Planning to get tipsy on your travels? Below you’ll find all the info you need on the legal drinking age in the go-to holiday destinations across the globe!
Below you'll find essential information on the drinking laws in typical vacation destinations, so you can ensure that cocktail o'clock isn't off limits wherever you're travelling to next!
No Minimum Legal Drinking Age (19 countries)
Bolivia
Drinking laws don't exist over in Bolivia... so drinking till dawn is on the cards however old you may be! Stay in Bunkie Hostel at the heart of La Paz to make the most of your boozing privileges! Surrounded by restaurants, bars, live music and more, its the prime location for some sloshed shenanigans...
Cambodia
Take a trip to Siem Reap and stay at Hangover Hostel and Bar to experience what Cambodia's renowned nightlife scene has on offer. Walking distance from the renowned "Pub Street" - home to iconic venues such as YOLO Bar - this hostel even comes complete with Beer Pong and its own DJ booth... oh and before we forget, food is served 24hrs a day, perfect for the ultimate hangover cure whenever the drinking gets too much for you!
16-17 years (20 countries)
Portugal
If you've finished your GCSE's or AS-levels, and you and your friends are looking for somewhere to let off some steam (and consume a few cocktails) then Algarve is the place for you. Blue skies, white beaches and a lot of liquor, Albufeira has it all! Stay in Vila Santa Eulália, as boasting its own swimming pool, garden and BBQ, it's perfect for those chilled daytime drinking sessions. When the sun goes down we can guarantee that you'll be shotting spirits all night long in the famous strip of Areias de São João, as its only 300m from your holiday crib!
18-19 years (116 countries)
Spain
If you're in the mood for getting sloshed Spanish-style, then it's best to head to the lively area of Marbella Marina for your tipsy transgressions. Book your stay at InHouse Marbella, as this recently renovated hostel is in a central location, and only a 5min walk to the beach... a perfect recovery spot from the tequila the night before, or for an afternoon mojito in the sand if you're ready to get going again (I mean, you are on holiday after all!)
Greece
Greece has always been a favourite guzzling getaway among Brits, and it seems as though this won't be likely to change anytime soon. Corfu is home to an extensive number of establishments where you can get your firewater fix. For a quieter place to stay, slightly further from the crowds, Corfu Secret Hotel is a good pick. Metres away from the blue flag beach of Ipsos, this natural haven is only 700m from Corfu's lively bars, restaurants and nightclubs. This way, you can use your days for some downtime, and your nights for getting some drinks down you!
France
For French festivities, it's best to stay at the heart of Nice in the South of France. Hostel Altair is the go-to, as being only 10min from both the beach and the old town, you're in prime position for all your inebriated needs. Pop into Shapko live music bar between 18:00-21:00 for a three hour happy hour and sober up to soul music before the walk home!
20 years (5 countries)
Iceland
Not a sun-seeker? Not a problem! Explore the drink lists of Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik and book your stay at Hostel B47 in the lively downtown area of Baronsstigur. Close to Cafes, Pubs, Bars and Clubs, and only a 5min walk from main shopping street, your next drink will never be far off... but ice isn't only in found in cocktails you know (sorry, had to be done).
Thailand
Planning the gap year getaway with the gals? Pop over to Paradise Beach Backpackers Hostel in Patong and prepare to get giddy! If parties, Piña Colada's and paddleboards sounds like your kind of style, head to Thailand and recreate The Hangover Part II... but don't worry, the free sunbeds on Paradise Beach have your name on them for the morning after!
21 years (12 countries)
Sri Lanka
Board a plane to Sri Lanka and check into the Clock Inn Colombo to get a taste of Asia after-hours. A few steps from the Indian ocean, complete with modern decor in a central location, this hostel is just a hop, skip and a jump from Rhythm and Blues nightclub... one that's not to miss on your alcoholic adventures!
United States
Jump into the mayhem of Miami and drink yourself silly on South Beach... there's no better place to go than Bikini Hostel Cafe and Beer Garden (as is clear from the name). Situated right at the heart of Florida's surfing city, walking distance from both the beach and the nightclubs, you're guaranteed to have a good time. And as if all this isn't enough already, the hostel has its own pool AND jacuzzi, so remember to pack your swimsuit for some late-night dives!
No Legal Drinking permitted (16 countries)
United Arab Emirates
For those travelling afar, we advise reading up on the drinking regulations in countries where 'no legal drinking' is permitted. If you're planning a trip to Dubai and want to enjoy a few drinks every now and again, do not do so unless you are in an establishment that legally serves alcohol - for example a hotel or nightclub. We recommend staying at Backpacker 16 during your time here, as if you won't be drinking as much you can make the most of the swimming pool, gym and kitchen facilities instead!
Maldives
Last but not least, if its clear blue waters and white white white sand you're after, then there's nowhere better than the Maldives. Although drinking is technically illegal here, alcohol is really only banned from the local population, making it ok for tourists and travellers to buy and drink alcohol at ease. Book a stay at Zayan Holiday Home in Addu City, as only 2min from the beach, this holiday home is great for small groups and students to enjoy their sunny getaway. Pop over to Equator Village resort for a drink or two and watch the sun set over paradise.
If your upcoming vacay doesn't seem to be listed on here, click thi s link for more information on the legal drinking ages in 190 countries in the world.
Happy drinking :-) !