Summer is approaching and it’s time to start brainstorming about some summer vacation plans! This time, you’ll be planning with a new twist. This is because, now that you are in recovery, you’ll be vacationing sober this year. You may worry that a sober vacation will be dull and boring, but with some savvy planning, your trip will be anything but.
What is a sober vacation?
At first glance, it might appear that the term “sober vacation” is a contradictory statement. Isn’t being on vacation all about letting loose and partying? It doesn’t have to be. In fact, a sober vacation may surpass your expectations if you are just willing to do some planning.
A sober vacation is exactly that — it entails traveling to a destination, near or far, where you will enjoy yourself without consuming substances
Keep in mind that there are different ways to go about planning your sober vacation:
- You can handle it yourself. You book a flight, reserve a hotel room and plan activities.
- You can use a sober travel agency to help guide your decisions and avoid pitfalls.
- You can book a guided tour through a sober travel company.
- You can book a cruise on a sober cruise line.
How to make the most of your sober vacation
When someone is committed to sobriety, envisioning a vacation without substances is not hard. It all starts with your personal level of commitment and a positive mindset.
To get the most out of your sober vacation, consider these tips:
- Focus on learning: Select a destination that is new to you or steeped in a rich history. Approach the trip with a passion to learn all about the cultures, cuisines and local customs, and make a list of intriguing sites to explore.
- Plan an active trip: Plan your trip around activities like cycling, scuba diving, white water rafting or hiking. Consider the interesting sober outdoor adventure trips offered by Sober Outside.
- Reimagine nightlife: It is common to equate vacation nightlife with consuming alcohol at bars or music venues. Now that you are in recovery, you should reimagine what an interesting nightlife looks like. Consider a moonlight boat cruise, an outdoor live theater event, a fireworks show over the lake, or a campfire on the beach.
How to avoid pitfalls on your sober vacation
While in the midst of reshaping your lifestyle around sobriety, it’s always wise to remind yourself that new habits take time to form. If you are new in recovery and want to protect your sobriety, approach your sober vacation strategically. Add some extra layers of protection by keeping these tips in mind:
- Choose your travel mates carefully: It is best to travel with someone who is also in recovery and is just as committed as you are. Not only are you able to hold each other accountable, but you will also be on the same page when deciding on activities and outings.
- Have the alcohol removed from your room: Call the hotel ahead of time and request that the mini-bar in your room be emptied prior to your arrival.
- Learn where you can access sobriety support: Check in advance to locate the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the area, listen to sober podcasts during your downtime to stay motivated and focused. Touch base with your sober network back home.
Taking a sober vacation can be an amazing, uplifting experience in recovery. Travel is definitely invigorating and inspiring and good for the soul. So, keep these handy tips in mind and go make the most of your sober vacation.