9 Best Holidays for a Grown-Up Boys’ Trip — No Booze Cruises or Foam Parties in Sight

New research suggests seven in ten Gen Z and Millennial males are filled with DREAD at the prospect of a booze fueled “lad’s holiday”.

So much so, that over half (53 percent) admit they routinely make up excuses to get out of going.

According to the 2,000 Gen Z and Millennial men surveyed, by First Choice, as many as 81 percent feel pressured to act more macho, while two thirds (66 percent) struggle to keep up with the excessive partying mentality.

So, experts from First Choice have curated the ULTIMATE boy’s trip for the more mature, cultured male.

Forget downing pints and drunken kebabs, we’re talking BOUJIE hotels, wine tasting in monasteries, swimming in caves, soap making classes and deep-sea fishing.

Kevin Nelson, Managing Director of First Choice. “No one should feel pressured into being someone they’re not on holiday or living up to outdated norms at the expense of their mental health.

“A lads’ trip should be about fun, friendship, bonding, and making memories. It’s time to call for ‘better boys’ trips’ – holidays that are about choice, authenticity, and having fun on your own terms.”

Here are the NINE top curated ‘Better Boys’ trips from First Choice…

1. The Pallas Hotel is a family run boujie boutique in a rural spot on the edge of Laganas, Zante. Highlights of this place include the surrounding olive groves, boutique pool, minimalist rooms and weekly barbeque nights. Despite it’s quiet location, the beach is just 20 minutes away and lively Zante is closer at 10.

2. Swap WKD for wine tasting with a secrets of Zante boat tour. This experience starts on land, exploring some of the prettiest local villages, a family-owned olive oil and Kampi tasting experiences and the 14th-century Anafonitria Monastery, before hopping on a boat to the Blue Caves, one of the deepest points in the Med.

3. See an authentic side of Greece with food and live music at Popolaros Taverna. Visit a family run taverna where you’ll indulge in authentic dishes prepared at the local farm and live performers showcase traditional Zakynthian music and dance.

4. The Grecian Bay Hotel is in a laid back modern spot in the famous Ayia Napa white sands. This spot is all about relaxation with luxury spa treatments, a tropical themed beach bar and a cocktail-to-lounger beach service. But for those who want more of the action, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the town centre.

5. Go full wholesome vibes with a botanical park soap-making class. Start with a tour of the park’s gardens before heading to the distillation room, where you’ll learn about the power of herbs and essential oils before making your own soap creations.

6. Head out onto the Mediterranean sea to try your hand at deep sea fishing. With the help of experienced fishermen, this luxury yacht tour will see you catch anything from barracuda to sea bream, sea bass, and even octopus.

7. Jaz in the City is a quirky hotel in the Zuidoost area of Amsterdam. It’s unique but laid back interior is an adults take on a funky European hostel, with artwork everywhere, a sleek bar, spa facilities and a high tech gym on site.

8. Soak up authentic Dutch history with a clog factory visit and cheese tasting experience. Wander through colourful windmills in Zaanse Schans before visiting a local wooden shoemakers shop for a live demo and then taste as much local cheese as you can at an Dutch cheese farm.

9. Live like a local with an international comedy show at the Comedy Embassy. For nearly a decade, the Comedy Embassy has been the central comedic venue in the city, and ever Friday the theatre welcomes international comedians for a round of stand-up.

First Choice is partnering with indie fashion brand Everpress to create a series of limited-edition, modern “Lads Holiday’ tees – with all proceeds going to CALM, helping to prevent suicide and support mental wellbeing. The collection is available now – get yours here to help support CALM.  Need help? Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) hosts a life-saving suicide prevention helpline and provides vital online mental health resources for anyone who needs them. Visit www.thecalmzone.net

May Vibes: Sun, Scenery & City Strolls