Travel is fun, and something a lot of people wish they could do more of.
Travel planning, on the other hand…
Developing a plan and/or an itinerary can be a little stressful, especially if you’re in recovery and want to avoid any environmental triggers which could result in a relapse or any other situation which could damage your recovery.
However, if you’re serious about your recovery it’s important to have a plan in case you are in a situation where drug and alcohol use is involved.
7 Easy, Quick Tips on Planning a Sober Living Vacation
Here are seven sober travel tips to help you out:
- Plan your sober travel in advance. This way, you can research the area and find sober-friendly activities and attractions. If you’re headed to a beach resort, try to find a hotel that’s not near the strip with all the bars and clubs. If you’re a younger traveler, it can be worth seeking resorts and hotels which cater to an older crowd. Although older people can certainly overindulge at beach parties or in clubs, they tend to be quieter and less focused on party, party, party.
- Stay away from airport bars. Nervous flyer? Try finding sober alternatives to drinking before getting on the plane. Also, while alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, studies have shown drinking can actually cause anxiety instead of calming you down. Plus, alcohol dehydrates us and in the dry atmosphere of a plane, it’s a guaranteed way to ensure your sober vacation starts off uncomfortable.
- Travel with a sober buddy. Having someone to rely on will make sober travel much easier. You’ll be able to keep each other accountable and having someone to lean on if you get overwhelmed is nice. Plus, it’s always more fun to explore new places with a friend.
- Make use of sober travel groups and online resources. When planning your sober vacation, do some research on sober travel groups like Sober Vacationing or Club Soda. These can be a great resource for finding sober-friendly activities and accommodation as well as connecting with like-minded people.
- Travel with your support group. No, we’re not suggesting you call up your 12-step or another support group to hang out with you when you travel (although it might be a fun idea), we’re suggesting you keep certain numbers available in case you need to talk to someone during your trip. If you don’t already have your sponsor, sober buddy, case manager, or whoever else you turn to when you’re in need of some extra help on your phone, it’s a good idea to do so. Also, run your plans past your drug rehab or addiction center to see if they have any good suggestions.
- Make use of local sober resources. Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is a global phenomenon, and you might be shocked at how easy it is to find support when you travel. Even something as simple as asking if there’s a “friend of Bill” around can help you find some support if you feel like your recovery is wavering.
- Avoid the party scene. Thinking of heading to the Caribbean, Cozumel, or party cities like Las Vegas, New Orleans, or Miami? While it’s possible to have sober fun there, they might not be the best choices — especially if you’re new in recovery. If they’re your destination of choice, though, look for places to stay that are less centered around substance use, like eco-resorts. There’s always a place to find sober activities to engage in.
One Last Important Sober Travel Tip
Always keep this in mind: your recovery must come first.
Recovery for most of us is a life-and-death choice. It’s something you’ve put a lot of hard work into maintaining and giving it up for peer pressure or trying to fit in with a group of people is something you’re going to regret once you come home.
So, if you’re traveling with people who aren’t in recovery, make sure you draw up some strong boundaries. If your travel group doesn’t accept those boundaries, well … it’s the wrong group. Your life is your life.
Also, you’re not alone. Thanks to trends like Sober October, Dry January, and the “sober curious” movement, there’s plenty of resources online which cater to the sober tourist. Don’t hesitate to make use of them!
How Sober Living Can Open Up Your World
Recovery is about experiencing new experiences and having fun without the filter of addictive substances. Many sober living houses organize fun outdoor activities and trips as part of their services. Not only do these activities (often called “experiential therapy”) teach us how to have fun without drugs or alcohol, but they also help us re-experience the joy of life addiction robs from us.
Not all sober homes organize these trips, so if you’re an adventurous person, it pays off to do some research if you’re looking for a sober living home to recover in. There are many sober living homes in the US, however, and it’s not always easy to find one that jibes with your lifestyle.
SoberLivingNearYou.com Helps You Find the Sober Home You Want
With thousands of listings in our database, SoberLivingNearYou.com is the perfect tool for finding a sober living home to call your own during recovery. Searching is as simple as logging on.
Whether you’re a homebody or a global traveler, finding a sober home that’s a match for your needs, personality, and budget has never been easier. Start searching SoberLivingNearYou.com today!
