Sober Travel

I am not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I am sober. I have been for six, going on seven, years. I also have no intention of drinking again. I don’t mind my friends drinking and me being DD. I will have alcohol at my wedding and cheers to my someday-future-husband with a glass of kombucha or something! I still hang out at bars, even though it’s not often, and I maintain a social life, while being sober.

Being sober gives you a different perspective on things. But don’t think for one second that you can’t travel, be sober, and have fun at the same time! Sober travel allows you to explore, meet new people, and get up the next day with a clear, fresh mind. No hangovers, no “I can’t remember” or “who are you?” kind of moments. Just “feeling good, ready to go” kind of moments.

I started this post thinking I would share things to do instead of drinking. But in reality, the things I would suggest would be the same exact things you do before/during/after drinking. You don’t have to change your travel or your life if you choose to be sober. As I mentioned, you can have just as much fun, if not more, than a drinker.

Here is a list of some things I do on my sober [solo] adventures:

1. Explore the local landmarks.
2. Listen to live music.
3. Meet new people or hang out with old friends.
4. Go for a run.
5. Sing/go to karaoke.
6. Go for a hike.
7. Go swimming- at the beach or local pool.
8. See a show, performance or movie.
9. Eat delicious, yummy food.
10. Read a book or journal in a beautiful park.

Don’t these sound like things ANYONE would do? Of course! That’s because they are! Whether you are sober or a drinker, you have an endless list of things to do, all depending on what your interests are. Just because you don’t drink doesn’t mean you can’t go to a bar, hang out and listen to live music. While I was in Boston, I did this very same thing. I also played corn hole with new friends, who just so happened to be drinkers. Didn’t bother me at all- I had the time of my life.

There are a few differences, though, between sober versus drinking travel. More like “after the fact” things.

1. You’ll wake up refreshed, not hungover.
2. You’ll wake up with a clear head, having full remembrance of the previous night.
3. You won’t waste the next day recovering- you’d be ready to go!
4. You have better chances of getting yourself home safely.
5. You will be hungry for more delicious food; no nausea at the thought of food.
6. You won’t reek of alcohol.
7. No vomiting or DADS (Day After Drinking Shits).
8. You can start your day with a good workout.
9. You will wake up in a place you choose to go to sleep.
10. You will feel absolutely AMAZING, ready to enjoy your trip and have more fun!

This information goes to show that you can still travel sober, have plenty of fun, and feel really, really good the next day, ready to continue your adventure! If you need some guidance in trying a sober, solo adventure, please let me know! I have a good six years under my belt, and plan to keep this ‘tradition’ going! Cheers to sobriety and travel!