The summer is coming and travel season is upon us. Once upon a time, that used to mean hitting the bars until the wee hours. Instead of creating memories that would last a lifetime, we had fleeting moments of fun we will never remember. Through recovery, we realize that there is more to life than those unmemorable moments. That is what traveling is all about.

 

Traveling is a way to expand your mind, stimulate your senses, and enrich your dedication to staying sober. We travel far to find who we really are and it’s in those moments we truly grow. Here are some great ways to travel this summer without compromising your recovery.

Go to a Meeting

Seriously. You may be on vacation, but you’re also still on your journey to recovery. Seek out a meeting as soon as you reach your destination. One to two hours in a weekend, week, or two-week vacation is not a lot of time in the grand scheme of life. Also, it’s a great way to network.

 

Whenever you visit a city, always chat with locals. That way they can tell you which tourist attractions are worth the time, and which not-so-well-known attractions you should see. Also, these people are sober in the area you are visiting. They are pretty much your concierge to sober traveling!

Take a Hike

When you’re on vacation, you’re not there to see the hotel, bar, or restaurant. You are there to see the place you are visiting. Go see it!

 

Vacations are more than just partying and spending your wealth. It’s about disconnecting from daily stress and celebrating yourself. The best way to do that is to get off the grid and hit the reboot button.

 

Get outdoors. Nothing clears your mind more than getting into nature. Take a hike. Spend hours taking pictures of the scenery. Stop to read the little tidbits of information shared on nature paths. Yeah, even that super long story about the tree you’re passing by. Take the time to enjoy your vacation.

Travel with Someone You Trust

If you want to travel but have some doubts about sobriety, then go with someone you can trust. This comfort is essential, especially if this is your first time traveling sober. In that case, you might want to travel with someone else who has been sober for a while or a loved one who would remain sober the whole time too.

 

In case you do travel with someone who needs a beverage or two to unwind on vacation, please take a moment to evaluate the situation. How serious does this person take your sobriety? We all know that after a few drinks even the best-intentioned person can make poor decisions, including peer pressuring their recovering friend to relapse on vacation. Don’t travel with this person.

 

Most importantly, make sure you tell your sponsor you’re going on vacation. Ask them for tips and let them know they’re on call. Don’t give in. You have this under control.