Doing Some Work Up Front Can Help Ensure a Successful Sober Holiday
Traveling sober doesn’t mean missing out, it means reimagining adventure on your terms. It means finding beauty in clear memories, meaningful conversations, and authentic experiences that don’t revolve around alcohol. Whether you’re newly sober or years into recovery, one of the most empowering things you can do before taking off is to research the destination’s sober-friendly options.
Doing a little prep work can make all the difference. You’ll know where to go, what to do, and how to avoid common triggers. You’ll feel more grounded, confident, and free to enjoy your journey. Let’s dive deep into why researching sober-friendly travel options is crucial and how to do it effectively, with plenty of inspiration along the way.
Why Research Matters When You’re Traveling Sober
The world often feels like it runs on alcohol. From champagne toasts at weddings to brewery tours in Europe, booze is marketed as essential to fun. As a sober traveler, this can feel alienating or even triggering. That’s why researching sober-friendly destinations, accommodations, and activities ahead of time isn’t just smart — it’s essential self-care.
- Here are just a few reasons why this research pays off:
- Peace of mind: Knowing you have sober-friendly options helps reduce anxiety.
- Avoiding temptation: You can steer clear of alcohol-soaked environments before they become a problem.
- Staying connected: You can plan to meet sober locals or visit recovery meetings.
- Maximizing enjoyment: You’ll discover activities that align with your values and enhance your journey.
With the right preparation, you’ll feel empowered instead of anxious and that’s a powerful place to travel from.
Step 1: Understand What Sober-Friendly Means to You
Before you start searching for sober-friendly travel ideas, it helps to define what that means for you. Everyone’s sobriety journey is different. Some people are okay being around alcohol as long as they’re not drinking. Others prefer completely dry environments.
Ask yourself:
- Am I comfortable staying in places that serve alcohol?
- Do I want to avoid bars entirely?
- Would I benefit from access to local recovery meetings?
- Is wellness or spirituality a part of my sober lifestyle?
When you’re clear about your needs and boundaries, it’s easier to filter travel choices through that lens. For example, if being near alcohol is a strong trigger, you might want a sober retreat center or wellness resort. If you’re further along in your recovery and just want enriching experiences, a vibrant, active city with outdoor adventures might be perfect.
Your hotel, Airbnb, or guesthouse is your home base while traveling and choosing a sober-friendly one can help you feel safe and supported.
Here are some things to look for:
1. Sober Retreats and Wellness Resorts
These are increasingly popular and ideal for travelers seeking not just a dry environment, but one that supports sobriety. Many offer yoga, meditation, nature excursions, and nourishing food.
Examples:
- The Sanctuary in Thailand: A health and wellness retreat with sober-friendly options.
- Retreat South in Australia: Offers therapeutic and recovery-based stays.
2. Sober Stays on Airbnb
Use filters or search keywords like “sober-friendly,” “wellness,” or “no alcohol” to find accommodations hosted by sober individuals or health-conscious hosts.
3. Hotels Without a Bar Focus
Many boutique hotels or eco-lodges don’t have bars or emphasize alcohol. Choose accommodations that highlight nature, adventure, or wellness instead of nightlife.
When in doubt, reach out to the host or hotel ahead of time. Ask if minibars can be emptied or if alcohol-free activities are available. Most are happy to accommodate.
Step 3: Explore Sober-Friendly Activities
Once you’ve got a place to stay, the next step is planning your activities. The good news? There are tons of ways to experience a new place without a single drop of alcohol.
1. Nature and Adventure
Hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and swimming are inherently sober-friendly. Nature offers peace, awe, and challenge and all without a hangover.
- Costa Rica is famous for sober-friendly eco-tourism.
- Utah’s National Parks provide endless dry adventure in jaw-dropping landscapes.
- Iceland offers geothermal spas, glacier hikes, and stunning road trips.
2. Local Culture and History
Museums, architecture tours, cooking classes, and historical landmarks give you a rich sense of place without centering alcohol.
- In Japan, you can take part in tea ceremonies, visit ancient temples, and learn traditional crafts.
- In Italy, there are endless art tours, ancient ruins, and food markets to explore.
3. Wellness and Spirituality
Yoga classes, sound baths, spa days, or meditation retreats are not only relaxing but they support your sober lifestyle.
- Sedona, Arizona is known for its vortex energy and spiritual retreats.
- Bali offers many sober-friendly yoga and healing centers.
Search platforms like TripAdvisor or Viator using “wellness,” “yoga,” “outdoor,” or “culture” instead of “nightlife” or “bars.” You’ll be amazed by how many options pop up.
Step 4: Find Recovery Support on the Go
If you’re in recovery, staying connected is key. Thanks to technology and global recovery networks, you can stay plugged in no matter where you go.
1. Attend Local Recovery Meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, and other groups have international meetings. Many cities – even small ones – have english-speaking meetings.
- Use the AA Intergroup or SMART Recovery websites to find local options.
- Apps like Meeting Guide let you search by location and see what’s nearby.
2. Virtual Meetings
Can’t find a meeting nearby? Zoom has made virtual support more accessible than ever. You can even bring your home group with you while abroad.
3. Social Media and Forums
Join sober travel Facebook groups or Reddit threads. Ask questions like:
- “Any sober-friendly things to do in Lisbon?”
- “Can anyone recommend a dry hotel in Tulum?”
These communities are warm, welcoming, and full of useful tips.
Step 5: Avoid Alcohol-Centric Traps
Some destinations have a party reputation. And while it’s possible to visit them sober, it may not always be the easiest or most enjoyable choice, especially in early recovery.
Be cautious with:
- Resort towns with open bar culture (Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas).
- Cruises unless they’re sober-themed.
- Pub crawls or vineyard tours because even if they’re cultural, they may feel uncomfortable.
If you still want to visit these places, plan sober-friendly activities in advance and avoid areas where alcohol is the main attraction. You could also choose day tours with sober guides or look for alternative excursions.
Step 6: Build a Personalized Sober-Friendly Travel Plan
A little structure helps, especially when you’re in a new place. Try building a loose itinerary that includes:
- A morning wellness ritual (yoga, walk, journaling)
- Two or three sober-friendly excursions or experiences per day
- Healthy meals at cafés or restaurants that don’t emphasize alcohol
- One or two relaxing evening activities (movies, books, sunset walks)
Having a few things locked in (while leaving space for spontaneity) can help you stay centered and avoid idle time, which can sometimes lead to cravings or unease.
Step 7: Seek Out Sober Communities
One of the most beautiful surprises of sober travel is discovering just how global the sober movement is. You are not alone.
Some amazing sober-friendly communities and platforms include:
- The Sober Travel Tribe: An online community that shares sober travel tips and hosts group trips.
- Tempest or The Luckiest Club: Online sobriety platforms with forums and travel stories.
- Instagram: Search hashtags like #sobertravel, #soberfriendly, #soberadventure to find influencers and inspiration.
You might even find meetups, sober events, or book clubs happening in the city you’re visiting. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
Step 8: Create a Sober Backup Plan
Even with the best research, travel can be unpredictable. It helps to have a “sober toolkit” in case you face a triggering situation.
Include:
- A list of virtual meetings you can join
- Phone numbers of sober friends or sponsors
- A journal or meditation app
- A note reminding you why you’re sober
Having these tools ready doesn’t mean you’ll need them, but knowing they’re there can be grounding in itself.
Bonus: Sober-Friendly Destinations to Inspire You
If you’re just starting your sober travel journey, here are a few especially sober-friendly destinations to consider:
- Kyoto, Japan – A peaceful, culturally rich city known for its temples, tea ceremonies, and serene gardens making it perfect for reflection and inner peace.
- Costa Rica – Eco-adventures, yoga retreats, and natural beauty.
- Madeira, Portugal – A breathtaking island with lush landscapes, coastal walks, and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for mindful travel.
- Ubud, Bali – A wellness hub with juice bars, healing centers, and meditation.
- Reykjavík, Iceland – Outdoor adventures and a surprisingly sober-friendly scene.
These places are known for their welcoming vibe, holistic focus, and natural beauty — perfect for travelers seeking meaning, not martinis.
Planning Today Can Save You Tomorrow
Traveling sober isn’t just possible, it’s deeply rewarding. It allows you to experience the world with open eyes and an open heart, collecting real memories and meaningful connections.
By researching sober-friendly options before you go, you give yourself the gift of intention. You create a safety net of support, purpose, and joy. Whether you’re wandering ancient streets, hiking a volcano, or sipping tea by the sea, you deserve to feel comfortable, confident, and free.
Sobriety isn’t a limitation. It’s a doorway to a more mindful, expansive, and adventurous life.
So start exploring. The world is wide, and there’s a sober-friendly version of it just waiting for you. Let yourself live!