Sober traveling is more than just a trend

A bucket of ice-cold beer on the beach, a sparkling glass of champagne in the French countryside, or a royal martini in a gloomy bar are just a few examples of alcohol images that the travel industry relies on. The idea of ​​having a drink or two to relax has been a staple of holiday narratives for centuries.

However, these days, more and more vacationers want to plan their trips around a program with little to no alcohol. By leaving their alcohol baggage behind, they reflect the growing global sober curiosity movement and are changing the travel industry.

Supported by the wellness-focused Generation Z, abstinence behavior is on the rise worldwide. A recent study by Expedia found that 41% of Americans plan to book a detox trip soon, while another survey found that 34% are trying to drink less. Due to the growing popularity of events like Dry January and Sober October, more people than ever are turning to abstinence. Look to the sudden rise of N/A beer brands like Athletic, as well as the rise of mocktails in bars and restaurants, for evidence of this phenomenon.

A quick look online shows tags aimed at people who want to avoid tipsy travel. Dry stumbling, sober-curious travel, sober travel and dry flying are trending as people want to avoid drunken travel. But as interest in alcohol-free vacations grows, so does confusion. What exactly is sober traveling?

“Too many people associate sober travel with quiet, meditative moments off the beaten path, far away from the hustle and bustle. You couldn’t be more wrong,” says Darci Murray, the founder of Hooked on Travel, an alcohol-free travel company. “Just because you don’t want to drink doesn’t mean you can’t go on amazing trips where everyone else is. In fact, I tell people that you’ll find that you’ll have more fun once you leave behind the hangovers, grogginess, and late nights that are so common with drinking. Plus, it’s great not to feel like you need a vacation after your vacation.”

The beauty of the travel and hospitality industry adapting to the sober, curious movement is that it creates a framework for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re living an alcohol-free life or just looking for a break, there are more options than ever before. Major hotel chains such as the Four Seasons, Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton and Hilton have implemented soft drink programs at many of their properties. Virgin Cruises, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises and Carnival have recently introduced dry packages on their ships. While places like Healdsburg, located in the heart of wine-rich Sonoma County, now offer a mocktail trail for travelers.

“It’s never been easier to plan an alcohol-free vacation these days,” says Hilary Sheinbaum, founder of GoingDry.co and author of The Dry Challenge. “The changes that have been made to the hospitality industry in recent years to welcome the sober curious have been dramatic. From an unforgettable evening in New York City to a trip across Germany, with a little planning, you can easily enjoy a great dry trip.”

As one of the pioneers of sober travel, the addiction and recovery industry laid the foundation upon which companies such as California-based Sober Vacations International and We Love Lucid, a UK-based sober travel company, have built. One of their key tenets is that a successful sober journey involves staying active by ensuring there are plenty of sober outings and activities to keep you occupied. By avoiding hanging out at the bar by the pool and instead exploring a location, the temptation to drink is minimized.

For anyone looking to dive into a sober, curious or sober vacation, two recent reports may help you decide where to book your next trip. They perfectly highlight the diversity of organizations involved in sober travel. The first is from InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance company based in Rhode Island, and the second is from Lantana Recovery, an alcohol and drug rehab center in South Carolina. Both examined a wide range of metrics to determine the best destinations for sober travel. Here are the top locations they recommend.

• Iceland: The land of fire and ice scored points with its wide range of outdoor activities. On this volcanic island, you can hike through vast glacier-carved valleys, visit towering waterfalls and relax in bubbling thermal springs. The country’s strict alcohol laws and low alcohol dependency make it an ideal place to plan a sober trip.
• Italy: Italy is rich in historical and cultural sites and is home to 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most in the world; The possibilities for exploration are endless. Add to this mix of endless coastlines, numerous mountainous regions and rolling hills, and there are countless places where you can focus entirely on yourself. Additionally, the country has an exceptionally low prevalence of alcohol addiction, providing a balanced environment for sober travelers.
• Morocco: Located in North Africa, Morocco has long been known as an exotic location that attracts visitors with its unique fusion of Moorish, African, European and Middle Eastern cultures. A predominantly dry country, Morocco is full of festivals and experiences that don’t involve alcohol. It has 11 national parks and biospace reserves stretching from sandy beaches to the high Atlas Mountains.
• Norway: Known for its breathtaking landscapes full of dramatic fjords, towering mountains and tranquil coastal islands, Norway is a dream landscape for outdoor lovers. It is also home to a thriving mocktail scene in Oslo and a population that values ​​a health-focused lifestyle. Like all of its Scandinavian neighbors, Norway ranks high on the world’s happiest places index, and its strict alcohol laws ensure plenty of sober-friendly activities are possible.
• Costa Rica: Costa Rica is an ecotourism hotspot and has embraced a wellness-focused vacation mentality for decades. Numerous national parks, biosphere reserves and coasts bordering both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea offer numerous opportunities for active excursions. Additionally, it is a hotspot for wellness and yoga retreats and therefore receives high ratings for relaxation options.
• Japan: For many people, Japan is a bucket list item. It offers an incomparable mix of tradition, modernity and breathtaking natural beauty. From the tranquil beauty of Mount Fuji to the scenic landscape of the Japanese Alps, the landscapes are full of opportunities for adventure. It offers much for sober travelers to enjoy when you add in its unique culinary offerings, natural hot springs and a wealth of historical sites.
• Nepal: Famous for its towering mountains and tranquil Buddhist temples, Nepal is a country full of world travelers, often in search of peace along the way. Its teahouses and smiling population have welcomed visitors for a century, many of whom have no interest in a booze-filled trip. Nepal is also one of the world’s most affordable holiday destinations and is known for its abundance of wellness retreats and spas.
• Denmark: Once the land of the Vikings, Denmark is now famous for its social system, which has resulted in one of the happiest populations in the world. Copenhagen is known for its excellent dining scene and active lifestyle. It has the best cycling infrastructure in the world, has embraced mocktails wholeheartedly and is packed with touring activities. Outside the city, in the rest of the idyllic countryside, outdoor activities and relaxed towns await.

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