 No Booze, No Problem: 7 Tips for Crafting a Satisfying Vacation in Sobriety *This article is a guest post by blogger Leslie Campos, of Well Parents. For those in addiction recovery, vacations can carry a subtle sense of dread. The cocktail by the beach, the wine-drenched dinners, the blurred evenings in unfamiliar cities—all of these once symbolized freedom. But for someone who’s chosen sobriety, they now pose a quiet threat to that hard-won clarity. Planning a fulfilling vacation without compromising recovery isn't just possible—it can be more meaningful than the ones lost in foggy memories. Read more to see 7 tips for remaining sober while on vacation.Choose Places That Meet You Where You Are. The idea of escape shifts when you’re not trying to outrun your past with every flight or freeway. It's not about finding the party anymore, but finding peace. Consider destinations that offer a built-in sense of wellness—coastal towns with long hiking trails, small cities with robust arts scenes, or villages known more for their natural beauty than nightlife. A place with a slower rhythm gives space to reconnect with purpose, not temptation. Design a Schedule With Structure, Not Stress. One risk of travel in recovery is too much free time, which can creep toward old habits. But overscheduling can feel like punishment in disguise. Aim for a few grounded anchor points throughout the day—morning walks, lunch at a local spot, maybe a gallery visit—then leave room to wander without pressure. Building in some gentle structure creates both freedom and safety, without the artificial high of overindulgence. Preserve the Tools That Keep You Grounded. When traveling, having access to your recovery resources can offer an extra layer of support, especially when routines are disrupted. Scanning and digitizing printed materials—like worksheets, group literature, and daily affirmations—ensures they’re always within reach, no matter where you go. Saving these files as PDFs keeps them organized and easy to share or print in a pinch. Using an online tool with OCR technology transforms scanned PDFs into editable and searchable documents with ease, making your recovery toolkit both portable and powerful.  Vacationing in Sobriety: Choose Travel Companions Who Support You Travel With People Who Understand Your Path. Who you travel with matters just as much as where you go. Surrounding yourself with people who support your sobriety ensures you're not fielding awkward questions or silent judgment when you turn down a drink. Pick travel companions who are curious, grounded, and not chasing a party. The best trips happen when there’s mutual respect—and when nobody needs alcohol to fill the silences. Have a Plan for Triggers Without Letting Them Dictate the Trip. Triggers will show up uninvited—maybe it’s the hotel bar, or the couple next to you clinking champagne glasses. The point isn’t to avoid every potential cue, but to know how to respond when they appear. That might mean texting a sponsor, journaling for ten minutes, or stepping outside for a breath of cool air. Preparation becomes a form of strength, not restriction.  Vacationing in Sobriety: Acknowledge Your Accomplishments Celebrate Small Wins Along the Way. Each sober day in a new place is a win worth recognizing. It’s not performative—there’s no need to post about it or log it in an app if that’s not your thing. But giving yourself a nod of appreciation, maybe over a cup of tea or during a morning meditation, helps the mind mark progress. When you take stock of your strength in real time, the vacation becomes more than a break; it becomes a milestone. Let the Journey Reflect the Life You’re Building. A vacation in recovery isn't just a temporary pause from the real world; it's a reflection of the new one you're creating. It doesn’t have to be solemn or stripped of joy—it just has to make room for who you’re becoming. Choose joy that doesn’t borrow from tomorrow, memories that don’t come with regret, and moments that build forward rather than backward. In doing so, you’ll discover a different kind of high—one built on presence, purpose, and peace.  Click the photo to sign up for our monthly newsletter! There’s a freedom that emerges when a vacation is no longer about escape, but return—returning to yourself, to the life you’ve fought for, and to experiences that make sobriety feel expansive rather than limited. You don’t need a glass in hand to raise a toast to that. You may also like:
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