New Year, New You? Or how about New Year, Sober You?  

By now, especially with the recent health advisory issued by the U.S. Surgeon General linking alcohol to cancer, you’re likely aware of the clear physical and mental health benefits of going alcohol-free. 

You might have joined a Dry January or a Sober October in the past. Perhaps you’ve tried to stop drinking for a few days, maybe even a few weeks, but inevitably that pesky habit sneaks its way back into your life.  Usually, all it takes is an occasion, celebration, or a vacation for reason enough to pick the drink back up. 

For seven years, I was this person. Each new year brought a new level of resolve to kick drinking to the curb once and for all. I’ve been on a journey of educating myself, reading “quit lit”, trying my best to moderate and even going on long stints without alcohol for the last 7 years. 

But after a few months alcohol-free, there was always a vacation lined up that would be the end of my sober streak. My reward for going X amount of weeks without alcohol was going on vacation and celebrating with a drink. (Make it make sense!)

We’ve been sold this idea that a colorful cocktail in hand is a requirement to relax or have fun on vacation. Most of my early adult travel experiences revolved around pub crawls and late nights. I even met my husband in a pub in Dublin!  I never knew, nor had I ever had the model, of how to vacation without booze. 

It wasn’t until I hosted a Group Trip to Costa Rica that two bad ass, outgoing, life-of-the-party women in our group completely surprised me when they said they don’t drink alcohol anymore, not even on vacation. 

Sober travel, also known as "dry tripping," was one of 2024's hottest vacation trends, according to Hotels.com, with more than 40% of travelers saying they are likely to book a “detox trip” in 2025.

As I watched these two vibrant women thrive in Costa Rica, I thought to myself - they seem to be having the time of their life, and they’re completely sober! Maybe (just maybe!) alcohol isn’t a requirement for travel and having fun.

A few months later, I decided to go all-in on my Alcohol-Free journey, and I haven’t looked back since. 

Even traveling around the world completely Alcohol-Free, I have found more joy, more connection, more laughter and more resilience to challenges. Surprisingly, life has been enhanced by not drinking, not dulled. 

If going Alcohol-Free is part of your New Year's Resolutions this year, but you’re nervous for upcoming vacations or celebrations, here are 7 ways you can rise to the challenge of thriving in your new Alcohol-Free lifestyle and first Alcohol-Free vacation!