in a destination.”
Safety first
Dagia expresses, “One of the major reasons I do dry tripping is that it’s the safest option as a solo traveller. It’s best to avoid alcohol altogether and never accept drinks from strangers. Why waste limited time in a new place on alcohol—something I can enjoy with friends back home—when I can create unforgettable memories instead?”.
Nikita adds, “Staying sober on a solo trip is always good as it keeps me more aware and alert.”
Travellers making the switch to drinks
According to travellers, the best non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy are local delicacies. Internationally, Latin America is a great choice due to its abundance of tropical fruits and the incredible variety of non-alcoholic traditional beverages, explains Kartik Vasan, a travel content creator. Sharing his personal experiences, he says, “Almost every country in Latin America has its unique offerings – aguas frescas in Mexico, chicha morada in Peru, and batidos/licuados (fruit smoothies, with or without milk) found throughout the region. Even in Argentina, where wine culture is huge, mate (a traditional tea made from yerba mate) is popular”.
“It’s much better to explore local specialties,” says Dharmishtha. “If my travel companions can’t relax without alcohol, I stick to lighter non-alcoholic drinks to keep them company,” adds Nikita.
Advice from travellers who have experienced dry tripping
- Choose destinations with plenty of sober options to avoid feeling restricted
- Opt for locations that emphasise outdoor activities – sunrise hikes, food tours, or exploring local markets, wellness, and adventure over nightlife
- Focus on what excites you about travel—culture, adventure, food, or nature—as the highlight of your trip
- Surround yourself with like-minded travellers who support your sober journey