Beyond the Party: Sober Spring Break Adventures in Costa Rica, Thailand, and Egypt Heating Up

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 4:15 PM ET, Wed March 5, 2025

Legendary for being a party week for college-age travelers, spring break may be taking on a new look this year.

It seems that nearly seven in ten (68 percent) of university-aged travelers (18 to 22-year-olds) are seeking out sober activities for spring break this year, according to a survey conducted by EF Ultimate Break, a Gen Z experiential travel brand.

That 68 percent is a full nine points higher than millennials (age 23 to 25) who said they are interested in sober activities for spring break.

The study, which was focused on Gen Z and Millennials, also found that most university-aged travelers said that the opportunity to learn about the people, place and cultures they intended to visit was the top reason for traveling internationally.

Relaxation time by the pool or beach, meanwhile, was second on the list of priorities for this segment of travelers and meeting new people came in third. Coming in fourth on the list of activity priorities for spring break is “blending social activities and culture” followed by volunteering in fifth place on the list.

As for partying over spring break, where is that on the list of priorities? Dead last, per the EF Ultimate Break study.

Sober Spring Break Options

So where to visit for spring break if you’re a Gen Z or Millennial traveler interested in something other that partying this year. EF Ultimate Break has a few suggestions.

Based on the traveler insights gleaned from its survey about spring break activity goals, EF Ultimate Break has just launched its first collection of sober-focused Spring Break tours for travelers age 18 to 35 in Costa Rica, Thailand and Egypt.

"Today's Gen Z travelers have made it clear that they're looking for more than a party scene on their Spring Break,” Heather Leisman, president, EF Ultimate Break, said in a statement. "We've designed our new collection of alcohol-free tours to prioritize wellness and mindfulness, while still delivering on the culture, adventure and community synonymous with all EF Ultimate Break tours.”

Whether it's kayaking in Costa Rica's Lake Arsenal, snorkeling in Phang Nga, Thailand, or visiting the Pyramids in Egypt, the company’s new sober themed tours focus on shared experiences and well-being.

Hiker looking out at the Arenal volcano in La Fortuna

Here’s a closer look at some of the new sober tours.

Sober Spring Break, Costa Rica: 10 days, 4 cities (From $2,189 before flights).  Spring break in Costa Rica is the exact opposite of sitting in class—unless you can lounge on perfect beaches, zipline through the rainforest, hang with sloths, and live la pura vida, which are just some of the activities on this trip.

Sober Spring Break Thailand: 11 days, 3 cities (From $2,699 before flights). Tap into Thailand's rich wellness culture with traditional Thai massages, meditation, and healing rituals that leave you feeling refreshed. This spring break is one for the books. Enjoy brag-worthy spots in Bangkok's bustling markets. Soak up the sun and surf on the beaches of Phuket. Manifest good vibes and inner peace amidst the ancient temples of Chiang Mai. This trip offers the ultimate spring break without the adult beverage.

Egypt: A Sober Cruise Along the Nile: 10 days, 4 cities (From $3,199 $2,699 before flights).  There's no denying it— being clear-headed while seeing the only remaining Ancient Wonder, exploring 5,000 years of history, and cruising through a desert oasis are peak bucket list activities. So brush up on your hieroglyphics, because your next adventure is about to be mystical, magical, and wondrous.