The Rise of Dry Tourism – Your Ultimate Guide to the Latest Alcohol-Free Travel Trend 

Sure, we’ve probably all overdone it before on vacation – one too many beers or glasses of wine, and the resulting hangover ruins one of our precious few vacation days away… but there’s a new trend in town which most definitely solves this problem: Dry Tourism. 

A distinctly Gen Z phenomenon, sober travel is now widely embraced across the demographic spectrum, meaning booze free escapes are all the rage. Nowadays, travelers are swapping mornings of regret for guilt-free early sunrise starts and energized excursions while also saving a few bucks along the way. 

From LED stargazing kayaking tours on Lake Tahoe to sunset yoga next to the stunning Sedona vortexes – if you’re new to dry tripping, here’s a cheat sheet of alcohol-free destinations that will prove you definitely don’t need booze to have fun. 

Swap Vacation Bar-hopping Shenanigans For The Sunset Scenery of Sedona, Arizona  

Famous for its dramatic red rock landscapes and wide-open skies, Sedona, Arizona is not only a designated wellness-oriented retreat, but with a backdrop like that, it also makes for a spectacular alcohol-free escape too. 

It’s fair to say Sedona’s favorable climate always provides a great excuse to go out and explore, and by cutting out the liquor, you can now head off for a sunrise hike to its red-rock vortex sites that include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon instead. Believed by many to be a place of concentrated energy, whether you’re traveling with friends or on a vacation away with your four-legged travel companion, watching the sun rise each morning here is simply sensational.  

Alternatively, if early mornings still aren’t your thing, fear not, as Sedona is also a hotspot for outdoor yoga sessions, allowing you to focus on meditation, healing, and self-discovery while taking in the scenic natural surroundings as you do so. Our top tip here is to seek out Valerie and her team at Aumbase Sedona for a fabulous sunset yoga session, which will ensure you end every day on a positive note, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated for the new day ahead. 

Trade conventional happy hour for soothing vibes and unforgettable hikes across Sedona’s wild landscape before getting a great night’s sleep at the pet-friendly Aiden by Best Western Sedona. 

Head to Toronto, Ontario, Where the Mocktails Have Main-Character Energy 

As the mocktail capital of Canada and the nation’s vibrant cultural capital, a trip to Toronto makes for a superb city break that proves the theory you can still get a buzz without the booze. 

First, let’s talk mocktails because if you’re of the impression that going alcohol free was boring, then Toronto is here to set the record straight, having firmly cemented its reputation as a top-notch destination for sober travel. With countless specialist mocktail bars, you and your buddies can still hit the town to enjoy Toronto’s dazzling nightlife by embarking on a mocktail bar crawl to try the exotic concoctions made by expert mixologists at venues such as Bar Mordecai and Bar Lulu. 

By day, you can also tap into Toronto’s exquisite art scene with its very own designated art district in Queen West, as well as plenty of art galleries dotted around the city, which, even if you’re not a hardcore art fan, you’ll still be pleasantly intrigued by. However, the highlight of any dry tourism trip to Toronto has to be taking a Tour Guy’s Street Art Walking Tour, which includes visiting the city’s world-famous Graffiti Alley, accompanied by an entertaining and detailed insight into Toronto’s amazing graffiti culture, as well as its roots in hip-hop and protest. 

From Graffiti Alley to inventive mocktails, be sure to experience the best of Toronto when you book your stay at the Best Western Plus Travel Hotel Toronto Airport. 

Exchanging Wine Bars for Stars On An Epic Outdoorsy Adventure to South Lake Tahoe in California 

Given the vast assortment of year-round outdoor adventures available in and around South Lake Tahoe, it’s no surprise why it’s become a mecca for travelers who prefer to avoid boozy libation temptations. 

Whether you come for the skiing and snowboarding in the winter or opt for a summertime hike in the mountains, South Lake Tahoe is tailor-made to keep you entertained as soon as you arrive. Nevertheless, for those who love dramatic waterfalls, our pick has to be to trek the 1.5-mile round-trip trail that takes you up to Cascade Falls. With awe-inspiring big mountain backdrops and mesmerizing views over both Cascade Lake and Lake Tahoe, we’re sure you’ll agree there aren’t many better places you’d rather be.  

However, we have another ace up our sleeve, which involves hitting the water on Lake Tahoe for an evening light show like no other. Here, we suggest joining the team at Clearly Tahoe for an astonishing LED stargazing clear-kayak tour to experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with views in every direction. Whether you’re admiring the illuminated lake below or staring at the constellations with the Sierra Nevada mountains silhouetted in the distance – this is certainly Lake Tahoe at its most magical. 

Be sure to chase waterfalls by daylight and starlit escapades after dark, before recharging your batteries every night at Hotel Becket, BW Signature Collection, South Lake Tahoe, California. 

Wildlife, Butterflies, and Zero Pressure To Drink When Dry Tripping To Victoria, British Columbia 

While some destinations famously invite you to indulge in a little escapism, the picturesque city of Victoria practically insists on it, which, with its incredible lineup of once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences, you’ll start to wonder why you hadn’t tried sober travel sooner. 

First up on our alcohol-free vacation itinerary, will see you swap barflies for butterflies as you head to the tropical oasis that is the Victoria Butterfly Gardens. The reason is that it’s rare you get to hang out with such a captivating assortment of exotic wildlife as you meander through Butterfly Alley, before marveling at the sanctuary’s resident flamingos, tropical birds, and even a dwarf caiman crocodile while you’re here. 

Now, if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable booze free encounter – with the Salish Sea on your doorstep in Victoria – it would be rude not to check out the diverse marine life that calls this corner of the planet home. In doing so, we highly recommend joining the extremely knowledgeable crew at SpringTide Whale Watching, where you can head out to spend a few hours spotting orcas, humpback whales, seals, and sea lions, which makes for conceivably the perfect chaser for your sober escape getaway. 

Enjoy your clear-headed, animal-themed adventures in Victoria, British Columbia, by booking your stay at the Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel.