When you’re envisioning your next trip, you may not immediately notice how prominent a role alcohol consumption plays in a “typical” vacation itinerary, from the in-flight mini bottles of liquor to frosty margaritas served on the beach. Even if you’re just going out to explore the unique nightlife scene in your destination, bars, clubs and pubs usually feature prominently into the equation.
For many people, it's a foregone conclusion that alcohol will play some part in their vacation experience, but a growing number of today’s travelers are questioning that preconception and moving away from that mindset. And, we’re not just talking about 12-steppers, or people who abstain from alcohol because of medical conditions or for religious reasons; although, it goes without saying that those groups have their own particular sets of challenges to navigate.
With all-inclusive stays being more popular than ever, and unlimited alcoholic beverages typically being a part of the package, no doubt many vacationers will continue to look forward to their cocktails, craft brews and vintages. But, if you’re wondering whether it might be better for you personally to forego consuming alcohol on your next trip, read on.
Traveler turning down a glass of wine. (Source: iStock/Getty Images Plus/BrianAJackson)
What Is Sober Travel’s Appeal?
You’ve perhaps seen the term “sober-curious” emerging in the media zeitgeist as a way of describing those who don’t necessarily abstain from consuming alcohol all of the time, but who suspect that being inebriated or hung over hinders their ability to make the most of valued vacation time.
Even if they don’t always abstain from alcohol, today’s conscious consumers will find it’s worth examining that long-held assumption and asking themselves what it is that they’re truly aiming to get out of their travel experiences, and whether being in a booze-infused state will actually add to or detract from those goals.
By foregoing the booze, you can keep your mind lucid and your senses clear, adopting a mindful approach the enables you to more fully absorb all the incredible details of your chosen destination, as well as really retain the special memories you’ve set out to make along your journey.
Staying sober leaves you in better physical condition to take on your travel adventures and activities. (Source: Paul Heney)
What Sparked This Trend?
The New York Times observed that, in the pandemic’s wake, the sober vacationing subset has gone mainstream, probably as a byproduct of the wellness movement that gained momentum after the world suddenly found itself in lockdown. Without their usual outlets to turn to, people were forced to focus on those little, everyday lifestyle changes that could help them to stay sane and healthy—all of which led to “self-care” quickly becoming the buzzword of the moment.
Even the COVID virus itself could conceivably be credited with prompting people to focus more on safeguarding their own physical and mental health, as opposed to than drowning their worries in a bottle after a long workweek. That shift has led to with the unanticipated teetotaling travel trend we’re seeing today. Now, amid the robust post-pandemic travel rebound, the share of travelers seeking more mindful or wellness-centric vacation experiences has increased exponentially.
Consumer Priorities Are Shifting
Darci Murray, founder of the alcohol-free vacation company Hooked, told Frommer’s that travelers increasingly, “look at it as a sober challenge and a fun, healthy, active way of being.” She said, “There’s a whole sober movement taking place, including people who’ve quit for recovery, or health, or just those who want to practice clean living and mindful travel,” Murray added. “I definitely see alcohol-free travel increasing over the next 5 years.”
Echoing the observation, Lauren Burnison, founder of U.K.-based niche travel company We Love Lucid, recently told the outlet. “More and more people every day are choosing this lifestyle or reflecting on their relationship with alcohol,” She added, “Alcohol-free travel opens a whole other reality for you—getting plenty of sleep, waking up with a clear head, not losing stuff, and feeling good in your body.”
And, in the same way that hospitality companies and eateries are incorporating more vegan and gluten-free menu items to meet significant demand for such products, more and more are coming up with creative mocktails with just as much visual and flavorful appeal as their liquorish cousins.“Sober travel is a growing area. I’ve recently seen a boom in the inclusive offering at hotels, on airplanes, and in entertainment,” Hilary Sheinbaum, author of The Dry Challenge, told Frommer’s.
Crowd raising their hands at concert (Photo via bernardbodo / iStock / Getty Images Plus) (Source: bernardbodo / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Taking a Sober Approach To Travel
Given that many people have historically been used to drinking during their vacations, committing to a completely sober trip may seem daunting. Especially initially, there’s no denying that it can be challenging to imagine how you’ll move through social situations, and stick to your convictions while navigating an atmosphere in which others may be drinking.
If it’s a challenge you simply aren’t prepared to tackle alone, you might consider taking a small-group tour with other like-minded travelers who are all out to explore the world sans alcohol. Tours booked with these operators offer the benefit of a supportive community while you’re away from home, so you don’t feel like you’re going it alone. They also provide a structured itinerary that’s full of exciting and enriching activities in your destination that have nothing to do with drinking.
Actually, a number of niche tour companies devoted to zero-proof travel have been around for some time, although they’ve been operating relatively under the radar. Still others have formed more recently, including We Love Lucid, established in 2019, and Hooked, launched in 2021. There are also outfits that cater principally to the Recovery Community, including Choose Life Sober Adventures and Sober Vacations International, which has been leading tours designed for in-recovery travelers since 1987.
On a Personal Note
This author has personally been alcohol-free for roughly a decade and, although I still sometimes have to fight off feelings of FOMO when everyone around me seems to be enjoying their boozy haze, I’ve internalized the truth that such pangs are far more fleeting and easier to recover from than a hellish hangover. I also happen to be a chronic pain sufferer, and my body’s inflammatory response to alcohol produces more painful consequences than the average Joe, which, admittedly, gives me extra incentive to steer clear of the stuff.
While I may have initially felt forced into abandoning the bottle, I can truthfully say that I’ve discovered eliminating alcohol from your travels can lead to richer and more enjoyable experiences than you might otherwise have, particularly if you approach the endeavor as a conscious choice to take better care of yourself. You might think of it as gifting yourself a more lucid experience, clearer memories, and being in the best shape physically and mentally to take on your travel adventures and activities.
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