Many people living with active addiction sustain their self-destructive ways by telling themselves the lie that alcohol and drugs make their lives richer and more fulfilling. When you begin pursuing sobriety, it can improve your life in a variety of ways, including your vacation choices. Not only will you have more time, money and motivation to pursue different experiences, you will rediscover who you are without the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Traveling While Pursuing Your Sobriety

Maintaining sobriety can be challenging enough to achieve in familiar surroundings. When you go on vacation and disrupt your typical recovery routine, the temptation to relapse into alcohol or drug use can become overwhelming. In some situations, you will have less control over what triggers you might become exposed to, or what difficulties you might encounter.

For example, if you choose to go on a typical cruise or resort vacation, you could meet many fellow travelers with a party mentality who encourage you to drink or use drugs with them. That’s why your choice of destination and activity can be essential in helping you maintain your recovery goals as you travel. With that in mind, here are five suggestions for planning the best sober vacation of your life.

1. Yoga or Meditation Retreat

On a retreat that focuses on yoga or meditation, you will be surrounded by people who share your goals of being mindful and health-conscious. You will also rejuvenate yourself mentally and spiritually by allowing yourself plenty of opportunity for self-reflection, which is a vital part of being happy in your life.

2. Camping, Hiking or Backpacking

Are you looking for a vacation where you can genuinely get away from it all? The great outdoors is one way you can appreciate nature while staying sober. Depending on how rustic you want to get, and how far outside the city you travel, you can put miles between yourself and the nearest place to get alcohol or drugs.

3. Activity-Based Adventures

If you’re more athletic and up for a challenge that gets your blood pumping, plan a trip around a physical activity like surfing, rock climbing or sailing. You’ll need to have a clear head to concentrate fully on the activity at hand, plus these activities are an excellent way to achieve a natural rush from adrenaline.

4. Volunteer Holidays

If you’re searching for a feel-good vacation that gives back to others as well, volunteer travel might be a good fit for you. Plenty of opportunities exist in bucket-list locations around the world, from caring for rescued bears in Cambodia to preserving at-risk marine ecosystems in Belize. You can focus on something larger than yourself while doing something that benefits people and the planet.

5. Explore Sober Cultures

In Muslim-majority countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, their religious beliefs prohibit consuming intoxicating substances. You can explore Egypt’s astonishing archeological marvels and rich cultural history, or the spectacular sandstone city of Petra in Jordan, without compromising your recovery.

Sobriety Starts Here

At Canyon Crossing, we focus on women’s-only addiction services that help our clients live a joyful life. If you are seeking help for yourself or someone you care about, contact us to learn more about our programs and benefits.