Trending: Transformative & Wellness Travel - 2024 Suggestions
If you’re currently planning ahead for vacation, may I suggest transformative travel?
You might’ve noticed that Americans have taken a much deeper interest in health and wellness post-pandemic. People are actually traveling … sober!
Yep, Forbes named “transformative” as one of four top travel trends for 2023 - alongside package deals, ethical travel, and cost-effective trips.
“This trend is less about experiencing local places through guided tours and classes, but about becoming a different person. Think of the words ‘retreats’ and ‘radical sabbaticals’, a continuation of the wellness trend that has been growing exponentially during the past decade.
This sector has grown well beyond the classic yoga retreat of yesterday and now encompasses everything from female empowerment, herbal therapies, dance retreats, and emotional detoxes. Sober travel experiences are also becoming much more popular.”
So, how do you become a different person on vacation?
In my opinion, it’s about finding experiences that help you learn, shift perspective, or genuinely connect with people.
What Are The Benefits of Sober Travel?
keep all the special memories you make
enjoy early mornings with no hangover
make the most of each day
the opportunity for growth and personal discovery
not getting kicked out of anywhere 😉
come home feeling refreshed
money spent on things other than alcohol
meet like-minded people
Two things that will improve your transformative travel - excellent planning and keeping an open mind.
What Should You Consider When Planning?
Consider what you hope to gain and how you’d like to feel on the trip. Are you looking for tranquility or outdoor excitement? Maybe something to fuel a creative passion?
You’ll get the most out of your experience by planning with intention.
Consider location carefully. You need the ability to have a clear mind and feel at ease. If you’ve spent 10+ years getting heavily intoxicated every time you’re at the beach, maybe try something new like hiking or a spa. Don’t force yourself into an uncomfortable situation if it’s not necessary. I’m not saying don’t ever go to the beach, but just be realistic with yourself about how you’re feeling.
The people you travel with should also be supportive of the mission!
It seems obvious, but try not to plan a transformative trip with anyone you have a current confrontation with or an unresolved history of substance abuse. I remember learning in early sobriety that not only can locations or smells be triggers, but so can people. That doesn’t mean you can’t ever see these individuals, but maybe a sober vacation isn’t the best setting. You know what’s best for you!
If you’re someone in recovery and aren’t used to traveling sober just yet, I suggest taking time with yourself to think about potential triggers.
It’s possible you’ll have moments of stress or encounter intense social situations on your trip - think about how you’ll manage life’s inevitable curve balls without finding the closest bar. This is a great idea for any vacation, but with a wellness-focused agenda, you should face less stress!
RCB Transformative Travel Suggestions:
If close enough, visit an alcohol-free pop-up event: Absence of Proof, Sip Steady, The Zero Proof Social, Zero Proofed
If close enough, visit a booze-free bar: here’s a list
Check for zero-proof menus before you go
Pick a focus: active, restorative, healing, tasty, fun, etc.
Set yourself up for a good time with proper planning
Choose the right setting for the best experience
Travel with people who are supportive of the trip’s intention
I suggest using Zero Proof Nation or the Buzz Cutt App to plan if you’d like to include booze-free establishments on your trip.
