Discover the Joys of Sober Travel: Adventures Without Alcohol

Imagine booking your dream getaway only to realize every “must-do” activity centers around alcohol — brewery tours, happy hours, vineyard hopping.

For sober travelers, this is a common reality that can transform the perfect trip into a stressful test of willpower. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

Imagine another trip. On this one, you are waking up early to go hiking and catch beautiful sunrises you have never noticed before. Your trip is so full of exciting activities that you don’t even have time to feel left out or pay attention to alcohol. 

You are present in a way that you couldn’t have been before. 

Sober travel doesn’t mean you have to give up adventure. This article details how to navigate traveling alcohol-free and still embrace the fun, culture, and connection of vacation.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Sober Vacation?
• The Benefits of Sober Vacations
• How To Plan a Sober Vacation: 4 Tips for a Memorable Trip
• Commonly Asked Questions About Sober Travel
• Dove Recovery Is Here To Help You Find Support for a Life Beyond Alcohol

Simply stated, sober travel is when a person chooses to abstain from consuming alcohol while traveling. 

The goal is to explore new destinations, create meaningful memories, and aid in personal growth without the negative effects and societal pressures of drinking alcohol. 

Often, people associate vacations with drinking. But this does not have to be the case. It is possible to have a good time without alcohol.

While sober vacations can be a vital component of recovery, a person does not have to be in recovery to benefit from a sober vacation. 

Sober travel is gaining popularity because people have begun to realize the positive impact traveling without drinking can have on their health, finances, and mental well-being. Prioritizing health and well-being has led to a mindset shift. 

No matter why you choose sober travel, the positive outcomes are numerous. 

Benefits of sober travel include: 

• Increased safety: By drinking alcohol, you are putting yourself at risk by creating a target for perpetrators of crimes and becoming prone to engaging in risky behaviors. 
• Decreased cost: Alcoholic beverages come with a hefty price tag. Refraining from drinking will decrease the cost of your vacation and allow you to have more money to spend on other experiences. 
• Increased health and wellness: By abstaining from alcohol, your health will improve, you won’t be dealing with hangovers, you will get better sleep, and you’ll have more energy. 
• Increased presence: When your vacation doesn’t revolve around alcohol, you can truly experience the destination and activities for a more mindful and deep travel experience. 
• Increased connections: Whether you travel with a support group or you meet new people on the trip, traveling without consuming alcohol allows you to make new connections with like-minded people. 

#1: Choose the Right Destination

Planning a trip to a place with a known party scene or with triggers, such as bars around every corner, may make sober traveling difficult and tempting. 

Factors to consider when selecting your destination include places with: 

• Natural beauty to promote relaxation 
• A strong culture
• Opportunities for adventure
• Interesting alcohol-free activities
• Alcohol free accommodations 
• Lower local alcohol consumption 

Whatever destination you settle on, you want to have ample opportunities to explore, engage, and remain busy to help maintain sobriety and avoid boredom.

#2: Plan Recovery-Friendly Activities

When planning a sober vacation, it is a good idea to fill your itinerary with activities that allow you to experience non-alcohol-related attractions, such as outdoor adventures or cultural experiences. 

Some recovery-friendly activities to consider include: 

• Wellness activities
• Exploring local cuisine 
• Visiting museums or historical sites
• Nature activities
• Attending a local festival or art market 

Planning activities in advance keeps you occupied. However, it is important to note that flexibility may be necessary if a situation arises that may threaten your sobriety. 

#3: Travel With a Sober Companion or Support Group

By having a sober travel companion or a supportive group of people, you can ensure that your vacation will be a safe, healthy space and an inclusive atmosphere where your decision not to drink will be respected. 

Key reasons to consider traveling with a sober companion or support group include: 

• Accountability for your recovery goals 
• Recognition and navigation of triggering situations
• Advice or distraction techniques to manage cravings
• Encouragement of healthy decisions and communication 
• Shared values 
• Avoiding isolation 
• People who understand the journey of addiction recovery 

When you travel with like-minded groups of people, your chances of relapse may significantly decrease. 

#4: Stick to the Routines That Have Supported You on Your Recovery Journey

Traveling can be challenging on many levels. For someone in recovery, daily routines are interrupted, and new triggers can be introduced.

To maintain sobriety, keeping as many recovery practices as possible will give you stability in unfamiliar circumstances or environments, reinforce your commitment to recovery, and allow you to be fully present. 

Whether your recovery includes attending meetings, meditating, journaling, attending therapy sessions or more, there is no reason you can’t do these things while on vacation, too. Some practices may require advanced planning. For instance, if you attend support group meetings or therapy sessions, you can arrange to have your sessions before or after your trip. 

At Dove Recovery, our supportive staff offers counseling and therapy services, teaches relapse prevention techniques, and curates customized plans to meet client needs. Reach out to our staff or fellow people in recovery before your vacations to support your sober traveling goals. 

Are Sober Vacations Effective?

A sober vacation is effective. Not only does it help support long-term recovery goals, but it also provides opportunities for community building and learning new coping strategies. 

Sober vacations are effective because they promote: 

• Better sleep 
• More energy 
• Opportunities for self-reflection and discovery
• Genuine connections 
• Being fully present 
• Opportunities to create new, healthier habits 
• Having a fun and fulfilling experience without alcohol

Sober travel can offer a mental and emotional reset, allowing you to have a healthier, more fulfilling vacation experience. 

What Are the Best Sober Vacation Destinations?

Whether you are planning to travel abroad or domestically, here are some sober vacation destinations to consider. 

International destinations that offer opportunities for tranquil environments, exploration of ancient history, and diverse cultural experiences are:  

• Costa Rica
• Morocco
• Japan
• Italy
• Greece
• Sri Lanka
• Indonesia
• Nepal

Domestic destinations that offer exciting or peaceful environments, a plethora of adventurous activities, and unique cultural experiences are: 

• Orlando, FL 
• Denver, CO
• Ocean City, NJ
• Nashville, TN
• Wyoming

Before booking a trip, research the area to ensure it can support your sobriety goals. 

What Are Some of the Top Ideas for Sober Travel?

It’s important to focus on plans that will promote your well-being, create stable routines, and reduce opportunities for alcohol consumption. 

These could include:

• Wellness retreats or yoga getaways
• Outdoor adventures
• Cultural immersion trips
• Volunteer and service-based travel 

No matter what you plan, it is important to: 

• Set and keep boundaries 
• Maintain a stable daily routine 
• Stay connected with your support network
• Be prepared to navigate triggering situations 
• Focus on creating alcohol-free memories

Are There Alcohol-Free Resorts?

Some resorts are specifically dedicated to being alcohol-free. They typically focus on alcohol-free activities, are wellness-centered, and practice mindfulness. 

Other resorts offer a selection of alcohol-free experiences. These resorts often provide zero-proof mocktails, a selection of high-quality non-alcoholic beverages, and dining and activities that don’t require alcohol to be enjoyable. 

Are There Sober Cruises?

A cruise can fit your needs for sober travel. You can book a cruise through a company that has organized a full-ship or partial-ship buyout. These companies create an alcohol-free environment and set up daily meetings and sober-focused activities. 

Another option is to book a sober-friendly cruise. Mainstream cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean or Virgin Voyages, offer extensive non-alcoholic drink menus and activities that sober travelers will enjoy. 

At Dove Recovery, we want to support you in reaching your sobriety goals, even when you are traveling. 

Our team provides personalized care and a stable support system focused on long-term recovery. Our programs provide flexible treatments and support as you continue to live your life. 

Let us help you celebrate conquering addiction and the path to recovery, both while you are at home and on vacation. Our team focuses on comprehensive treatment and evidence-based approaches for both therapy and relapse prevention techniques. 

Whether you have recently recovered from alcohol addiction or are still in the throes of overcoming it, we can assist you every step of the way. Contact us today.

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