1. Start Accruing Air Miles
Begin collecting frequent flyer miles through airline programs, credit cards, or travel partnerships. Consolidate spending on a travel rewards card to maximize points and look for promotions that boost mileage accumulation. This will help offset a significant portion of your travel expenses (air travel from the US usually represents around 30% of beer trip cost).
2. Decide Between a Trip Package or DIY Planning
Determine whether you want to plan your own itinerary or book a curated beer trip through a specialized company. Guided trips provide expert-led experiences, brewery access, and hassle-free logistics, while DIY planning offers more flexibility and customization.
3. Research Beer Trip Companies
If considering a guided beer trip, compare offerings from companies like Epic Beer Trips! Look at their itineraries, inclusions, group size, and reviews to find the best fit for your interests. Follow them on social media to take advantage of Early Bird pricing deals.
Check out Why Beer Enthusiast Love Epic Beer Trips and read our 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for update and you can sign-up for our free Priority Booking List to be the first to know about trip date announcements and special savings offers.
4. Select Your Destination(s)
Research countries known for their beer culture, such as the UK (Scotland, England or Ireland), Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, or Japan. Decide whether to focus on a single country or explore multiple regions. This Week in Craft Beer is a great resource for England and Scotland festivals and craft beer releases.
5. Plan Around Beer Festivals
Align your trip with major beer festivals like Oktoberfest (Germany), the Great British Beer Festival (UK), Fyne Fest in Scotland, or the Bruges Beer Festival (Belgium) for a unique experience. Research local beer events that might coincide with your visit. If you’re interested in the Mikkeller Beer Celebration, check out our Five Takeaways from a Beer Festival in Copenhagen.
6. Create a Brewery Hit List
Identify must-visit breweries, brewpubs, and beer bars in each location. Balance iconic breweries with emerging craft producers for a well-rounded experience. If booking a guided tour, check which breweries are included.
7. Budget and Save Strategically
Estimate costs for flights, accommodations, beer tastings, and local travel. If booking a package tour, compare its cost against DIY planning to determine which offers the best value. Set a monthly savings goal and look for ways to cut expenses, such as traveling in the off-season or using points for flights and hotels.
8. Learn About Local Drinking Customs
Each country has its own beer culture and etiquette. In Germany, it’s customary to make eye contact when toasting (“Prost”), while in Belgium, beer is often served in a glass specifically designed for its style. Learning these customs will enhance your experience.
9. Book Accommodations Near Beer Hotspots
If planning your own trip, stay within walking distance of major beer destinations or ensure easy access via public transport. Consider beer-focused hotels or brewery inns for an immersive experience.
10. Plan for Beer Transportation
If you plan to bring beer home, research customs regulations, duty-free allowances, and safe packing methods for bottles or cans. For larger purchases, explore international shipping options.
Bonus Tip: Determine the Time of Year
Shoulder seasons like April–May and September–October offer better deals, smaller crowds, and milder temperatures (many hotels in the UK do not have air conditioning). If you’re looking for packing tips, check out our Top 9 Travel Essentials list.
