Travel Tips for the Newly Sober
Not drinking on vacation can open up new opportunities to savor a trip.
Traveling makes me think of endless opportunities for indulgences — be it extra pampering at the hotel spa, the decadent dessert you might have passed up at home, or taking a deep dive (hopefully not literally) into local wine or spirits. But what if you’re like me and drinking alcohol is no longer a part of your life? What’s the best way to navigate vacation if you’re looking for a sober good time?
Here are a few tips to get you excited about a booze-free (and thankfully, hangover-free) holiday…
♦ Focus on non-drinking destinations
If you’re new to sobriety, consider a destination where drinking isn’t as prevalent or is even non-existent. I recently spent some time in Morocco where alcohol, while legal to consume, is restricted to licensed hotels and tourist areas. Aside from the “out of sight, out of mind” benefit, restaurants tended to have much more interesting non-alcoholic (NA) options like richly infused teas or creative mocktails. We ended up having a couple of meals at L’mida in the Marrakech medina because we were so enamored with their beverage selection. Save the Cancun spring break trip or the Champagne region of France for when you’re more comfortable not imbibing. With some time under your belt, there’s no place that should feel off-limits.
Not only does L’Mida in Marrakech have fantastic non-alcoholic cocktails, the rooftop offers great art and fantastic views of the medina.
♦ Use the buddy system
I tend to travel in small groups and it’s great to have other non-drinkers around for support (and to not feel like the odd one out). I’ve also found it helps to be up-front with your drinking travel companions about your desire to avoid alcohol so they know what your boundaries are. If you’re the only sober one in your crew or traveling alone, consider seeking out local sober community at a 12-step meeting like Alcoholics Anonymous. Not only will you get some support, you’ll have a new window into local life you wouldn’t have otherwise.
♦ Seek advice
The great thing about working with a travel advisor is we can provide expert insight tailored particularly to you. Hope to take a New Year’s cruise but are worried about champagne at midnight? Celebrating a friend’s birthday in Mexico City and looking for alternatives to tequila shots? Want to avoid a complimentary bottle of wine staring at you when you check-in to your hotel room? I’ve dealt with all of these and more. A travel advisor can also offer options like sober-specific tours, itinerary ideas that get you out in nature (and away from the bars), or steer you to hotels with interesting NA beverage programs.
With a bit of thoughtful planning, a sober vacation should feel like the real indulgence — and one you can have clear memories of to share with friends and family when you get back home.
