If you’re anything like me, your first thought after deciding to stop drinking wasn’t, “Wow, I can’t wait to see the world with fresh eyes.” Nope. Mine was more like, “Wait… how do I get through a vacation without cocktails by the pool, wine on the plane, or late-night drinks at the hotel bar?”

Travel and alcohol are so deeply linked in our culture that it can feel impossible to imagine one without the other. Airport bars. All-inclusive resorts. Rosé in Paris. Beer in Germany. Margaritas in Mexico. Drinking has been marketed as part of the experience.

But here’s the truth: traveling sober isn’t just doable—it’s better.

The Weird (but Normal) Parts of Traveling Sober

Let’s get real for a second: your first trip sober might feel awkward. When everyone else orders a drink on the plane (or in the airport bar at 6am), you’ll probably hesitate before asking for sparkling water. When the server at the beach club asks if you want a cocktail menu, you might feel like you’ve got a flashing neon sign over your head that says “NOT DRINKING.”

That’s normal. Discomfort doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong—it means you’re doing something new. And new things always feel weird before they feel empowering.

The Best Parts No One Tells You About

• You’ll actually remember the trip. The inside jokes, the cobblestone streets, the way the ocean smelled at sunrise—you get to keep it all.
  
• No wasted mornings. Instead of crawling out of bed at 11 AM with a headache, you’re first in line at the café, croissant in hand, ready to explore.
  
• True relaxation. Spoiler: alcohol isn’t actually relaxing—it’s numbing. You’ll find real rest in naps, spa days, reading on the beach, or just watching the world go by.
  
• Confidence boost. Every time you order a mocktail, say “no thanks,” or enjoy yourself without a drink, you’re proving to yourself that you can do hard things.
  

Tips for Your First Sober Trip

• Plan ahead. Scope out non-alcoholic options at restaurants or pack your favorite NA drinks.
  
• Shift the focus. Instead of centering the trip around nightlife, build it around experiences: food tours, hiking, museums, sunrise yoga, street markets.
  
• Stay connected. If cravings hit, text a sober friend, check in with your support group, or journal. Sometimes you just need to get it out of your head.
  
• Celebrate the wins. At the end of each day, notice how good it feels to be present and clear. That’s your reward.

Why It’s Worth It

Here’s the part nobody told me: traveling sober isn’t just about not drinking. It’s about discovering what travel actually feels like when you’re awake for all of it, when you remember every detail, when you don’t waste half your vacation hungover.

Your first sober trip will be a mix of awkward moments and magical ones—but the magic always wins. And every trip after that? Easier, more fun, and more YOU.

Because the truth is, you don’t need a drink to have an adventure. You already are the adventure.

If You Slip, Don’t Stay Down

Let’s be real: your first sober trip might not go perfectly. Maybe you decide to “just have one” and end up feeling disappointed. Here’s the thing—beating yourself up will only ruin the rest of your trip. Shame keeps you stuck. Instead, take it as a teaching moment. What triggered you? What can you do differently next time? Then shake it off, order that sparkling water, and keep moving. Progress isn’t about being perfect—it’s about not giving up.