Sober Spring Break: EF World Journeys Responds to the Gen Z Demand

EF World Journeys is offering Gen Z an alternative to the traditional alcohol-focused spring break vacations. 

A recent EF Ultimate Break survey found that over two-thirds of 18- to 22-year-olds (68%) are looking for sober activities to do during spring break—a popular travel period that traditionally was associated with alcohol-based activities.  

“We’re seeing a shift from the expected Spring Break priorities with many younger travelers opting for sober activities and trip options,” said Heidi Durflinger, CEO of EF World Journeys. 

In response to the demand, EF Ultimate Break is launching a collection of sober tour travel experiences in Thailand, Costa Rica, and Egypt in March. These journeys are based on existing itineraries, but modified to remove any alcohol-based activities.

“EF UB will ensure there are sober departures and sober-focused activities (e.g. no alcoholic beverages will be a part of the tour experience),” a representative told TMR.

The survey in question, “The State of Gen Z and Young Millennial Travel,” was EF UB’s first study. The tour operator worked with Qualtrics to survey more than 1,000 U.S.- and Canada-based consumers between the ages of 18 and 35 who expressed interest in near-term travel outside their home country. The survey was conducted in September 2024, and the initial results were published the following October.

EF UB isn’t the only company noticing the cultural shift. Increasingly, the travel industry is embracing the sober travel trend. Forbes predicted sober travel would be a major trend in 2025, and just last month, Contiki unveiled “sober-curious” itineraries for Gen Z.

“The [EF Ultimate Break] survey found that the most valued attribute of Spring Break travel for young adults is the opportunity to learn about the people, places and cultures they intend to visit,” added Durflinger. “We’ve heard young travelers loud and clear and as such, EF Ultimate Break designed a sober travel tour to Costa Rica to provide a Spring Break option that not only offers relaxation, but cultural education as well.”