Contiki launched its first trips curated for the sober curious. Six departures across Britain and Ireland are now open for booking for travel in August 2025.
Contiki’s 2024 Voice of a Generation Survey, 83% of respondents aged 18-35 said they’d be interested in a completely sober travel experience. Contiki built its name on communal fun and social spontaneity and this new trip proves that travellers don’t need booze to bring the buzz. Travellers will enjoy events at Edinburgh Fringe with genuine late-night connections, immersive cultural experiences, and illuminating conversations. Experiencing Contiki with a clear head, travellers will explore the best of Britain and Ireland, from the grand gothic drama of Edinburgh to the jaw-dropping coastlines of Galway.
“The data doesn’t lie. Young travellers are not only drinking less in general but are also increasingly curious as to what a completely sober travel experience would look like,” says Contiki CEO, Adam Armstrong. “Of course, our travellers can still enjoy an Aperol in Rome or some Beaujolais wine at the Contiki Château if they want to, but these sober curious trips are part of a suite of cultural experiences we offer that prioritize the buzz of travel over anything else.”
The sober-curious departures are a twist on Contiki’s bestselling Great Britain & Ireland trips covering everything from Edinburgh to London, Galway to York:
- Great Britain & Ireland (18 days)
- England & Scotland (11 days)
- Scotland & Ireland (13 days)
- England in a Week (6 days)
- Scotland in a Week (6 days)
- Ireland in a Week (8 days)
Highlights of these itineraries include:
- British Baking Experience in Birmingham (England): Master classic British treats in a cozy, hands-on baking class led by local experts in Birmingham.
- Magic & Comedy Show in Bristol (England): Enjoy an equal mix of gasps and laughs at this magic & comedy show in buzzy Bristol.
- Farm-to-Fork Dinner in Manchester (England): Savour a sustainably sourced “farm-to-fork” feast in Manchester, showcasing Britain’s freshest seasonal produce.
- Evening Walking Tour in Dublin: Take a guided twilight stroll through Dublin, discovering historic streets, folklore, and lively pubs.
- Glenshane County Farm MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience (Northern Ireland): Experience sustainable farming firsthand in Northern Ireland (and meet plenty of cute lambs & collies along the way).
- Yoga Experience & Lunch in a Barn in County Wexford (Ireland): Reconnect with mind and body during a soothing yoga session in a rustic barn, followed by a wholesome local lunch.
- Hike to Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh (Scotland): Trek to the summit of Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh and its surrounding landscape.
- Haggis Experience, Glasgow (Scotland): Learn about the tradition behind Scotland’s national dish and why it's so important to its heritage and culture (with options for the veggies & vegans, too).
- Catch a Show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Scotland): Immerse in the creative buzz of the world’s largest arts festival, where every corner of Edinburgh hosts eclectic performances.
According to World Finance, Gen Z’s alcohol consumption is 20% lower on average compared to previous generations. Sobriety as a way of life has gained traction in recent years too, with Google searches for ‘sober travel’, ‘sober curious’, ‘sober events’, and more all on the rise.
For more information, please visit https://www.contiki.com/en-ca
