The Benefits of Sober Travel

For many, traveling can often be a trigger for drinking. As I stroll through the charming streets of a historic European town, I am surrounded by numerous outdoor cafes where patrons cheerfully enjoy their drinks. From tall glasses of pale ale to colorful cocktails, the ambiance is filled with laughter and joy, making it quite challenging to resist the temptation.

After a long day of lugging my backpack through the city, I found myself reflecting on the day's mishaps. We had missed our train this morning due to our confusion over Bratislava's two main stations—a detail that was evidently lost on us. Thankfully, I figured out the bus system, although it was quite perplexing. To add to the chaos, an imposing ticket inspector on the bus demanded proof of my 13-year-old's age. The unfortunate fellow behind us was not as lucky and received a fine before being removed from the bus.

The train ride was packed, and I had to squeeze into a seat next to a woman who insisted on sitting sideways, taking up much of my space. Sharing a seat with a stranger can be a unique experience, to say the least. These little annoyances are all part of traveling, and while they can be stressful, I've learned to let them slide. In the past, such moments might have been my excuse to indulge in a glass (or bottle) of wine to unwind at the end of the day.

Fortunately, upon our arrival in Salzburg, the rain deterred me from seeking out those inviting street cafes.

There are numerous reasons to celebrate sobriety, and as I woke up this morning without a hangover after yet another refreshing night of sleep, I reflected on the many advantages of abstaining from alcohol:

• No hangovers
• Improved sleep quality
• No lost memories
• Significant savings
• Increased energy levels
• No weight gain during vacation—actually, with all the walking, I might even be shedding some pounds!
• Avoiding awkward or dangerous situations
• Being fully present for my child
• Enjoying reading instead of zoning out at night
• Experimenting with different non-alcoholic beverages—like the homemade lemonades that are so popular in Slovakia
• Knowing I am taking care of my health

I am confident that choosing not to drink is the right decision for me, and I feel grateful for my commitment. Yet, it is not without its challenges. There have been moments when I thought, "I'm on vacation; one drink wouldn’t hurt." However, I realize that one drink often leads to more.

As I approach nine months of being alcohol-free, the thought of resetting my journey back to day zero is daunting.

I’ll continue to enjoy cappuccinos and refreshing lemonades during my travels.

In the video titled "TOP 5 SOBER TRAVEL TIPS | How to Not Feel Pressure + Have the BEST Trip!", you’ll find valuable insights on how to navigate travel without the urge to drink, ensuring you have a fulfilling experience.

Exploring Further

In another enlightening video, "5+ Years Sober: What I Learned, Benefits, Downsides, Tips & Why It Was the Best Decision of My Life," watch as someone shares their journey of sobriety, discussing the lessons learned and the positives of living alcohol-free.