Contrary to what you might think based on the name, there’s rarely any crawling involved in pub crawling. Well, if you do it right, that is.
Doing a pub crawl from time to time (say, during St. Patrick’s Day or as a part of a walking tour when you’re visiting some fancy tourist spot) is a great way to break the monotony and try out something new and fun. But being a pub crawler takes a bit more than going on a daring adventure once and living to tell the tale for years on end.
I learned plenty of pub crawler life lessons back when I practically held a full-time job as an expert bar hopper. If you’re wondering why being a pub crawler is fun, then let me break it down for you. When done right, it’s a fantastic opportunity to have a great time, meet new people, and learn a thing or two about life.
There’s No Room for Shame
There are amazing bar hopping events all over the United States and Europe. Of course, you probably won’t be able to visit them all, but if you’re like I was, and you plan on spending your college days traveling as much as you can, then I suggest you book a bar crawling tour wherever you go.
But, before you search for local guides that will take you to jazz bars and dance clubs, remember one thing — no matter where you’re going, leave your shame at home.
When I first started bar crawling, I quickly learned that there’s no room for shame. Bar hopping is all about confidence and having fun. The crawl guides will tell you that the night is young, but after a few crawls, you’ll learn that letting loose a bit is a great way to have the time of your life.
I Make My Own Kind of Fun
If you’re a college student, you’re probably overly excited about doing your first pub crawl. You know those drink specials will get you just on the right side of tipsy, and you’re probably looking forward to the loads of fun you’ll have. After all, pub crawls promise the time of your life, right?
Well, yeah, in theory.
In reality, there’s a good chance that not all bars you go to will be equally exciting or entertaining. That’s why it’s vital that you make your own fun. Don’t rely on the atmosphere of the place or other people to make the evening memorable. Just like in life, you have to do it yourself. Otherwise, it might not happen.
Friends Are Everywhere
Do you know that saying, “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met?” Well, although not always true in life, it should be your motto when you’re pub crawling.
Pub crawls are full of people who are just like you. They are all eager to have a great time and make some memories. So, approaching others and making friends is easier than it would be if you were to just go out in a bar to have a drink with a few buddies.
I met the most amazing people during my pub crawling days, and I even fell in love once or twice. But I’ve learned that, just like with having fun, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands.
So, if you’ve taken my previous advice and came into the bar crawl with a positive, confident attitude, ready to have fun, then you’ll have no trouble approaching people, having drinks with them, and enjoying their company.
When you do a pub crawl, it’s best to treat everyone as a drinking buddy. That’s why I always recommend that people attend pub crawls even if they are doing it alone. You’re never really alone at a pub crawl, you know. A friendly attitude and an open smile will quickly get the attention of other people, so you won’t be all by yourself for long.
Unplanned Moments Are the Best
When you plan a pub crawl, you probably plan every little detail (especially the first time). You know when it starts, which bars you’ll visit, and maybe even which drinks you’ll try out.
But life is all about living in the moment. And, oftentimes, those moments are unplanned. Sure, it’s a great idea to be prepared for anything. But it’s those moments that happen out of nowhere, those ideas that come unprovoked and unplanned, that make for the best memories.
So, don’t be too rigid. I’ve learned that planning can only get you so far in life. Letting go and embracing everything that comes your way is a much better attitude to have in life. Every pub crawler knows that sometimes the ideas that come late in the night from unexpected people make the night better.
Help Is Always Available; You Just Need to Reach Out to People
Pub crawling is generally a very safe activity. However, just like in life, things can sometimes take unexpected turns. If you find yourself in a situation that’s making you uncomfortable or you feel unsafe, reach out for help immediately.
Pub crawlers are a pleasant bunch of people, but it’s essential to turn to the right people for help. Always plan for these potential situations in advance. That is a life lesson that college never really taught me. If you turn to the right people, your problem will likely go away or get resolved rather quickly.
Life’s Always a Party
One last life lesson that pub crawling taught me is that you should treat life as if it’s one giant party during your youth. Unlike a pub crawl, though, you can’t get a full refund on life, so it’s best to have as much fun as you can.
Enjoy life, and try to enjoy the situations, people, and even problems it sends your way. And the same goes for pub crawling! After all, that’s what makes for a good story.