For years, business traveler Peter Shankman looked forward to free-flowing drinks in business class — a cocktail, then a few more, before dozing off mid-flight. But eventually, he realized it was taking a toll.
“I was tired, cranky … it wasn’t the way to live,” said Shankman, who quit drinking first on planes and then entirely. Now, as a single father, he’s up at 5 a.m. for workouts before sending his daughter to school. On trips, he sleeps better, exercises more, and says he’s happier and healthier overall.
A Growing Shift Away From Alcohol
Shankman isn’t alone. Alcohol consumption in the U.S. has dropped to historic lows, with just 54% of adults reporting they drink, according to an August Gallup poll — the lowest since records began in 1939. For the first time, a majority of adults (53%) also believe alcohol is harmful even in moderation, a dramatic rise from 28% in 2018.
For Jonathan Ayala, a marketing strategist, cutting alcohol freed up more energy, better sleep, and more money. That budget now goes toward experiences like hikes, markets, and cultural tours. “I end up seeing more of the place I came to visit,” he said, calling his trips “richer and more intentional.”
Travel Preferences Are Evolving
For many travelers, the shift away from alcohol is changing where they go and what they do.
Ayala says he now seeks destinations known for wellness, food culture, or outdoor adventure instead of nightlife hubs.
Travel blogger Jo Raby and her husband used to plan vacations around wine tastings and bourbon tours. Now, they prefer rafting, biking, and hiking trips. Even so, they still enjoy live music events and cultural tours — sometimes requesting non-alcoholic alternatives, such as during a tapas and wine tour in Spain.
Meanwhile, seasoned traveler Robert Minchak says he hasn’t stopped visiting vineyards or breweries — he just skips the alcohol. His decision to quit drinking four years ago improved his health and strengthened relationships. “Family and friends notice a calmer, kinder me,” he said.
Trade-Offs of Going Alcohol-Free
Despite the benefits, abstaining while traveling isn’t always easy.
Raby admitted it can feel strange to be surrounded by drinkers. Ayala sometimes feels like he’s missing out in destinations where nightlife dominates. Group trips can also be complicated, with reactions ranging from curiosity to confusion.
French expatriate Paul Sendou, based in Singapore, scaled back from drinking four times a week to twice a month. While most friends were supportive, his new lifestyle even led him to cancel a trip with “party-oriented” friends. Still, he says the change is worth it: “I’m more myself, more confident, clearer on what I want with myself and others.”
Summary
With alcohol consumption at historic lows, more travelers are discovering new ways to experience destinations. From shifting budgets toward wellness and cultural activities to reshaping social dynamics on group trips, the alcohol-free movement is influencing not just lifestyles but also global travel patterns. While challenges remain — especially in nightlife-heavy cultures — many say the benefits in health, energy, and meaningful experiences far outweigh the trade-offs.
