Despite what some may think, sober travel doesn’t have to be at the expense of joyful experiences and camaraderie with others during your trip.
Interest in sobriety and sober-curious living has notably increased in popularity post-2020. Several reports, including one from Gallup, claim Gen Z (the majority of whom are now over 21) drink less than older generations. There are many reasons people choose to be sober, including personal, health, and cosmetic goals.
However, despite sober living gaining more societal normalcy and acceptance, many who don’t imbibe still find themselves feeling awkward in social settings where others are drinking. In restaurants, bars, clubs, or even group gatherings, some non-drinkers – whether due to peer or personal pressures – may find it hard to fully integrate into the scene and mingle with others. As a traveler, those concerns can be compounded by the difficulty of socializing if you don’t speak the language. Moreover, navigating social situations may feel cumbersome if drinking is woven into a destination’s culture, such as going to the pub for a pint in the United Kingdom, during Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, or when wine and petiscos are served in Portugal.
Below, find tips for navigating sober travel and socializing naturally. Though it might take time, give yourself grace as you establish your new normal. Also, be confident that your sober lifestyle won’t make you feel excluded in the rooms you’re meant to be in, or by the people you’re meant to be around.
Practical Moves For Navigating Social Scenes Sober
Keep Your ‘Why’ Close
This is for those who worry they’ll be a “buzzkill” or that they’ll be susceptible to the pressure to drink. In those moments, calling to mind the reason why you’re abstaining from drinking in the first place could be a big motivator to continue maintaining your sobriety. It can also help you feel more resolute when you turn down drinks from others in social settings.
Be An Active Participant In Itinerary Planning
This crucial step will help you mentally prepare for how you’ll socialize during your sober travels before even reaching your destination. It can also help establish a boundary regarding your consumption, especially if you’ll be in a group that will be throwing back drinks.
For example, if your group is incorporating a bar crawl or winery visit into your vacation, you can plan ahead. If you want to join them, you can call the establishments beforehand and see what their non-alcoholic options are. If you don’t want to tag along, you can schedule your own solo adventures in advance so you aren’t left behind with nothing to do.
Don’t Underestimate Your Destination, And Think Out Of The Box
“Dry-tripping” is more common than you think, so keep your perspective in check. Even though you’re not drinking, there are countless other ways to connect with people while you’re traveling – even in places with heavy drinking cultures.
Make new friends at local workshops and classes, or research sober social gatherings in your destination. Join casual groups playing sports like soccer, basketball, or volleyball. Chat with others while touring local cuisine. If you’re under the impression that your social butterfly is only unlocked when you’ve had a few drinks, work on building your confidence so you feel otherwise. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations, even in nightlife situations.
Enjoy Mocktails And Non-Alcoholic Beers, Wines, and Spirits
If you can, and you’d like to, order a non-alcoholic beverage that’ll suit your fancy. Some may feel certain situations just call for the clinking of beer, wine, or champagne glasses. Those moments may be during spirited sports matches, wedding toasts, milestone achievements, or when you feel like the local culture calls for libations. Whatever the reason, only consider zero-proof versions of boozy beverages if they won’t trigger faltering on your sobriety journey. Not to be undervalued, a nice juice or fizzy drink can be just as special – if you allow it to be.
Try To Take The Pressure Of Yourself
If you’re having racing thoughts about managing sobriety on your trip, definitely take some breaths and try to recenter yourself. If you’re briefly overwhelmed by socializing and remaining sober, call a loved one to vent. Make sure you choose a trusted, non-judgmental support system. Also, again, consider tapping into your destination’s local sober communities, where you may find it easier to socialize.
If you battle alcoholism and/or are in recovery, rely on medical professionals, programs, and sponsors’ advice. They may also be able to help you put together a personalized sober travel game plan you can feel confident in.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. If you or someone you love is struggling with their alcohol consumption, know that it’s not a burden that has to be carried alone. There are resources for you, including those informed on cultural sensitivities and nuance, to support people of color. Check out the following resources to learn more:
- Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)’s “Let’s Break the Stigma on Recovery & Sober Living” educational slides
- Alcohol Help‘s resources and information regarding African-Americans and alcohol
- Sober Black Girls Club
- The She Recovers Foundation’s list of “22 Recovery-Focused Black, Indigenous, & Women of Color to Follow.”
- Served Up Sober
