Staying Sober While Traveling During Dry January

01.01.2024 - 07:33 / forbes.com

New Year’s Day is traditionally a day for resolutions. For many of us, that means taking a break from alcohol, and it’s why Dry January has become so popular. But going sober for a month or more can be even more challenging if you’ve got travel plans.

Hilary Sheinbaum, author of The Dry Challenge, refers to sober travel as “Dry Tripping” and says that more travelers are intentionally going sober for vacation, noting that hotels like the Fairmont in Maui and airlines such as Alaska Airlines and JetBlue are modifying their drink offerings to suit them.

“Dry January kicked off 10 years ago in the UK, and with that, the UK has become a major hub for nonalcoholic beverage culture,” Sheibaum said. “Other European destinations with nonalcoholic options include the Netherlands, which has Damrak 0.0 Gin and Giesen 0% available, as well as a few European countries that sell Freixenet Alcohol-Removed Sparkling Wine. Outside of bar culture, there are many European destinations where people can focus on activities and experiences unrelated to drinking.”

If you intend to avoid alcohol temptations while traveling this winter, Sheinbaum suggests choosing activities like skiing, beach sports, and hiking.

“From my experience, any destination that inspires early wake-up times and exercise can curb drinking,” Sheinbaum said. “I'd advise non-drinkers and those taking a break from alcohol to go on adventurous or outdoorsy trips where drinking isn't the main event. That might mean skiing or hiking in the Colorado mountains, water sports in Florida, or running a marathon in Boston.”

Sheinbaum says that she’s not 100% sober but that she is mostly dry. Her approach is to focus on dry months and on lessening alcohol consumption. She abstains every year during Dry January and Sober October.

“When you break from alcohol for 28-31 days straight, it makes you more mindful about how often and how much you drink, and how much of your time is spent drinking and recovering and resting,” Sheinbaum says. “A month without alcohol means more energy, an elevated mood, and increased productivity.”

Your travel experiences can be similarly enhanced without drinking, but Sheinbaum says planning activities in advance is essential regardless of where you travel. She suggests that travelers create an itinerary wherever they’re going. Of course, there are many destinations where drinking is an integral part of the culture. Yet Sheinbaum doesn’t advise avoiding these places but to plan accordingly.

“My best advice for those planning a trip while abstaining from alcohol is to focus on what you want to see, do, eat, and drink there,” she said. “Even in countries like France, where wine is cherished and a big part of the culture, non-alcoholic wine