Victoria's Voyage

There comes a time in most teenage girls lives when the allure of jetting off somewhere hot with your friends becomes too strong to put off any longer. Maybe you’re freshly into college; maybe you’ve had a few years of experience on the town already. Either way, your first drinking holiday is something you’ll likely never forget, so you’d best make sure you do it right by avoiding these crippling mistakes. Take it from someone who’s been there…

1. Drinking everything

I don’t want to sound like your nagging mother or anything, but this is something you should definitely not do. It’s easy to get drawn in by your peers, and tour reps will even encourage it, but you never actually know just what’s in your drink – and crucially, how much alcohol there is to mixer… Many locations across Europe and Asia don’t measure like they do in UK, and you may be unwittingly drinking more than you realise. And there’s no worse environment to lose control in – trust me. Make your safety paramount to avoid waking up somewhere other than your room with no memory of what the hell happened to you.

PRO TIP: Many beach resorts tend to have many cocktail jug deals. Don’t drink too many of these if you want any hope of feeling human the next morning. Stick to alternative beverages instead.

2. Sleeping with everyone

There’s no rule that says you have to hook up with someone on this type of holiday, and yet it’s happening all around you. After all, groups of horny lads regularly frequent sunny night spots. Remain strong and don’t be afraid to stand your ground from time to time, just saying no if you’re not interested. There’s no shame in that, even if all their friends are judging you. If you do find someone you like and want to do the deed, just make sure you remain safe by finding out their name and where they’re staying (+ their room number if they’re in the same hotel), and relaying this information to your friends so someone can find you if you need them to.

PRO TIP: If you go back with someone, avoid others in their friend group to avoid major upset, and be especially mindful if they’re a twin…

3. Remedying a hangover with more drinking

Feeling a little worse for wear after your big night out? Don’t get straight back on it. It’s unhealthy at the best of times, and if you’re in a hot country you’ll already be dehydrated. The last thing you want is to be admitted to hospital for a week when you go home – Yeah, that was me. Instead, wind down by the pool for some sunlight and fresh air (and taking a dip can do you wonders). Alternatively, go for a massage or take a light stroll. There’s no hard and fast rule that says you must be drinking all the time, and on that note, you don’t have to party every night either. Take the odd night off and your body will thank you for it.

PRO TIP: As well as getting outside, don’t neglect to eat properly, even if you don’t feel like you can – and keep topped up with water.

4. Spending all day in bed

Sure, you might have had an amazing night, but you equally might have no memory of it. Please, take home with you more than a string of embarrassing stories your friends can hold over you forever, and see something of the country you’re visiting as well – otherwise a few years down the line you’ll look back and wish you’d spent your time and money more wisely. I’m not saying you have to start seeking out museums or churches, but at least try the local restaurants, do a bit of shopping and see the sea. Don’t waste your days away buried in your pillow or crouching over the toilet.

PRO TIP: Don’t be afraid to explore further boundaries than your patch of beach or the local supermarket. You never know what you might find; it could even be a cool new bar that isn’t overrun with other tourists but is just as fun.

5. Judging other people and being a buzz kill

While you have to know your limits and stay safe, you also don’t want to be that person who won’t get involved with anything and tries to intervene when it’s not necessary. If you’re seen as unapprochable, you’re going to have a bad time. Think carefully about who you are as a person and where your priorities lie. If you want to spend time with your besties and have a laugh, great, but never feel like you have to put yourself in a situation you’re uncomfortable with because of peer pressure or FOMO. If you genuinely don’t like parting, then you’re probably better off sitting this one out. Just don’t be that person who brings down the vibe, or you’ll become very unpopular.

PRO TIP: You’re on holiday. Remember, just have fun!