Plan Ahead to Have a Safe and Fun Pub Crawl
Pub crawls are a big part of St. Patrick's Day traditions for many people. While they can be a lot of fun, they can also end badly if you aren't properly prepared for a night of going from bar to bar, drinking all along the way. A pub crawl is when a group of people get together and travel from bar to bar in an area over the course of an evening or even an entire day. Walking from bar to bar is the preferred mode of travel in a traditional pub crawl as it can be a lot of fun and of course the safest way to crawl from bar to bar. Surviving a pub crawl and coming out alright the next day to talk about it is very possible if you follow stop tips and plan ahead. These tips and suggestions will make your pub crawl experience one that you'll want to remember (if you remember it of course); keep everyone in your crawl safe and comfortable throughout the pub crawl.
Map out the route - You may be doing a pub crawl in an area where there is a bar on every block, or one where the next bar is in the next town. Based on distances between bars and the ease of getting to those bars on foot, you or whoever is setting up the pub crawl should have a rough idea of where the crawl should go. Streets in 'bar districts' are the best places to set up crawls as you can go to many bars without walking too far. If there are certain pubs or bars that you want to go to, make sure the route you'll take makes sense. Good crawl routes will end the crawl at a place where it is easy for everyone to get home or where they will stay safely and quickly.
Find your way home before you go - Drunk driving is no joke, and having a safe way home should be arranged before you take your first sip. Whether your group decides to pick a designated driver, get a cab, take a train, or stay over at a nearby hotel or friend's house; having a way to where you'll sleep that night is crucial. Since you may end up drinking more alcohol then normal due to traveling to multiple bars, leave your car at home and make sure if you are walking to your final destination, that you have someone with you. Getting lost late at night while intoxicated is no fun when you are all alone.
Stay hydrated - As with any alcohol consumption, you should stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the pub crawl. Some people bring water bottles; but be advised that some bars won't let you in with open bottles. That said, many bars will provide you with fresh water at no charge when you ask for it. Drink water before you go out, before leaving each bar, in between drinks, and as you head home to stay hydrated.
Don't go hungry - Pub crawls last hours and hours and you might not always be near a quick meal. Eat before you go out, and take advantage of pub snacks sometimes put up on a bar for free. Even if there are no free snacks along the way, make a point to order some food during the actual pub crawl because you are sure to get hungry after a few hours of walking and drinking. You'll also allow the alcohol to be absorbed by the food in your stomach, slowing down your rate of intoxication and allowing you to stay standing long enough to enjoy the entire experience.
Dress comfortable - You can still be stylish while being comfortable in your clothes. Especially around St. Patrick's Day, it can be cold and windy out in most places. Dress for the weather and dress with comfort in mind. High heels might look good in the mirror, but after hours of walking from bar to bar you'll wish you hadn't worn them. Wear clothes that keep the weather from ruining your night and wear shoes that won't leave you with blisters and foot pain the next day.
Stay with your group - Never leave your pub crawl group especially if you are going to new bars you've never been to or an area that might not be safe at night. Watch out for each other and never let a member of your pub crawl group go home with a stranger. Be mindful of traffic and always be aware of your surroundings.
Have fun - Planning ahead is the best way to ensure you come out alive after a full pub crawl. Having your plans set up and ready to go means that once the crawl starts; you'll have little to worry about and can get to having a good time. St. Patrick's Day is a great time for a pub crawl and it is something everyone should experience at least once.