#128 Navigating an All Inclusive Vacation Sober

#128 Navigating an All Inclusive Vacation Sober

In this episode of Happiest Sober Podcast, we dive into an exciting journey of experiencing an all-inclusive vacation sober for the first time. Our host, Mike Bloom, shares personal insights and valuable tips on how to navigate such travel experiences without alcohol. Having been sober for about four and a half years, Mike has embarked on various trips, but this was his first all-inclusive beach vacation since achieving sobriety—a long-awaited milestone.

As someone who used to enjoy lazy beach vacations, Mike recounts the initial feelings of nostalgia and the challenges of being in environments heavily linked to previous drinking habits. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing these emotions and transforming them into moments of gratitude and accomplishment. By reminiscing about past experiences, he encourages listeners to focus on the positive outcomes of sober travel, such as waking up hangover-free and fully embracing the vacation experience.

Mike also highlights the significance of planning activities that help maintain sober joy, whether it be a morning walk, gym session, or booking excursions like snorkeling or boat rides. He advocates for playing the tape forward—considering how you want to remember your vacation and the pride you’ll feel from maintaining sobriety. Moreover, Mike introduces RULA, an organization that partners with over 100 insurance plans to provide affordable mental health care, making therapy accessible and effective for those who need it.

He shares the benefits of engaging with a sober community through group trips, like the upcoming sober journey to Portugal, offering a supportive setting with fellow non-drinkers. This episode is a testament to the joys of traveling sober and the empowerment it brings. It’s an invitation to join a community that thrives on authentic connections and memorable experiences, reminding us all that life’s happiest moments are often those experienced sober.