7 Tips To Stay Sober On Vacation

Strategies for Practicing Sobriety While Traveling

Many people assume that being sober means giving up things you used to enjoy. But being sober for some of life’s greatest experiences, like traveling, traveling sober can open your eyes and will allow you to see the world in a brand new light. Whether you’re recovering from substance abuse, have simply chosen a sober lifestyle, or are looking to cut back on drugs or alcohol, traveling sober can help you truly find peace in ways you never thought possible. Getting used to traveling sober can be difficult at times, but it is definitely worth it.

How to Stay Sober During Vacation

It is very possible to not use substances and still have the time of your life on vacation.

Here are some ways to stay sober while traveling:

Set your intention before you leave.

Make the commitment to not drink on vacation as early on in the planning process as possible. Visualize how you want the trip to go and how you would like to feel during it to create an experience you’ll truly enjoy.

Be prepared to fly.

Airports and planes are full of potential triggers, from long security lines to the mini bottles of liquor that they serve during the flight. Try to distract yourself from temptation along the way – order a water, put your headphones in, and take out a good book or play a game to keep you occupied through the duration of your journey.

Plan activities in the morning.

If you have something planned early in the morning you’ll be less tempted to indulge in nightlife and will have a reason to turn in early the night before. You could go hiking, take a yoga class, or even go on a tour of the area.

Research the area and make a list.

Making the choice to not drink on vacation leaves you with a lot of free time. Fill this time up by taking in culture and local landmarks.

Mix up structure & spontaneity.

It’s great to have plans and structure when you’re focused on sobriety during vacation, but it’s also helpful to go with the flow. Having a flexible mindset will help protect you if something doesn’t go according to plan.

Prioritize self-care.

Traveling sober gives you a change to redefine your travel goals. Use this opportunity to recharge, refresh, relax, and even spoil yourself a little.

Connect with your support system.

While you should definitely turn on your out-of-office message on your email when you leave for vacation, it could be helpful to stay connected with people you care about back home like friends, family, or a therapist.

Getting away and exploring gives us the opportunity to take in everything the world has to offer. If you are interested in traveling sober, there are many resources available to help make your journey as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Maintaining The Travel Mindset After Vacation

Prioritizing self-care doesn’t only have to happen on vacation. Remember to continue taking care of yourself and taking mini excursions every once in a while even if you aren’t able to hop on a plane. Participating in therapy, practicing beneficial thought patterns, establishing a light exercise routine, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing mindfulness techniques can help you stay on top of your mental health and stick with your sobriety after you come home.