International Intoxication: Advice On Getting Drunk Abroad
It’s happened to the best of us – one too many drinks in a foreign country, and then next thing you know you’re letting girlfriends cut your hair after finishing a whole bottle of absinthe. Or stumbling through a park in the Czech Republic at 10am the next morning, trying to find your hostel, only to be approached by a creepy middle aged man asking for your “rate”.
Getting drunk abroad can often be a recipe for disaster. You’re in a foreign country, potentially with little knowledge of the local language, customs and laws, with people you may have only just met, and it’s very likely you have no idea where you’re staying.
But drinking while socializing is the norm in most parts of the world. From the beer gardens of Munich, to the Guinness factories in Ireland, and local pubs across Britain and Australia, discovering local drinks is one of the best parts of traveling. Like anything though, you should know your limits, and drink within reason. Abuse of alcohol abroad makes my list of the 5 biggest mistakes made while traveling; don’t make it one of yours.
Every Sunday travelers from all over the world get together on twitter to discuss everything travel – a recent topic was “International Intoxication”.
If alcoholism is an issue, please seek help, no matter where you are abroad. There are fantastic facilities which offer individualized treatment all over the world, like this drug rehab in Thailand.
Here is some advice on getting drunk abroad from trending travelers on twitter.
Is drinking abroad a good idea?
View the full chat transcript courtesy of Travelogx.
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14 Comments
Sometimes the best stories are the ones you don’t remember :o
All great advice. I’ve only gotten passed out drunk once while abroad. I was actually in Puerto Rico, woke up the following morning passed out at the front door of some locals house. Wandered the streets for nearly an hour looking for my hostel. Needless to say my friends had no idea what happened and luckily nothing bad occurred to me during my drunken slumber. One thing’s for sure, I’ll never do that again!
Love this! This was one of my very favorite travel chats :)
Great #SBTC Meg. I used to be a party girl. At home when I was younger I knew my way around and was confident that I could look after myself when a little tipsy. When you’re in unfamiliar territory you’re vulnerable, and as I’ve made my home the open road I ensure that I have my whits about me when I’m out on the town late at night.
Hofbrauhaus is such a GREAT place to drink in Munich! Though the pretzel girl did once call me an a$%hole there. It was a combination of mine and her fault ;) The Augustiner beer hall in Much is really solid too- better food than Haufbrauhaus.
But yeah, for most drinking gives you an insight into the locals that you might not get otherwise- though be sure to hit some local bars! :)
I know a man who once started drinking in Colombia and woke in Ecuador, after hearing this story I try not to get drunk while I travel lol
In my opinion, sharing one or two drinks with locals can be a helpful social lubricant whereas getting drunk is more of an escape and not beneficial. I think it is important to be aware that travelers represent their country and culture when they are abroad.
Sounds like it was a great #SBTC! I think as long as you are able to handle yourself, are respectful and know your limits, drinking abroad is fine. I had to take care of a couple friends once after they went a bit overboard, and it was a nightmare! Practically had to carry them back to the hotel among many other thingsnot the best night, lol :)
Although I never drink alcohol (neither red wine and I know it’s crazy) I will pass it on to Cez as he loves to get drunk on the road :).
Great Advice
The 1 liter Maß at the Hofbrauhaus got me as well!
I think it depends on the person. I tend to keep a relatively even head even when I’m drunk. I mean, I don’t go jumping over ropes of fires or jumping off cliffs. However, I just try to stick to a few drinks. I don’t spend money traveling just to forget half of the nights!
Hi, great blog Megan, Keep it up!
No good story ever started ‘I was having a salad’…