When you are sober, the thought of taking a vacation may make you nervous. For many, travel is associated with relaxing and having a good time with a drink in hand. With these ten tips, you can have a wonderful vacation while continuing your sobriety journey.
1. Find Meetings Ahead of Time
As part of your travel arrangements, locate the closest support meetings to your destination. Be sure to put a file on your phone with times and directions. Plan to attend a couple, and you will have the information for the rest of them just in case you need to go.
2. Share Detailed Plans With Your Support System
When you travel, you are leaving the people behind that provide support when you most need it. That does not mean they will be unreachable. Let your sponsor, and anyone else you rely on, know exactly where you are going and how long you expect to be there. If the time zones are different, let them know that as well. If you feel comfortable, you can check in with them at a prearranged time every day. This will give you an accountability source while you are on the road.
3. Book Your Hotel In a Quiet Neighborhood
If you are going to a city known for its night life, you may want to take the precaution of choosing accommodations in a residential area. If there is a bar right outside your hotel, the temptation may prove too much.
4. Inform Your Hotel of Your Sobriety
Give your hotel a call shortly before you arrive and let them know you are not drinking. They will be able to empty the mini bar of all alcoholic beverages before your arrival. It is also good to give them a heads up, so they can remove any welcome gifts that include wine or spirits.
5. Schedule Lots of Physical Activities
When planning your trip, schedule many activities back to back during the morning, afternoon and early evening. This ensures that you have little free time to give into your cravings, and by the time people begin drinking, you are so tired you just want to fall in bed. Activities that include a lot of exertion, like walking tours, hikes and biking are perfect for tiring you out.
6. Have a Way Out
Sometimes you travel with companions that want to go out to bars, tour vineyards or other activities that may prove tempting. If you want to go, be sure you have an easy way to leave. Download a ride share app for the location, have the phone number of the local taxi on hand or arrange with a friend to leave with you if you want. Having a way out makes it much easier to step away from the situation exactly when you need it.
7. Get Regular Sleep
There is so much to see when you travel that you may want to skip sleep to make the most of your trip. Good quality sleep is important when you are away from a familiar environment. Sleep deprivation makes it easier for you to let your guard down and slip up.
8. Carry Snacks
When you are hungry, it may increase your cravings. It is always a good idea to carry your own high protein snacks, so you are never caught off guard when you need a quick bite.
9. Be Honest About Your Sobriety
In certain regions it is a large part of hospitality to offer alcoholic refreshments. Turning down these offers can cause offense. It is difficult to admit you are on a mission of sobriety, but it can smooth potentially awkward situations if you let people know. They will be sympathetic and refrain from offering you boozy beverages.
10. Remind Yourself of Missed Experiences
Think about the times you traveled when you were still drinking. You probably do not remember much of your trips. There might have been terrible hangovers. Now, you have the opportunity to enjoy new places in a way you could not when you were impaired. Enjoy the freedom to appreciate the local beauty and culture.
Follow these tips to make the most of your sober vacation. With the right planning, you can stay sober and enjoy your time off.
This was a collaborative post. All opinions are my own.
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