Practical tips for enjoying local drinks while staying safe abroad.
Exploring new destinations often includes indulging in the local drinks, whether it’s sipping wine in Italy or trying unique cocktails in the Caribbean. However, it’s important to stay aware of your alcohol consumption and ensure you’re drinking safely, especially in a foreign country where laws, customs, and alcohol strength may differ from home. These tips will help you enjoy local beverages while keeping your vacation stress-free and safe.
1. Understand Local Drinking Laws
Every country has its own set of alcohol-related laws that you should familiarize yourself with before diving into the local drinks.
- Legal Drinking Age: Make sure to check the legal drinking age of the country you’re visiting. For example, in some countries, the drinking age is 18, while in others, it’s 21 or older.
- Alcohol Sales: Some countries have restrictions on alcohol sales after certain hours, on specific days, or during holidays.
- Open-Container Laws: Be aware of whether public consumption of alcohol is allowed or prohibited.
2. Drink Moderately
While it’s tempting to try everything, practice moderation to avoid overconsumption and to keep your senses sharp.
- Pace Yourself: Space out your drinks to avoid becoming intoxicated too quickly. Drink water between each alcoholic beverage to stay hydrated.
- Be Aware of Alcohol Strength: Some local drinks may be stronger than what you’re used to, so pay attention to the alcohol content and don’t assume it’s the same as back home.
- Avoid Excessive Drinking: Overindulgence can ruin your experience, leading to hangovers or even risky situations.
3. Stick to Bottled Water for Mixed Drinks
In many destinations, the local tap water may not be safe for drinking. When enjoying cocktails, it’s a good idea to make sure any water used is bottled or purified.
- Ask for Bottled Water: Always ask for your mixed drinks to be prepared with bottled or purified water to avoid water-borne illnesses.
- Avoid Ice: In places with unsafe tap water, ice cubes made from that water can also carry risks. Stick to drinks without ice unless you’re certain the ice is from purified water.
- Pre-packaged Drinks: Opt for bottled or canned alcoholic beverages, like beer or pre-mixed cocktails, when in doubt about water quality.
4. Know Your Limits
When in a foreign environment, it’s easy to lose track of how much alcohol you’ve consumed, especially with exciting new beverages. Know your limits to ensure you stay in control.
- Set a Limit: Before heading out, decide on a number of drinks you’ll have, and stick to it.
- Stop Before You Feel Too Drunk: Cut off your drinking before you feel out of control. Being intoxicated in a foreign place can leave you vulnerable.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you’re feeling, and stop drinking if you start feeling lightheaded or unwell.
5. Be Cautious with Local Alcohol
While trying local drinks can be a fun part of the travel experience, some local alcohols may be much stronger than what you’re used to, or they might be homemade with little regulation.
- Research Local Drinks: Before trying a new type of alcohol, especially homemade varieties, do some research to ensure it’s safe and doesn’t contain harmful substances.
- Stick to Trusted Bars: Choose well-reviewed bars or restaurants that follow proper hygiene and preparation standards.
- Beware of Spiked Drinks: Always watch your drink being prepared and don’t leave it unattended. Spiked drinks can be a serious issue in some tourist areas.
6. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Staying hydrated and eating while you drink is key to avoiding the negative effects of alcohol, especially in hot climates or after long days of sightseeing.
- Drink Water: Make sure you’re drinking water regularly to stay hydrated, especially in warm or tropical destinations.
- Eat Before Drinking: Have a substantial meal before consuming alcohol to slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream.
- Carry Snacks: If you’re heading out for a long day of exploring and drinking, bring along some snacks to keep your energy up and alcohol intake balanced.
7. Plan for Safe Transportation
Whether you’re exploring a new city or heading out for a night on the town, always make sure you have a safe way to get back to your hotel.
- Use Rideshare Services: Apps like Uber or local equivalents are a safe way to get around, especially if you’ve been drinking.
- Know the Local Public Transport System: Familiarize yourself with the public transport options before you head out to ensure you can get back safely.
- Have a Backup Plan: Always have a backup transportation option in case your original plan falls through.
8. Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Trust your instincts when it comes to your safety while drinking abroad.
- Avoid Isolated Areas: Stick to well-lit, populated areas when out drinking.
- Stay with Friends: Always travel with a group or a trusted friend when you’re drinking, especially in unfamiliar places.
- Be Wary of Overly Friendly Strangers: While meeting new people can be part of the fun, be cautious with strangers who seem overly eager to buy you drinks.
Conclusion
Drinking safely while on vacation allows you to enjoy the local culture without putting yourself at risk. By understanding local laws, drinking in moderation, sticking to safe alcohol practices, and planning for transportation, you can have a great time while staying in control. Remember to stay hydrated, eat well, and always trust your instincts to ensure that your trip is filled with wonderful memories, not regrets.