It is also important to remember that your support network is just a phone call or text away. If you’re in recovery, vacations can be a big threat to your sobriety. Even your best efforts to avoid relapsing may be thwarted if you’re in a place where alcohol and other drugs flow freely. Additionally, if you’ve always been intoxicated during previous holidays, you may feel it’s impossible to relax or have fun without being drunk or high. Some vacationers like to get off the grid, shut off their phones, and live a tech-free life for a few days. You can indulge yourself in this way, but try not to do it the whole time.
Sober Vacation Ideas
Other options may include destinations surrounded by beautiful nature to practice mindfulness, yoga, or to reconnect with your inner self at a wellness retreat. Any place that is accessible to wellness-oriented activities and sights is a great option. Your choice of travel companions can be as important as your destination and activities. Additionally, call ahead to the hotel and ask that they remove the alcohol from the minibar. Know when and how to leave a situation that challenges your sobriety and have your own key to the place you’re staying.
Your New Life Starts Here
- If you want to be even more careful, there are organizations that can make that easier.
- Also, if you know certain places might trigger you, avoid them.
- If you’re a 12-step person, research your destination to find local meetings and how to get to them, or save the links to some online meetings.
- The rush of getting to the airport, long check-in lines, delays and long layovers can strain the nerves of even the most patient people and trigger a relapse.
Bringing things that remind you of the importance of your sobriety journey is a good way of staying sober while having fun. Having a journal, sober counter and other mementos of your journey can keep you grounded. For example, you can call different hotels before booking to see if they have accommodations for people who don’t drink alcohol, such as alcohol-free drinks in the minibar. You can also ask the reception desk to suggest activities and spots you can tour without coming into contact with alcohol and other drugs.
What If I Can’t Avoid Triggers?
For instance, if you go to the beach, try to participate in sober activities like dolphin watching, swimming, grilling or making dinner, building sandcastles, or even heading out on a boat. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it’s away from potential triggers and giving you new and interesting things to participate in. To start with, consider the locations where you vacationing in recovery want to go on vacation. If you have a history of alcoholism, it’s probably not the best idea to go on a wine-tasting tour. Likewise, if you have a history of drug abuse and using something like marijuana, going to a state where the drug is legal could trigger you into wanting to start smoking again. Soul Bliss Journeys hosts wellness retreats for women in Bali.
- Your connection to Herren Wellness doesn’t end when your stay ends; we are there for you throughout your recovery journey.
- Look for destinations and activities that won’t put your recovery in jeopardy.
- With support just a few clicks away, there is no reason you can’t get to a meeting while on vacation and check in with your peers.
It’s common for hotels and restaurants in most destinations to serve alcohol at every meal. Vacationers may also feel free from scrutiny during vacations and try drugs such as cocaine, benzos, morphine, fentanyl and heroin. Instead https://ecosoberhouse.com/ of planning trips around nightlife and parties, explore interests you never knew you had. Wellness retreats, natural wonders, and meditation workshops enhance your travel plans and support your journey of personal growth.
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- They may have a group you can drop in on or some helpful tips for how to enjoy their hometown sober.
- Fortunately, the Philadelphia area is conveniently located between a number of major metropolitan areas, shore towns, and outdoor destinations that make it easy to stay busy on vacation.
- If you are thinking of taking a sober vacation, some advance preparation and research can make the most of your time away.
Focus on this joy when cravings hit or the temptation to use increases. However, being in recovery doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy well-earned vacations at your desired destination. Following these tips can help you get the most out of your time off without jeopardizing your addiction-recovery progress. Don’t skip out on an opportunity to connect with other people going through recovery. They might even be able to offer some suggestions as to local must-see attractions, or you could make a new friend to accompany you on a day’s excursion.
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Recognizing the potential challenges that can arise on your travels will help you prepare for how to respond to them. Safe and enjoyable vacations are possible, and there are ways to make that happen. Pick a place to refresh and reenergize that also supports your recovery.
The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying a Sober Vacation: Tips for Staying Sober While Traveling
Discreet, flexible, and 100% online—Workit 90 is a recovery program that fits your life, giving you the tools you need to cut back or quit drinking. Before your trip—ideally, before the deposits are paid—talk to the people who will be on vacation with you, especially if they’re not all in a similar place in recovery. If you take people with you, consider taking people who are also recovering or living a sober life. It’s important that others know that you’re going on vacation and even know what you’ll be doing each day.