Some 54% of Americans now say they consume alcohol, according to a Gallup poll. Those who quit describe how it's changed their travel habits.
Many travelers who are drinking less, or not at all, say the decision changed how and where they travel.Peter Shankman, an American, said he looked forward to free drinks when he flew business class for work.
Until it wasn't. "Eventually, I realized that I wasn't fine," he said. "I was tired, cranky … wasn't the way to live.""I like myself better when I don't drink," Shankman said. "I get up earlier. I work out. I don't eat like crap." A single dad, Shankman said he's now in the gym by 5:00 a.m. and back home to send his daughter to school at 6:30 a.m. On work trips, he exercises and sleeps better than before.More energy and more money Shankman is part of a large contingent of people who are drinking less or quitting alcohol completely.according to a Gallup poll released in August — the lowest number recorded since the company began tracking consumption habits in 1939. In another first, a majority of adults say drinking, even in moderation, is bad for one's health — up from 28% in 2018, the survey showed.For Jonathan Ayala, a real estate marketing strategist, giving up alcohol meant more energy and better sleep, but also "more money left in my budget for experiences that matter." "In the past, I wouldn't have imagined taking a trip without drinking," he said. But now, "I find myself waking up earlier for hikes, markets or cultural tours. I end up seeing more of the place I came to visit, which has made my travels feel richer and more intentional.""I'm more drawn to destinations with strong food cultures, wellness offerings, or outdoor adventures, rather than places where nightlife is the main attraction," he said.she and her husband's vacations once revolved around food and drinks, including wine tastings and bourbon tours. Now, they opt for outdoor trips that involve white water rafting, hiking, biking and kayaking as well as off-the-beaten path destinations, instead of trips to all-inclusive hotels or beach resorts.However, they don't shy away from events that involve drinking, she said. As big music fans, they still enjoy live performances, and they even joined a tapas and wine"In Spain, it took a little more explaining to get the point across that we were not going to be able to consume any alcohol at all — not even a 'little bit,'" she said. Eventually "they produced an version for us to try, cracking it open very obviously for the first time!" Seasoned traveler Robert Minchak said his decision to stop drinking four years ago hasn't changed where he travels, only what he drinks while there. "I skip the wine — but I haven't stopped visiting vineyards," he said, adding that he's also visited breweries and eaten at Michelin-starred restaurantsHe's also in better health and has better relationships in his life.Though the health and cost benefits are plenty, some travelers find that going alcohol-free comes with its own set of challenges. For Raby, "it definitely feels strange to be in settings where the majority of people are drinking, and this has taken a lot of work on our parts from a mental aspect to adjust," she said."The main downside is that in some destinations, nightlife is such a big part of the culture that skipping it can feel like missing out," he said. He also said not drinking can complicate group trips, and that reactions from fellow travelers have been mixed. Jonathan Ayala said nightlife is no longer the main focus of his trips, and he's now drawn to food, wellness and outdoor activities. "Some are supportive or even curious about trying it themselves, while others are puzzled or assume it means I'm less fun," he said. "I've learned to frame it as a choice that actually helps me get more out of the trip, which usually shifts the conversation in a positive way." Paul Sendou, a French expatriate based in Singapore, said most of his friends have been understanding of his decision to reduce his drinking from four times a week to twice per month. However, he said his lifestyle led him to cancel one trip with "two very party-oriented friends," he said."I'm more myself, more confident, clearer on what I want with myself and others," he said.
Economy Vacation Costs Vacations Holidays Hotels And Resorts Luxury Travel Luxury Business Travel Family Travel Tourism Lifestyle Entertainment Life Travel Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturing Travel Health Recreation And Leisure Food And Drink Music Concerts Spain North America South America Europe Economy New Orleans Business News
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Fewer Americans see discrimination as anti-DEI push gains traction, poll showsThe findings suggest Americans’ views on racial discrimination have shifted substantially since four years ago, when many companies launched efforts to promote diversity.
Read more »
Fewer Americans see discrimination as anti-DEI push gains traction, AP-NORC poll showsSlightly less than half of U.S. adults believe that Black people face “a great deal” or “quite a bit” of discrimination in the United States, according to a poll.
Read more »
Discrimination is still hurting Black people — even if fewer Americans say soJarvis DeBerry is an opinion editor for MSNBC Daily. He was previously editor-in-chief at the Louisiana Illuminator and a columnist and deputy opinion editor at The Times-Picayune.
Read more »
Poll: Fewer Americans Feel Racial Discrimination Is a ProblemSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
Fewer Americans are Drinking Amid Growing Health ConcernsA recent Gallup poll reveals a record high percentage of Americans believe moderate alcohol consumption is harmful to health. This shift in perception is driving a decline in alcohol consumption across all age groups.
Read more »
Fewer Americans tipping a glass; alcohol consumption dips to new low in Gallup trackingFewer Americans are drinkers, with Gallup reporting the lowest level of alcohol consumption in its tracking that goes back over 80 years.
Read more »