“The Rise of Sober Travel: A New Trend in Tourism”
There has been an 186% increase in interactions with articles about the sober travel trend. The hashtag #alcoholfree boasts 200,000 posts on TikTok, with #sobercurious following closely at 88,000. This data spiked during the summer travel season, predominantly among users in the US, UK, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.
A former heavy drinker, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his story of how he joined the sober travel movement. He now embraces a sober lifestyle, likening it to having a “superpower.” Since giving up alcohol, he has more time for exercise and responding to client emails while his colleagues struggle to get out of bed.
This trend has also led to the emergence of alcohol-free beers, spirits, and cocktails on bar and restaurant menus worldwide. Some bars even specialize in serving non-alcoholic drinks exclusively.
A selection of non-alcoholic drinks at The Virgin Mary, Dublin, Ireland’s first alcohol-free bar. Photo: Gretty.
InsureMyTrip, a leading travel insurance company, has released a ranking of the “Top Destinations for Sober Travel” for those looking to cut down on alcoholic beverages while on vacation. The list includes Nepal, Morocco, Costa Rica, Turkey, Singapore, Jordan, Greece, India, Italy, and Indonesia.
InsureMyTrip emphasizes that these destinations can make it easier for travelers to stick to their sober goals compared to other locations.
Six out of the top ten countries are in Asia, with Nepal taking the top spot due to its abundance of hiking opportunities and affordable wellness retreats, averaging just $584 per trip according to InsureMyTrip’s research. Morocco comes in second due to the cultural restrictions on alcohol among the Sunni Muslim population. The country also boasts highly-rated national parks with wildlife and breathtaking walks to enjoy.
Experts suggest that travelers embarking on a sober trip should plan a mix of physical and relaxing activities to reduce stress. For those traveling in groups, it is recommended to share your intention to abstain from alcohol with your companions to hold yourself accountable. Keeping a travel journal can also help maintain focus and sobriety during the trip.
