Traveling can be an enriching experience, allowing you to explore new places, try new things, and learn about different cultures. However, for those in recovery from alcohol addiction, the prospect of traveling can also be daunting.
You may be worried about being surrounded by alcohol or tempted to drink. Fortunately, many sober travel companies now cater specifically to individuals in recovery, offering safe and fun adventures without the pressure to drink.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best sober travel companies and give tips on planning your next sober adventure.
What Are Sober Travel Companies?
Travel sober companies are specialized travel companies that cater to individuals in recovery from addiction, particularly alcoholism. These companies offer travel experiences that are alcohol and drug-free, creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals in recovery.
Sober travel companies aim to provide an opportunity for individuals in recovery to explore new places, have fun, and connect with others while maintaining sobriety. These trips can be an excellent way for individuals in recovery to expand their horizons, gain new perspectives, and build a supportive network of like-minded people.
Services Offered by Sober Travel Companies
In addition to regular travel company services, sober travel offers a range of services to cater to the needs of those in recovery who want to explore the world without compromising their sobriety.
- Sober group activities: Group activities are the lifeblood of sober travel companies. These trips are often led by experienced guides trained to support individuals in their recovery. Having a support system is an essential part of addiction recovery.
- Access to support groups: Some of these companies provide access to support services, such as 12-step meetings, counseling, and other resources, to help clients stay on track with their recovery goals while traveling.
- Educational workshops: Sober travel companies may also offer educational workshops on topics such as mindfulness, stress management, and addiction recovery. These workshops provide clients with the tools and resources to maintain sobriety while traveling.
- Aftercare support: Sober travel companies may also provide aftercare support for clients once they return home. This could include follow-up counseling sessions or access to support groups to help clients transition back to their everyday lives.
Benefits Of Using Sober Travel Companies
Using sober travel companies can provide many benefits for individuals in recovery from addiction, including:
- Access to a safe and supportive environment: Sober travel companies offer a space where substance use is discouraged and connection with nature and each other is encouraged. This, combined with the fact that other participants are also searching for sober travel experiences, creates a safe space where everyone reinforces the others’ commitment to enjoying life without substances.
- Opportunity for personal growth: Connecting with people who understand the struggles of addiction and recovery can be a powerful experience. It allows individuals to step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and build confidence in their ability to maintain sobriety in various situations.
- Stress-free planning: For many, planning a trip can be stressful, especially for those in early recovery who are still learning to manage their stress and emotions. Sober travel companies take care of all the details, from accommodations to transportation to activities, so individuals can focus on their recovery and enjoy their trip.
Overall, using a sober travel company can provide a safe and supportive environment for those in recovery to explore new places and make meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences.
Popular Sober Travel Companies
Several popular sober travel companies cater to individuals in recovery who want to explore the world without the temptation of alcohol or drugs.
Sober Vacations International
Sober Vacations International is a sober travel company focusing on packages to beautiful destinations worldwide. Costa Rica, Croatia, Italy, and Vietnam are some destinations they’ve organized trips to. They offer arrangements for multiple locations over approximately a week, with daily 12-Step support groups. Their packages may include flights or cruisers and are generally one-way trips.
We Love Lucid
We Love Lucid is an England-based alcohol-free travel company that focuses on providing the best hotel and food experiences for its participants while exploring the outdoors of Spain and Great Britain. Some of their activities include star-gazing, kayaking, and biking. This choice combines outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and sustainable tourism practices.
Travel Sober
Travel Sober is a sober travel company focused on cruiser trips that offer dining, spas, dancing, and other forms of entertainment while traveling through some of the most beautiful and iconic places on the planet, mainly from the Americas and Europe. Their destinations cover some of the most breathtaking and culturally rich locations in the Americas and Europe, like Alaska, the Panama Canal, the Western Caribbean, and European rivers.
Sober Travel Is Possible During Recovery
Traveling in recovery can be challenging, but with the help of sober travel companies, it’s now easier to enjoy a safe and fun adventure without the pressure to drink.
You can have a successful and rewarding sober travel experience by:
- choosing a reputable company,
- checking the itinerary for potential triggers,
- connecting with like-minded travelers,
- communicating your needs to the travel company,
- bringing your support system with you,
- and having a plan in place for relapse prevention.
Whether in recovery or simply choosing to live a sober lifestyle, sober travel can be a life-changing experience that opens up a world of new opportunities and possibilities.
