Going out and drinking abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is going out and drinking abroad like?

• Going out and drinking can be a bit different, or turn out differently abroad, than in your home country. From bars and clubs, to festivals, beach parties and small local pubs, it can be a fun way to experience a country's nightlife.
• Some are experts by experience in their own country and experience new adventures abroad, others experience going out and drinking for the first time during, for example, a world trip.
• Going out certainly does not always have to be accompanied by alcohol. Some choose not to drink alcohol, and in some countries it is even banned.
• It's a less formal, casual and social way to see a different side of a country. From local dances, music, singing, drinks to sometimes drug use.

What makes going out abroad different from home:

• rules surrounding alcohol and going out differ.
• the atmosphere and manners are different, even between people of different genders.
• times can be completely different (start late and end late).
• security and borders are understood differently in different countries.
• you notice for example that people make contact more quickly and that the music and atmosphere can differ enormously per country and location.
• going out abroad also requires awareness. What is normal in one country may be sensitive or even illegal elsewhere. There are also risks involved.

In practice, you will notice while going abroad that:

• going out often occurs spontaneously.
• you meet new people.
• you sometimes cross your own boundaries (positive or negative).
• your energy runs out quickly, if you don't keep balance.
• So going out is social, intense, fun, but not without risks!

What are the reasons for going out and drinking abroad?

• To meet new people and make social connections: going out is often synonymous to socializing, so it can be easier to make new connections.
• To express yourself more freely and let go: going out can create an environment that is more relaxed and allows for yourself to be really you. 
• To experience new cultures and social customs: going out and drinking can provide new insights to another culture.
• To increase your self-confidence in social situations: putting yourself in an extremely social situation will help you develop confidence and explore new strengths.
• To learn to deal flexibly with unexpected situations: a lot of things can happen on a night out!

What skills and motivations do you need to go out and drink abroad?

• Self-confidence: you dare to make contact with others.
• Environmental awareness: you sense what is safe and appropriate.
• Flexibility: plans can change quickly on a night out.
• Forming judgments: you guard your boundaries and decide what situations you want to be in or don't want to be in.
• Stress-resistance: you can deal with crowds and stimuli.

What are the best countries and locations to go out and drink abroad?

• Countries known for nightlife: Spain, Portugal, Thailand, Brazil.
• Major club cities: Germany (Berlin), United Kingdom, Netherlands, United States.
• Beach and island parties: Indonesia (Bali), Greece, Mexico, Philippines.

What are the risks of going out and drinking abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

What are the risks of going out and drinking abroad, and what happens with some regularity:

• that you end up in unsafe situations due to alcohol use, fatigue or peer pressure, which makes you less accurate at assessing what is happening and more likely to take risks.
• that you become a victim of theft, scams or even spiking (something in your drink), especially in busy or touristy places.
• that you exceed your own boundaries and afterward regret behavior or choices that you would not normally make.
• that you are involved in incidents or accidents (e.g. falls, fights, traffic) that require medical attention.
• that you are breaking local rules regarding alcohol or drugs, which in some countries can lead to high fines or even arrest.
• that you will build up sleep deprivation and exhaustion, which will impact your health and safety during your trip.

Are you insured while going out and drinking abroad?

• During activities and trips abroad, the coverage of your own health insurance in your home country may be insufficient, or even lapse. See the pages on insuring activities abroad.