Theo Nash
Sober tourism is a growing trend, with an increasing number of people choosing to travel and stay abstinent from alcohol. While it can be a struggle for some, many travellers are reaping the benefits of sober travel, including richer memories and connections, more time and money, and an enhanced ability to stay in the present moment. Whether you're newly sober or have been sober for a while, here are some tips to help you navigate how to travel and stay abstinent from alcohol: Decide in advance if you want to drink or not on your trip, and be sure to communicate your decision to your travel companions. Choose destinations that lend themselves well to sober travel, and research the alcohol culture of your chosen location. Seek out activities that don't involve alcohol, such as outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or sober-friendly establishments. Remember that you can always set boundaries and avoid triggering activities, and find a support system to help you stay accountable. Sober travel can be an enriching and transformative experience, allowing you to discover new places and connect with others in a clear-headed and intentional way.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Decide if you're ready | Ask yourself if you feel ready to go on a sober vacation before committing to any travel. |
| Plan ahead | Research the alcohol culture at your destination. |
| Stay active | Instead of spending your entire vacation day drinking, stay active and explore. |
| Set boundaries | Avoid potentially triggering activities. |
| Seek support | Attend meetings in the city you're visiting or set up alliances with other sober people. |
| Be accountable | Text the group chat, FaceTime a friend back home, or explain your decision to others. |
| Choose your travel companions wisely | Travel with a group of sober people or people who are respectful of your choices. |
| Embrace the sober-curious movement | Try non-alcoholic drinks, visit alcohol-free bars, and seek out activities that don't involve drinking. |
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What You'll Learn
Research the alcohol culture of your destination
Researching the alcohol culture of your destination is a crucial step in planning a trip while staying abstinent from alcohol. Understanding the local drinking norms and the availability of alcohol-free options can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations for your trip. Here are some insights to consider:
Alcohol Culture Varies Across Destinations:
Different countries and regions have varying relationships with alcohol. For example, countries like Sweden and Scandinavia are known for their strong alcohol culture, with drinking being a common social activity. On the other hand, Muslim countries often have lower levels of alcohol consumption due to religious beliefs. Morocco, for instance, has some of the lowest alcohol consumption rates globally. Understanding the cultural norms around alcohol in your destination can help you gauge the prevalence of drinking and the potential challenges you may face in maintaining abstinence.
Assess the Drinking Reputation of Your Destination:
Some places are renowned for their party atmosphere and drinking culture, such as Ibiza. If you're concerned about temptation, it's best to opt for destinations that don't heavily revolve around alcohol. Look for places that offer a wide range of alcohol-free activities and attractions. For example, Costa Rica, despite not being known for its sober-friendly culture, offers abundant rainforests, ecolodges, and wellness retreats that can enhance your trip without relying on alcohol.
Consider Your Previous Experiences:
If you're contemplating returning to a favourite destination, reflect on how you spent your time there in the past. If your memories are predominantly associated with drinking, it may be worthwhile to consider alternative destinations that align better with your goal of staying abstinent. This doesn't mean sacrificing fun; instead, seek out activities and experiences that excite you and don't involve alcohol.
Explore Alcohol-Free Alternatives:
Many destinations are increasingly offering alcohol-free alternatives to cater to the growing trend of sober tourism. For instance, countries like Sweden are known for their creative non-alcoholic beverages, such as julmust (a root beer-like drink) and fruit-based sodas. Additionally, the emergence of alcohol-free bars, no-booze cruises, and sober travel companies organizing outdoor activities demonstrates that you can still have enriching travel experiences without alcohol.
Be Mindful of Social Media Influences:
Social media platforms, such as Instagram, often showcase drinking as a prominent aspect of travel. However, it's important to remember that these posts may not always reflect the full picture. Studies have shown that posts featuring alcohol tend to receive fewer likes, and that destinations like Morocco, Cuba, and Brazil have more sober shots than boozy ones. Don't let social media influence your decision-making; instead, focus on creating your own authentic and sober travel experiences.
Remember, by researching the alcohol culture of your destination, you can make more informed choices about your itinerary and activities, ensuring a trip that aligns with your values and goals of staying abstinent from alcohol.
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Plan alcohol-free activities
Planning alcohol-free activities is an important part of staying abstinent from alcohol while travelling. It is key to decide in advance if you want to drink or not on your trip. This can be done by researching the alcohol culture at your destination. If you are travelling to a place where drinking is a huge part of the culture, it may be best to find a new vacation spot.
There are many activities that can be enjoyed alcohol-free. For example, outdoor activities such as hiking in New Zealand or Utah, or kayaking in Costa Rica or Spain. If you are looking for a more relaxed vacation, there are plenty of wellness retreats and sustainable spas in Costa Rica, or you could simply enjoy a leisurely breakfast and watch the sunrise.
If you are travelling to a city, look for activities that don't involve drinking. For example, theatre in New York City, mariachi concerts in San Antonio, or a trip to the theatre in New York City. There are also an increasing number of non-alcoholic bars, no-booze cruises, and sober travel companies that can help you enjoy travel without the hangover. Muslim countries, in particular, have strong traditions around non-alcoholic drinks. For example, in Egypt, you can find a frothy, not-too-sweet mint lemonade on most menus.
If you are travelling with other people, it is important to feel safe and comfortable with your travel companions. Make sure they are respectful of your choices and support you in finding alcohol-free alternatives. If you are travelling with drinkers, remember that your connection is based on your conversation and friendship, not alcohol. You can still stay up late playing cards, listen to live music, make friends with strangers, and dance on tabletops together.
If you are travelling alone, you are not alone. Text a friend back home or reach out to someone in your group chat to let them know about your sobriety goals. This will help hold you accountable.
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Stay active
Staying active is a great way to ensure you remain abstinent from alcohol while travelling. The adrenaline rush from new experiences and physical activities can induce a natural high.
When visiting cities, opt for activities that don't revolve around drinking. For example, in New York City, you can catch a show, or in San Antonio, you can attend mariachi concerts. If you're in the United Kingdom, you could visit no-booze bars like Kava Social in Brooklyn or Club Soda in London.
If you're an outdoorsy person, consider a trip to Scotland for hiking or to Costa Rica for kayaking and beach time. Many trips organised by sober travel companies centre around outdoor activities. You could also plan a trip to a Muslim country, where drinking is often abstained from for religious reasons. Morocco, for instance, has some of the lowest levels of alcohol consumption in the world.
If you're travelling with a group, suggest activities that don't involve drinking, such as hiking, snow or water sports, or museum visits. You could also look for sober tours, where you can meet fellow adventurers with similar experiences and values.
Remember, staying active doesn't always mean intense physical activity. It could be as simple as taking a leisurely walk to explore your destination, trying out new cuisines, or engaging in local cultural experiences.
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Connect with other sober people
Staying connected with your support network is crucial when navigating potential triggers and social pressures while travelling. Here are some ways to connect with other sober people while travelling:
- Leverage Technology: Utilize technology to stay connected with your support network. Use apps, social media, and virtual meetings to maintain contact with friends, family, sponsors, or therapists who can provide encouragement and accountability during your travels.
- Local Meetings: Attend local meetings of support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, or the Luckiest Club. These meetings can be a great way to connect with other sober individuals in the area you are visiting. You can find meetings through online searches or by contacting local chapters of these organizations.
- Online Communities: Engage with online forums and communities dedicated to sobriety. These virtual spaces offer support, encouragement, and a sense of community with individuals who share similar experiences and goals.
- Sober Travel Groups: Consider joining a sober travel group or booking a booze-free, recovery-focused trip. Many companies offer alcohol-free tours, yoga retreats, and cruises specifically designed for sober travellers. These trips provide an opportunity to connect with others who have gone through similar life experiences and can create a supportive environment for your journey.
- Connect with Friends and Family: Reach out to your friends and family members who are also sober or supportive of your sobriety. They can be a valuable source of encouragement and accountability during your travels. Share your experiences, challenges, and achievements with them, and seek their support when needed.
Remember, staying connected with others who understand your commitment to sobriety can provide a strong support system and help you navigate any challenges you may encounter while travelling.
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Try non-alcoholic drinks
Staying sober while travelling can be challenging, but it is possible to enjoy a trip without alcohol. One way to do this is to explore the wide range of non-alcoholic drinks available.
The non-alcoholic drinks market is growing, with beverage makers and restaurants offering an increasing number of booze-free beverages. This includes non-alcoholic beers, spirit-free cocktails or mocktails, and alcohol-free bars. Mocktails, in particular, are a great way to enjoy the flavour of a cocktail without the alcohol. You can make your own mocktails at home or find them on the menu at some restaurants and bars. Passionfruit martini mocktails, virgin mojitos, and cranberry spritzes are just a few examples of delicious mocktails that can be enjoyed while travelling.
If you're looking for something simpler, there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to choose from. Soda, energy drinks, juice, and water are widely available, even on flights. Some airlines, like JetBlue, also offer mocktails and non-alcoholic beer. When dining out, it's worth asking for non-alcoholic options beyond the usual tea and coffee. Many restaurants will have non-alcoholic beers, and some may be willing to create imaginative non-alcoholic drinks if you ask.
Choosing non-alcoholic drinks while travelling can offer several benefits. It can be cheaper than drinking alcohol, and you may feel better physically and mentally without the negative effects of alcohol. You may also find that you're more present and able to connect with like-minded individuals who share your values.
So, if you're looking to stay abstinent from alcohol while travelling, give some of these non-alcoholic drinks a try. Whether you're sipping on a mocktail or enjoying a refreshing juice, staying sober doesn't mean missing out on enjoyable drinks.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to assess your readiness for sober travel. Ask yourself if you feel ready to go on a sober vacation and pay attention to your body's response. If you feel fear and dread, it might be too soon. It is also a good idea to research the alcohol culture at your destination and decide in advance if you want to drink or not.
It is helpful to seek out activities that do not involve alcohol, such as outdoor activities, theatre, concerts, or sports. You can also opt for non-alcoholic drinks at bars or choose to spend time in alcohol-free spaces. Additionally, staying connected with other sober people and attending meetings or support groups can provide support during your travels.
Sober travel allows you to discover what a destination has to offer beyond its bar scene. You can wake up early, make the most of your day, and explore new places without the limitations of a hangover. Many people who have given up alcohol report enriched experiences and deeper connections while travelling sober.
Destinations with a strong tradition of non-alcoholic drinks include Muslim countries and certain regions such as Sweden, France, and Japan. These places often offer unique non-alcoholic options, such as julmust in Sweden and diabolo (mint lemonade) in France.
It is important to remember that you do not have to justify your decision to stay abstinent. However, sharing your decision with others can help hold you accountable. Travelling with supportive companions who respect your choices can also make it easier to maintain your abstinence.
