The real world? Smart tourists? Yes they are really clever paying double price for meals and visiting such gems as The Eiffel Tower or Pai. Really smart people.
I think they drink due to boredom waiting. Flying isn't a battle of nerves. Mostly a boring experience not a nervous one. Very few planes crash. Why would you be nervous?
I never found Phuket that bad. Just like always take care on the turns. Most accidents happen on turns or due to speed. So if you slow down and take care on turns not so bad.