Holidays can be difficult for people in recovery from alcoholism who associate fun in the sun with a relaxing drink.
But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on travel, as there are plenty of alcohol-free resorts and sober retreats which will help you unwind and stay off the booze.
Sober travel is now a popular way to vacation while working on personal growth, improving wellbeing and enjoying the same luxuries as others, but planning is key.
Find out what the best holidays for recovering alcoholics are, what to consider, and how to enjoy your holiday in sobriety.
Recovery-friendly holidays are getaways which are well planned to help you let your hair down while remaining in recovery.
Sober holidays are perfect for people who need a bit of extra support. If you’ve just entered recovery, or you find holidays trigger addiction cravings, you will benefit from sober travel as it will give you the help and security you need.
However, anyone who is sober or sober curious will benefit from a specially dedicated atmosphere that’s made just for you.
Before you travel, identify any addiction triggers you might encounter. Think about who you’re going to travel with, what will be served or offered to you at your accommodation or in restaurants. Think about scenarios where you may need to turn down alcohol, and practice saying no.
Research if there are any nearby recovery meetings for addiction, and set up a support contact who can help you if you have any addiction triggers or cravings. Set your intentions for the trip, and know your limits.
Staying sober on holiday can be tough, but these top tips for recovering alcoholics will help you get the best out of your break:
The best holidays for recovering alcoholics are built with strong focus on wellbeing, offer social support, and will keep you away from temptation to drink. Specialised sober holidays, wellness retreats and volunteering with hosts are all excellent ways to vacation on holiday.
Sober group holidays are specialised holidays designed for people who don’t drink where your itinerary is fully booked.
You’ll travel in a group of others in recovery and feel supported by a great support network of people who ‘get it’. This lets you leave the planning to someone else and ensures you’ll feel no social pressure to drink.
Indulging in therapeutic activities like yoga and meditation retreats is a great way to make sure you’re in a positive head-space and feeling strong in your sobriety, and they’re often alcohol-free by design. Check out spa and wellness holidays to reinforce your recovery values and get the self-care you deserve.
Nature is a healer, so spending time in the great outdoors is bound to give you a natural high. Search for hiking trips, camping holidays and wilderness retreats.
The seaside is also known for its restorative atmosphere, so book a surfing or beach holiday away from nightlife spots for that natural dopamine boost that will reduce cravings.
Keeping your mind active and feeling at one with others are both great ways to stay sober. And what better way than to learn about other cultures and their history. From museums and art galleries to non-alcoholic culinary experiences, there’s a whole world to explore.
Volunteering can be a cheap way to travel while working on rewarding projects that will keep your mind off alcohol. WWOOF, HelpX and Workaway are worldwide organisations where you can sign up to stay for free with a host while helping them on farms, businesses or community projects.
The best sober travel destinations have beautiful scenery, plenty to do, and a strong emphasis on health and wellbeing. Consider a country where alcohol consumption is low, and stay away from cities with a big drinking culture:
Below, we provide answers to common questions around the topic of best holidays for recoverying alcoholics:
Yes! Plenty of wellness and recovery treats offer totally alcohol-free holidays to cater to sober or religious guests, particularly in countries that prohibit alcohol. Search for ‘dry resorts’, but always check the policy before booking.
Yes, you can stay in an all-inclusive as a recovering alcoholic, but you should consider your addiction triggers, particularly in early recovery. If you feel staying in a resort with all-inclusive alcohol access could risk your sobriety, consider going for a dry resort.
Social pressure in recovery from alcoholism can be risky, so be prepared. Imagine how people might try to encourage you to drink, and how you can refuse. Try to travel with people who understand and support your recovery, and choose alcohol-free venues and accommodation.
Solo travel can offer the soul-searching you need to feel at peace in yourself and your recovery. However, it’s worth having a support contact you can be accountable to, attending recovery meetings and planning sober social activities to prevent feeling isolated.
If you relapse on holiday, seek support straight away by contacting a trusted person, recovery sponsor, or recovery service like Alcoholics Anonymous. Focus on your safety, and don’t blame yourself. Acceptance and self-care are key to getting back on track.
Holidays in recovery can be difficult, but you don’t have to miss out. Being in recovery is a reason to treat yourself, and what better way than with a holiday. Sober holidays that prioritise wellbeing, structure and supportive environments can support healing.
Open the door to meaningful travel experiences with dry holidays that help you stay within your limitations and follow your recovery plan.
For more help and advice about alcohol addiction and recovery, contact Rehab 4 Addiction. We can offer non-judgemental advice and referrals to top inpatient rehabs across the UK.
Call 0800 140 4690 (or +44 345 222 3508 from outside the UK).
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
