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!

1. Write Your Intention Down

The first step in changing behavior is stating your intention clearly. Write in a journal what your intention is. For Example, I am alcohol-free for this vacation because I want to feel clear-headed and vibrant, and I don’t want to feel hungover, bloated or anxious. 

2. Have a Plan and Set Your Boundaries

The moment we allow there to be a gray area in our decisions is the moment we lose sight of our intention and move towards cravings and desires. In other words, our emotions take over our logic. Have a plan. What will you say when asked if you’d like a drink? What are your favorite non-alcoholic alternatives? What will you do if your group starts to get rowdy?  Will you stay for one “night-cap” and then head back to your room for a restful sleep? Be clear about what your boundaries are and stick with them. 

3. Communicate Your Plan to your Travel Partners

Be upfront with your travel companions about your decision to not drink on this vacation. You can explain in as much detail as you like about why this is important to you and that you hope they understand and can support you in this decision. Explain what your boundaries are and be clear that there is no judgment for what they do. This has nothing to do with their behavior and everything to do with how you want to feel on vacation. You might be surprised at how this may inspire others in your group to join you!

4. Prepare for Your Travel Day

The airport has become this lawless land where you can have a drink at any time of the day. On top of this, flying and air travel can be a source of stress and anxiety. This is why the airport is a major trigger for many of us in the beginning of our sobriety journey. Instead of waiting anxiously at your gate or finding yourself near a bar, keep your body moving. Pop in your headphones with a great sobriety-based podcast or audible book and go for a walk. Keep your mind and your body in action and ultimately distracted from your cravings as they come up. Remember the intention you wrote down in Step #1 and check in with any accountability partners you may have (See Step #7.) 

5. Schedule Early Activities 

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, start to schedule all of the activities and excursions you can do. Similarly to Step #4, it’s easy to fall back into a habit when we are doing “nothing” - ie, laying by the pool or beach. Schedule early morning activities for yourself so you have a reason to go to bed early. When you prioritize the incredible activities that you don’t normally get to do at home, it makes saying no to drinking a lot easier. Wake up to see the sunrise, take that yoga class, go scuba diving or surfing. I’m not suggesting to avoid rest or relaxation, but be mindful of your idle time, so you don’t fall into the habit of having a drink because there’s nothing else to do. 

6. From FOMO to JOMO

When you’re with a group of friends who are drinking on vacation, you can easily fall into FOMO (fear of missing out.) According to Jen Hirst, a leading Sobriety Coach, one way to combat falling into this trap is to think about all of the things you GET to do because you’re not drinking. She calls this the “Get-To” mentality. Essentially turning FOMO into JOMO (joy of missing out.) What do you get to do because you’re not hungover the next morning? How do you feel in the morning because you’re not drinking? And when it comes down to it, what are we really missing out on? Hangovers, bloating, anxiety, poor sleep… Thinking of all that we GET to do reminds us we’re hitting the vacation jackpot! 

7. Find Your Accountability Partner

Finally, it’s crucial to have an accountability partner to lean on for support during this time. Whether it’s a friend, a sponsor or a member of an online support group, having someone to message when you feel left out or unsure will help you stay strong in your decision. They will remind you why you chose this path and keep lighting the way forward for you. When I spent 5 weeks in Thailand just a few months after deciding to be Alcohol-Free, my support group back home is what kept me going and staying true to my intention. Another great way to travel is with a Group Trip or Retreat where you know you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals - making it easier to stick with your boundaries. Ultimately, when you choose not to drink on vacation or for an occasion, you’re choosing to be fully present in the moment and create treasured memories that will actually last a lifetime. You GET to experience life to its fullest, and receive the maximum ROI on your vacation by giving yourself the gift of a vibrant (& hang-over free!) experience! If you’re ready to have a vacation that feels rejuvenating and refreshing, book a free 20-Min Consultation Call with me! I’m here to help support you in bringing the trip of your dreams to life.