Many people associate vacationing with drinking lots of alcohol, making vacations a minefield for those in recovery from alcohol use disorder.
However, more and more people are finding ways to enjoy vacations without the temptation to drink. We have compiled some of the easiest ways to enjoy a sober vacation and create memories that will last for years to come.
If you are struggling with your sobriety, remember that you’re not alone. Consider reaching out to Ray Recovery to learn more about alcohol use disorder and how we can help you achieve and maintain sobriety.
What Is a Sober Vacation?
Simply put, a sober vacation is a trip with no alcohol or other mind-altering substances. Sober vacations are great for everyone, but especially important for those who struggle with alcohol use disorder.
From road trips with the family to a snorkeling adventure with a partner, there are lots of ways to enjoy a vacation that is free from alcohol. Some common vacation activities that can be enjoyed sober are:
- Cruises
- Hiking and camping
- Snorkeling
- Beach trips
- Sightseeing
- International travel
- And so much more!
Being sober does not mean you cannot enjoy a wonderful vacation. With few exceptions, such as wine tasting, most common vacation activities can be adapted to be sober.
If you’re ready to start enjoying a sober life, reach out to Ray Recovery. We offer everything from intensive partial hospitalization programs to aftercare services to help maintain sobriety. Wherever you are on your journey to recovery, we can help you take the next steps.
How To Plan Sober Vacations: Top 5 Tips
Planning ahead is the best way to enjoy sober vacations. By doing your homework ahead of time, you can ensure that your vacation has everything you want while also supporting your sobriety. Here are just a few tips for having the best sober vacation possible.
#1: Be Choosy and Choose Wisely
Location, location, location! The best sober vacations require planning. Take the time to set intentions and plan a locale that supports your sobriety.
Do you want to relax, unwind, and get a break from the hustle and bustle? Consider a wellness retreat or a spa vacation in nature.
More interested in history and sightseeing? Consider a city or town with lots of art museums, historical sites, and tours.
From foodie trips to beach trips, your vacation location is not limited by your sobriety. However, it is important to plan ahead and be honest with yourself.
Avoid locations known as “partying” spots, such as Las Vegas and spring break locales. It is impossible to avoid all relapse triggers, but mindfully choosing a non-alcohol-centric location for your sober vacation is good practice to support your sobriety.
#2: Plan Non-Alcoholic Activities
To get the most out of your sober vacation, set up some activities that don’t revolve around drinking and stay away from places that do (such as bars, nightclubs, breweries, wineries, etc.).
Here are just a few non-alcohol-centered activities that are perfect for a sober vacation:
- Hiking (especially in a National or State park)
- Bird and wildlife watching
- Surfing
- Swimming
- White-water rafting
- Canoeing/kayaking
- Rock climbing
Not very sporty? That’s okay! Here are some less physically involved activities that are great for a sober person who is a little more “indoorsy:”
- Historical sites and sightseeing
- Museum trips
- Zoo trips
- Foodie tours
- Ghost tours
- Concerts and plays
- Cultural events and showcases
- Shopping for trinkets and souvenirs
#3: Ask a Non-Drinking Companion To Travel With You
One of the best ways to plan a sober vacation is to bring a sober companion along. It can be a friend, a supportive family member, or a sober partner. Choose someone who will help you stick to your sobriety goals and keep you accountable.
Loneliness can be a big trigger for relapse, so having a sober companion on your vacation is a big step towards supporting your sobriety.
#4: Take Care of Yourself and Keep Consistent Routines
An underrated tip for sober vacations: maintain your routines.
Many people find that their routines help them stay sober by adding much-needed structure to their lives.
This can include:
- Going to bed at the same time to get enough rest
- Working out in the morning
- Practicing yoga
- Journaling
- Praying
- And More
Whatever you do to help stay sober, don’t stop doing it on vacation! Lots of vacation locations can even assist in these goals, such as yoga wellness retreats and hotels with gyms.
#5: Be Prepared for Social Situations
Knowledge is power, and knowing how you are going to handle social situations as a sober person goes a long way toward supporting your goals.
It is almost impossible to avoid all locations with alcohol, such as restaurants. For those situations, practice what you are going to say and how you are going to refuse alcohol.
Here are a few more quick tips for planning the perfect sober vacation:
- Call ahead to the hotel and ask that alcohol be removed from the mini-fridge.
- Pack non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
- Be flexible and willing to avoid situations that don’t support your sobriety.
- Check out restaurant menus ahead of time and opt for places with lots of non-alcoholic drink options.
Benefits of Taking a Sober Vacation
For those on their recovery journey and those who are not, there are lots of benefits to enjoying a sober vacation. These include:
- Building strong, meaningful connections with fellow sober travelers
- Saving money on alcoholic drinks and entry fees to clubs
- Making clear memories you can enjoy for a lifetime
- Genuine rest without hangovers and exhaustion, leaving you restored for your return
- A healthier, safer, and more relaxing vacation
Best Places for Sober Vacations: Domestic and International
Ready to take your sober vacation? Here are some of the best sober vacation ideas for adventurous sober people.
Domestic Locations
There are lots of sober-friendly locations within the USA, including:
- Rocky Mountain National Park, CO: Gorgeous scenery and wildlife
- Portland, OR: Foodie’s dream, lots of non-alcoholic options
- Sedona, AZ: Spiritual, wellness-focused, and uniquely beautiful
- Acacia Park, ME: Nationally famous park with views
- The Florida Keys: Tropical vacation with lots of outdoor activities
- New York, NY: From Broadway shows to museums, the Big Apple boasts many sober options
International Locations
- Sweden: Sweden is a gorgeous, Scandinavian country with many sightseeing options and natural splendor. While there is a drinking culture, it is tightly regulated and therefore easy to avoid.
- Japan: Gorgeous gardens, temples, and famous shrines, with rich cultural experiences abound. From the quiet gardens of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Tokyo, you can’t go wrong with Japan.
- Iceland: See volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls, or enjoy cultural music and art. Iceland is a beautiful country with something to offer everyone.
- Morocco: With a rich history spanning centuries and some of the most beautiful architecture in the world, Morocco is an excellent travel destination for anyone. It is one of the best sober vacation spots because Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country that does not consume much alcohol.
- Mexico: Mexico has a drinking culture, but it also has some of the best beaches in the world. Any outdoor activity, from surfing to kayaking to hiking, can be enjoyed in Mexico. This country is also famous for its delicious food, artwork, and music, so there is no shortage of things to do while sober.
Sober Living and Support With Ray Recovery’s Aftercare Treatment Plans
Are you struggling to plan a sober vacation? Having a hard time starting or maintaining your sobriety in the Akron, Ohio area?
Let Ray Recovery help.
We are Ohio’s premium alcohol abuse disorder treatment center. From beginning your sobriety journey to maintaining it, our programs are designed to help you achieve success. We tailor our comprehensive treatment plans to your exact needs and treat you with the compassion and empathy you deserve. Our treatment includes:
- Individualized treatment plans based on your unique situation
- Aftercare and 12-step programs for continuing the recovery journey and treating relapse
- Flexible scheduling to allow for continued working or education while receiving treatment
- Evidence-based therapeutic resources for recovery, including group and one-on-one therapy
Check out our website to learn more about how Ray Recovery can help you enjoy joyful, sober vacations with your loved ones for years to come.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition
