I am sitting at my gate in the Copenhagen Airport. To get to my gate, I negotiated my way through the duty free area, with row after row of tax free booze. Next, I walked past no less than four bars where, at 10:30 am, most were already standing room only. I stopped to get a coffee and yup, you guessed it, “want a side of whiskey to go with that latte?” We live in an alcohol saturated world. It’s unavoidable. From champagne and yoga, to painting with wine, to cocktails for a cure; it’s EVERYWHERE! So here’s the deal, if you don’t want to live in a bubble, you’re going to have to learn how to navigate the booze infested waters.

Maybe you’ve already taken the leap and eliminated alcohol from your life. Or maybe you’re  “sober curious”  and have embarked on a 100 day alcohol free challenge. Or maybe you’re just beginning to question your relationship with alcohol. Whatever stage your at, the thought of traveling sober can be  intimidating. If you can’t even walk to your gate without being bombarded by alcohol how are you suppose to survive an entire week at an all-inclusive resort where drinks are flowing freer than water!

Vacation is suppose to be a time to destress. Yet, typically it is the time when people consume the largest amounts of alcohol. Why? Why do we feel the need to destress from destressing? I’ll tell you why. It’s because this is what we’ve been programmed to do. This is what society perceives as normal. We have been conditioned by every advertisement that romanticizes sipping cocktails poolside. I realize that there is  a percentage of the population that can actually enjoy one or two cocktails and stop. This post is not for those people. This is for those of  us that are tired of the perpetual vacation hangover. Those for whom the idea of traversing through an airport without stopping for a preflight drink (or three) is unthinkable. This post is for you. Not only is sober travel possible, it far surpasses any buzz accomplished by a poolside cocktail. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “oh the places you’ll go!”

Traveling without alcohol was unfathomable to me in early sobriety. In the world according to Margaret, traveling and chardonnay were practically synonymous with one another. There was no way I was going to stop traveling, therefore I had to make some serious adjustments. There were still a few times I white knuckled it through but as time has gone on those are much fewer and farther between. The following are some observations and tips that have  helped me fall in love with becoming a teetotaling traveler.

Adjust Your Mindset

This was monumental. My biggest fear of stopping drinking was that suddenly all the fun would be sucked out of everything. I would become instantaneously boring and nothing would ever be the same again. Well, nothing ever was the same again. Thank God and Alleluia! Can I hear an AMEN! I had to adjust my mindset. Instead of thinking, I won’t be able to have a glass of wine on the porch while watching the sunset, I began thinking, I don’t ever have to be tied down to that porch with a bottle of wine EVER AGAIN. That is powerful. Opportunities abound once you reframe your thinking! My definition of what I consider “fun” has now changed and continues to change and evolve.

Keep Yourself Busy

Plan your days. Keep busy, busy, busy! This is the time to try new activities, go new places. Create new memories and don’t allow for too much idle time where thoughts of drinking may begin to take over. Have you always wanted to try zip lining? Do it! How about a cooking class? Sign up. Go walking, hiking swimming. Do it all. By the end of the day you will fall into bed ready to recharge with a good nights rest.

Feed Yourself

This may sound ridiculous but thoughts and cravings are often the worse when we are hungry. Do not overlook this simple task. If you are going to be out for the day, pack snacks that will keep your mind and body nourished. Don’t wait until 9:00 at night for dinner. Plan your meals ahead and know if you will be eating out or cooking in. Buy your groceries and make any necessary reservations ahead of time. Don’t wait until 7 p.m. when you’re already hungry to try and decide what to do for dinner.

Learn The Language

No, I don’t mean you have to become entirely fluent in another language but learning a few key phrases will be helpful. Make sure you know how to say “without Alcohol” or “just water”. If you’re traveling within the United States this will not be a problem but be prepared that wherever you are going may not have your preferred alcohol free beverage. A little research ahead of time can help.If you will be at a hotel or resort ask them to clear out the minibar ahead of time and have it stocked instead with water or seltzer. Find out what stores are nearby and what you will be able to purchase. I make sure to always pack a ziplock bag filled with my tea bags and honey packs.

Be Prepared To Say No

It’s ok to say no. I always thought people would be devastated if I turned down an invitation. Boy was I wrong. For the most part people really don’t care. You don’t have to do everything with everybody. Especially if you’re traveling with a large group, taking some time just for yourself is essential. An early morning walk on the beach, an afternoon nap or an early bedtime, whatever you feel like you need, just do it.

Choose Your Locations Wisely

If you are newly sober, going to an all-inclusive resort may not be the wisest choice. Or Vegas. Or a reunion with your college sorority sisters. I think you get the point. Minimize potential triggers, whatever they may be for you.

Traveling alcohol free was a challenge, as it may be for many of you. A challenge that has gifted me with sunrises like this and memories that I can now actually remember! It requires, at times, stepping outside of your comfort zone and facing some fears but if you do, I can promise, you will never wake up and regret not drinking. Bon voyage and safe sober travels!