6 Sober vacation ideas for people in recovery
Going on vacations is a great way to relieve stress and take a break from work. It’s also a great way to meet new people, learn about new cultures, and try out new dishes. However, people sometimes feel that the best way to enjoy their time off is to overindulge, whether it is on activities, food, oralcohol. But this is not the only way you can spend your vacation. There are other activities you can engage in that don’t necessarily involve booze or other vices. Take a look at these vacation ideas that are best enjoyed sober.
Hiking and camping
Heading outdoors is an effective way to remain sober because you can avoid bars and places that may trigger harmful or vice-seeking behavior. What you get instead is the instant benefit of being one with nature. When you go camping, hiking, or trekking, you can breathe in all the fresh air and get your daily dose of vitamin D from direct sunlight. ‘You’ll notice that these also provide you with more energy and boost your mood. Meanwhile, seeing lush greenery, hearing birds chirping, and observing a campfire crackling will take your mind off any distractions.
Since backpacking and camping trips require you to travel light, these activities can discourage you from carrying the extra weight of a few bottles of liquor. You won’t have time to nurse hangovers because your days will be filled with exploring.
The best time to go camping is in the summer, so you won’t have to deal with extreme weather conditions and bring along bulky warm clothes. You can find great camping sites in national parks like Joshua Tree and Yosemite.
Water adventure
If you are a water lover, you can go scuba diving, surfing, and rafting. The best thing about these activities is you won’t need substances to create excitement. Also, you have to work with nature to have an amazing experience. This means you will be forced to wake up early to catch the best waves—leaving you no chance to grab a bottle.
If you are not a thrill-seeker, taking a boat tour or going fishing can be very relaxing. Unlike hiking and camping, you can do water sports all year long. Just head to places where it’s always sunny like Hawaii, California, and Arizona.
Ski trip
Going on ski trips is another sober vacation idea. Aside from getting physical exercise, this sport requires you to be clear-headed and well-coordinated, characteristics that aren’t exactly synonymous with hangovers and intoxication. What’s more, you’ll have to head to the mountain early to beat the crowds—leaving you unable to attend late-night parties.
This snowy experience can be very exciting and there are a lot of local destinations you can go to for it. Some of the popular ones are in Colorado, Vermont, and Utah. If you’ve never skied before, this can be the best time to take up lessons and try the sport.
If winter sports aren’t for you, staying back at the ski lodge is also fun in its own way. More importantly, it’s relaxing. You can marvel at the view of the snowy mountains or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate (ideally vegan) while staying warm in front of the fireplace.
Yoga and meditation retreat
Joining retreats to clear your head can be a great way to avoid vices. This kind of vacation may not promise thrilling adventures, but it is a great way to alleviate stress and calm your mind. Moreover, yoga and meditation retreats connect you with people who also want to stay healthy.
Attending these retreats also helps strengthen your body and provides other physical health benefits. Most yoga retreats offer full board along with lodging, and some venues maintain their own organic gardens that supply the food you’ll be eating. Popular yoga retreats can be found throughout Southeast Asia, Slovakia but you can also find some locally in the US. For example, in California, there are a number of yoga and meditation resorts located right by the beach, for a more relaxing experience.
Wellness getaway
Taking care of your well-being involves enhancing physical, emotional, and mental health, which is the main objective of many spas and wellness centers. In these facilities, you won’t find booze or other intoxicants. Instead, you can expect food and beverages that can have detoxifying properties. By combining these foods with treatments like massage, you can expect to feel more relaxed and rejuvenated while also improving blood circulation and reducing muscle tension.
There are many of these throughout the continental US, so you can stay in your home state orgo to destination spas in Arizona. It’s a popular spot because watching the desert sunset while receiving spa treatments creates a serene environment. Having access to a magnificent view of nature is another reason why some people opt to stay in a drug rehab Phoenix residents trust, rather than other treatment facilities.
Scenic road trip
A classic American road trip with your friends or family is a fun vacation idea. There are many places in the U.S. you can visit, but the exciting part is the journey. You can take scenic routes like the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles in spring or autumn. You can also have an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean when you drive through the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West.
If you visit eastern Tennessee or other states in the country’s central and midwest regions, you won’t be tempted by wine or beer, since most restaurants don’t offer alcoholic drinks. Instead, you can quench your thirst with sweet ice tea.
You can take a vacation almost anywhere in the United States while maintaining a clear head and staying away from intoxicating substances. This way, you’ll be able to keep your loved ones safe on your next trip, making it a joyful and meaningful experience.