7 Tips for Traveling When You're Sober

Now that your cash and spare time aren’t tied up in your addiction, you may have an opportunity to take that vacation that you have always dreamed of. However, vacations often involve a surplus of booze - but this one doesn’t have to be. Here are 7 tips you can do for your next vacation that will help you stay sober.

1. Stay in touch with your support group

Just because you’ve taken a vacation from work and are in a new place doesn’t mean you should leave behind the communication with your support group back home. For many people in recovery, having a support group in place is vital to maintaining sobriety. This concept stands while you are on vacation as well.

Staying in touch with your support group while on vacation can help ground your thoughts when you begin to feel overwhelmed by activities or separated from the life that you are accustomed to. If you begin struggling or feel the urge to drink, your support group can help you reel your thoughts back in and remind you of the importance of your sobriety.

2. Take a buddy with you

Taking a sober friend with you on vacation is always a good idea. This allows you to share the experience with another person, foster a healthy relationship, and be held accountable while on your trip. In addition, traveling with another person will help prevent isolation and allow you to create memories with a friend that will last forever.

3. Plan your itinerary

Before you leave, be sure to do some research on the area and find things you want to do and places you want to see. You can plan out what you want to do each day of your trip, and add a few extra activities as options to do if time permits. Staying busy and having a plan for your trip will help keep your mind entertained—preventing any thoughts or relapse or any time for drinking.

Remember that this is an opportunity for you to visit places you have always wanted to see with a clear mind. Allowing yourself to have a great time without alcohol can be very rewarding, so don’t shy away from making every memory possible!

4. Do some self-care

Vacations can get busy, leaving you tired and complacent. However, setting aside some time to practice self-care can help refresh your mind and body. Try shifting your goal from partying to pampering, allotting time for yourself to visit a local spa and get that much-needed massage.

Another way to practice self-care is to set aside money to buy yourself a keepsake. Whether it is an antique, a locally crafted piece of jewelry, or a touristy t-shirt, it is a memory that you can take with you. After all, practicing self-care is key to preventing relapse.

5. Make local sober contacts

If you regularly attend twelve-step meetings, don’t stop just because you are on vacation. Twelve-step meetings can be found across the world. Not only will it be exciting to experience this kind of recovery in a new place, but it gives you the opportunity to make local sober contacts. These people may even know fun things to do or invite you out with them! There’s nothing wrong with extending your support group to places far and wide.

6. Have the hotel clear out the minibar

Even if there is no plan of drinking, there is always a chance that impulsivity can take place. To lower the chance of drinking impulsively, you can take care of the minibar before you even get to the hotel.

Simply give the hotel a call before you arrive and ask them to clear out the bar—they will do it free of charge. You don’t even have to explain yourself! It's something that hotels do all the time. It’s always better to be safe than sorry - and removing the temptation before it arises is always a good idea.

7. Keep your routine

So, it’s impossible to keep your entire routine, after all, vacations are all about doing something new. However, in sobriety, having a routine is important. If you have a daily morning or evening routine, it’s a good idea to stick to it as best as possible, even on vacation.

If you usually begin your morning with prayer, meditation, yoga, or sitting quietly drinking a cup of coffee, be sure to start off your days on vacation in the same way. Doing these things will still allow you to enjoy your vacation, but it will help ground your mind and help you remember your identity as a sober person.