The Ultimate Guide to Alcohol Free Holidays & Retreats [Updated September 2025]

Last updated: September 20, 2025

Have you ever woken up on vacation/holiday with a hazy memory, a pounding head, and that crushing feeling of wasted time? The sun’s up, the world is waiting, and all you’ve got is a vague recollection of what you did. I know that feeling all too well. For years, my own adventures revolved around the nearest bar, turning beautiful destinations into one long, blurry night. But then something clicked. I started exploring the world with a clear head, and what I found was pure magic.

You’re probably sober curious, in recovery, or just plain sick of waking up foggy. And now you’re wondering: can I really travel and still feel free?

The answer is a massive, life changing YES!

This isn’t just a list of places. This is your personal handbook for unlocking the travel you’ve always dreamed of. From quiet mornings with a cup of coffee to wild adventures in the great outdoors, this is about experiencing every single moment, fully present, and without a single regret. So come on, let’s go explore.

Part 1: The “Why” of Sober Travel: What You Gain

People ask me all the time, “But isn’t it boring?” My answer is always the same: it’s anything but. What you give up in a temporary buzz, you get back tenfold in real, unforgettable experiences.

• Deeper Connections: When you’re not focused on your next drink, you’re fully present. You’re actually listening to people. You’re connecting with fellow travelers and locals in a way that’s impossible when you’re chasing a high. It’s like a superpower.
• Financial Freedom: Alcohol can be a black hole for your travel budget. Think about it. All that money you would have spent on rounds of drinks, you get to keep. As one traveler noted, you can “save big” and free up cash for “memorable meals, unique experiences, or a little luxury.” That money can turn into a private tour, an epic street food crawl, or an extra few days on your trip.
• Waking Up With a Purpose: The best part of my new life is the feeling of waking up at sunrise, ready to go. While I used to feel that “sludgy depression that used to lock me beneath the covers,” now I’m out jogging through the streets as the city begins to stir. The Balearic Islands are now “associated with beautiful beaches and delicious tapas, rather than pounding headaches and a hungover Burger King in the airport departure lounge.” Trust me, waking up and feeling good is a million times better than any pint.
• Authentic Experiences: Sober travel allows you to get to the heart of a place. You’re not just sitting in a tourist pub; you’re out walking, hiking, and exploring. It’s like you leave behind all the noise of life, your emails, your deadlines, your existential dread, and step into this serene little world where nature is just there, being majestic. That, my friend, is where the real adventure is.

Part 2: The “How To” Guide to Planning Your Sober Trip

This is where you get tactical. A little preparation goes a long way.

Your Personal Game Plan: Mindset & Preparation

Before you even pack your bags, set yourself up for success.

• Know Your Triggers: Be honest with yourself. If you know a swim up bar or an all inclusive resort with a “free drinks” policy will be a trigger for you, plan a different kind of trip. It’s a sign of strength to be realistic with yourself. You can always get to the all inclusive later once you’ve built up your sober muscles.
• Have Your “Script” Ready: You will be offered a drink. Having a polite, confident “no” on hand can save you from an awkward moment. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. My go to is simple: “No thanks, I’m just taking a break.” No need to elaborate. Confidence is key.
• Bring Your Support: If you’re traveling with family or friends, let them know your goals ahead of time. My brother is a legend for this. He’s a great one for helping me stay accountable to the decisions I’ve made. And if you’re traveling solo, you can still bring your support with you. Keep a list of sober friends or family members to text or call if you need a boost.
• Manage Your Expectations: Traveling sober doesn’t mean everything will be perfect. Flights get delayed, luggage gets lost. The difference is, you’ll be able to handle it with a clear head instead of panicking and looking for the nearest airport bar.

What to Pack: The Sober Traveler’s Packing List

Your packing list is a tool for your success. Fill it with things that support your goals.

• A Good Book: Pack something that inspires you. A memoir, a personal development book, or a great novel can be a perfect companion for moments when you might have been tempted to drink.
• A Travel Journal: My journal is a chaotic mess of thoughts, but it’s a powerful way to make your new, clear memories last forever. Document your journey in your own words.
• Your Favorite AF Beverage: While many bars now offer great non alcoholic options, it’s a good idea to bring a few of your favorites for those “lull” periods when you’re just relaxing in your room.
• Workout Gear: Pack your running shoes or yoga mat. Early morning exercise is a powerful way to start your day and a great way to explore a new city before it wakes up.
• A Quality Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is a key part of feeling your best, and having a reusable bottle is also better for the environment.
• Headphones: My brother says airports sober are “boss fights.” Headphones are my best friend. Tune out the chaos and focus on your purpose: walking to your gate like a boss.
• Snacks: Never underestimate the power of snacks. Jelly babies are my go to. Don’t get “hangry” or low blood sugar on a sober trip, or you’ll be tempted to give up on your goals.

The Airport: The First Boss Fight

Let’s be real. Airports are a special kind of hell. The stress, the long lines, the delays—it’s a major trigger for a lot of people. But trust me, navigating the airport sober is the ultimate boss fight, and you’re going to walk out alive.

Instead of hitting the airport bar, grab a fancy coffee, a juice, or a mocktail. Sit down and people watch. You’ll notice all the little things you missed before. The parents struggling with their kids, the couples on their way to a romantic getaway, the guy in a business suit trying to charge his phone. It’s a whole new world when you’re not focused on getting a buzz.

Next, we’ll talk about different travel styles and how to find the perfect sober trip for you.

Part 3: Find Your Sober Travel Style

Sober travel is not one size fits all. It’s not about being a monk or a hermit. There’s an adventure waiting for every personality, whether you’re looking for peace, thrill, or a bit of both.

For the “Mindful” Traveler: The Path to Rejuvenation

If your goal is to reset and reconnect with yourself, this is your path. It’s about finding that serene little world where you can leave behind all the noise of life.

• Wellness & Detox Retreats: These places prioritize your health and well being. Think cold plunges, sound baths, and long, quiet walks in nature. These retreats are designed to help you feel completely renewed. You can find options that are yoga focused or even medically supervised. They’re a chance to truly tune into yourself without any distractions.
• Sober Retreats: These are specifically designed for an alcohol free experience. They’re built on community and connection, often with group workshops and shared meals. This is an incredible option if you’re traveling solo and want to meet like minded people. As one traveler said about these places, “It actually changed my life. I didn’t think travel could feel this alive without alcohol.” These adventures are all about being “adventurous, fun, sexy, and at times a bit dangerous, all without a drop of alcohol.

For the “Adventurous” Traveler: Thrills Without the Hangovers

Who says you need a buzz to get a thrill? Sober travel allows you to fully engage in high energy experiences that leave you feeling alive, not just buzzed.

• Mountain Climbing & Hiking: Imagine waking up at sunrise, feeling energized, and setting out to hike a mountain. You’ll be present for every single step and the views will be a million times better without a hangover. As my friend Sean says, when you plan an alcohol free trip, “we leave the embarrassing clichés behind and instead focus on packing in plenty of alternative celebrations.
• Sober Festivals & Events: Yes, you can go to a festival sober. The key is to focus on the music, the atmosphere, and connecting with people. You can find dedicated sober camps or meetups at many major events. My brother and I once went to a place where we saw two stags face off in what I can only describe as the deer version of Fight Club. You wouldn’t want to miss that for a beer, would you?

For the “City Explorer”: Seeing the World With a Clear Head

City breaks are a core part of travel, and being sober allows you to see them from a whole new perspective.

• Sober City Guides: Forget the crowded pubs. A sober city guide leads you to the best non alcoholic bars, unique cafes, and hidden cultural gems. You’ll be surprised at how much you miss when your mind isn’t clouded. I once went to a massive park with my brother, and we spent the day wandering, taking photos, and soaking in that rare English sunlight. We found a stag fight, and my brother was laughing at my jokes while I was just trying to get a decent picture. That’s the kind of connection you have when you’re truly present.
• Deepening Connections: It’s so much simpler to really connect with new friends when you don’t have drink clouding your conversation. You’ll find yourself having rich, engaging conversations you’ll actually remember.

Part 4: Real Stories & Top Sober Destinations

Now we get to the good stuff. The places. The real life proof that this sober travel thing isn’t just a gimmick. While you can be sober anywhere, certain destinations are particularly well suited for an alcohol free getaway.

• Spain: Tapas, Not Tears My friends who have been on sober trips to Spain tell me it’s the perfect mix of community and culture. You can still enjoy the vibrant social scene, but your focus shifts from the bar to the food. Instead of getting wasted on cheap wine, you’re trying every kind of tapas you can find. As one sober traveler said, “I realized I could truly enjoy tapas without needing wine. My focus was on the amazing food and conversation.” That, my friend, is a life well lived.
• The UK: A Sober Revolution The UK has a thriving sober community and a growing number of alcohol free pubs and events, making it a perfect spot for sober travel. My brother and I had a day out at Petworth Park, and it was epic. We were out in the fresh air, wandering through endless rolling hills and ancient trees. We even saw a stag fight, and I tried to get a video on my phone to upload to worldstar. Honestly, you can find a whole new kind of drama that’s a thousand times more captivating than sitting in a pub.
• Morocco: A New Year’s Surprise A friend of mine, Sean, told me about a trip he took to Morocco at the end of 2023. They were in the middle of nowhere, and his new friends decided to join him in seeing in the new year sober. They were a little shocked to not only have a great night, but to experience what a New Year’s Day filled with hope rather than hungover dread felt like. It’s a powerful thing to show people a different way to live, just by being yourself.

Part 5: Say “Yes” to More

Traveling sober isn’t about saying “no” to fun. It’s about saying “yes” to mindfulness, clarity, and life changing experiences. It’s about realizing that you don’t need a crutch to feel alive.

The night I should have died, but didn’t, changed my whole perspective. I swapped bars for border crossings and two day benders for two hour hikes. As I look back, I don’t miss that wild version of me. I’ve found something so much better. I’ve found a way to feel alive without destroying myself.

Final Checklist Before You Go

• Talk to your travel companions about your plans. Let them know you’re excited to spend quality time with them.
• Plan your days to avoid “lull periods” where you might be tempted to go to a bar. Fill your time with activities and excursions.
• Pack your support with you. Whether it’s a friend, a book, or just your own powerful mindset, be prepared.
• Know your triggers and be honest with yourself about them. This is a journey, not a race.

By following this guide, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re creating a new, incredible way to explore the world. You’re trading a night you’ll barely remember for a life you’ll never forget.

Aaron Mouland

Quit drinking on 23 July 2021 after a two-day bender and swapped bars for border crossings and 12-step meetings. Three sober years, 36 countries, 113 travellers (totally dry), fuelled by street food, jelly babies, and a broken Google Maps app. Wandersober is my journal, my SEO lab, and my mission. Featured in GQ, Mirror, Evening Standard, MarketWatch, and more.

Read my story