Recently Dr. Gayle MacBride was asked that very question. Here’s her response:
“Drytripping,” quite simply, is intentionally making the choice to not consume alcohol while on vacation.
On “vacy” we can tend to over indulge and abstaining from alcohol can be beneficial because we tend to remember things more clearly and we don’t experience the lapses in judgement that can occur when alcohol is on board. In the long run you will recall more of your vacation experiences, making it more meaningful in the long run. It might also mean that we make safe decisions while we are active on vacation if we are doing those things without alcohol.
Alcohol can have negative effects on your health, and abstaining from it can lead to a healthier vacation experience. You may have more energy, better sleep, and feel physically better throughout your trip. For example, alcohol can be very dehydrating and this impact is intensified if we are consuming alcohol in warm climates. Also, alcohol can have a detrimental impact on your sleep. Consuming alcohol and combining it with Jet Lag can be a bad idea.
You may engage more with local culture, food, and activities when you’re not under the influence of alcohol. Being sober allows you to immerse yourself in the destination’s unique offerings.
Alcoholic beverages can be expensive, and by abstaining, you can save money that you can use for other experiences, souvenirs, or even future trips.
Avoiding alcohol can help ensure your safety and the safety of those around you, especially if you’re engaging in activities like driving, water sports, or hiking. Driving in areas you don’t know well, often after dark is compromised with even a little alcohol consumption, and often people are not stopping at their usual limit. In vacation towns the criminal element may take advantage of those who are passing through town. Tourists can be at risk of having something added to their drink, making them easier targets for crime.
By remaining alcohol free ensures you do miss an excursion planned for the next day. All too often people book activities, but then due to being over served the night before, they miss or at very least, don’t enjoy the next day’s activities due to the impact of the hangover.
The benefits of sobriety on the trip are outlined above and the opportunity to drink very lightly on vacation will allow the traveler to enjoy local alcohol that might be a specialty of the area. This can be an added positive cultural and culinary experience of the trip. Also, having a drink or two may add the “social lubricant” to activities or interactions, but not have the significantly detrimental impacts of over-consumption.
Drinking lightly on a trip can enhance the “vacation vibe” that really helps set the tone of being carefree and away from your stressors (vs using alcohol as the stress reliever itself).
By not consuming alcohol, you can remain more present and mindful throughout your vacation. This heightened awareness allows you to appreciate your surroundings and experiences more deeply.
Abstaining from alcohol can lead to improved physical and mental health during your vacation. You may have more energy, better sleep, and an overall sense of well-being. This may actually give you the rest you are seeking on vacation instead of the feeling that you need a vacation after your vacation.
Without the impairments associated with alcohol consumption, you are likely to remember more of your vacation experiences, instead of looking at photos and asking yourself, “when did I do that?”
Alcoholic beverages can be expensive, especially in tourist areas. By not drinking, you can save money to spend on other experiences, activities, or souvenirs.
Being sober can allow you to be more aware of what is going on around you in the local culture. When you are more connected to where you are, you may see things that you’d otherwise miss if you are just looking for the next bar.
Abstaining from alcohol can lead to more meaningful connections with your travel companions. You can have deeper conversations and shared experiences without the influence of alcohol. Conversations with alcohol may seem “deeper”, but often they are in the context or feeling a bit disinhibited by the alcohol.
If you are not drinking on vacation you may find yourself doing other things that keep you away from the bar areas at times when crime may occur. So the biggest opportunity here is continued safety.
If you are focused on a sober trip, then you may be looking for activities that enhance this like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, nature hikes, or spa treatments that promote relaxation and self-care. It may also push you to look for other new experiences like foods you haven’t tried or other interesting cultural activities that can take you out of your comfort zone or give you a bit of a thrill (sports or excursions)
Maybe you are someone who likes a challenge and you want to do something that your friends haven’t tried yet. Try sobriety as a personal challenge that can lead to growth and self-discovery, testing your self-control and discipline.
Finally, setting an example, if you are traveling with family or friends, your decision to abstain from alcohol can set a positive example for others and encourage responsible drinking.
If you’re trying this for the first time, here are some suggestions to help:
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Choose the right destination: Opt for a destination that aligns with your interests and activities you enjoy, whether it’s hiking, exploring cultural landmarks, or relaxing on a beach. Having a clear purpose for your trip can help you stay focused on your sober goals.
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Plan ahead: Research and plan your itinerary in advance. Look for activities, attractions, and experiences that don’t revolve around alcohol. This will help you stay engaged and excited about your trip. Maybe even make a back up plan if your travel companions don’t honor your request/decision for a dry vacation.
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Introspect before you leave: Drinking can be enjoyable in its own right, but really thinking about the role/purpose/function alcohol is serving during your vacation can help you be clear about the “why”. If you are drinking to unwind, try doing that activity with the alcohol. Being clear on the “why” can help clarify the “why not”.
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Communicate with travel companions: If you’re traveling with others, let them know about your decision to take a sober vacation. Discuss your expectations so they can support your choices and plan activities that everyone can enjoy.
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Seek out sober-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals that offer amenities and activities suitable for non-drinkers. Some places may offer wellness programs, yoga classes, or other alternatives to traditional bar scenes. You might even book a private rental property instead of a commercial hotel just as a way to not have to pass by the hotel bar.
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Find sober communities: Research local support groups or online communities for travelers who prefer to stay sober. These communities can provide valuable information, recommendations, and a sense of camaraderie during your trip.
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Plan non-alcoholic alternatives: Explore local cuisine, try exotic non-alcoholic beverages, or indulge in gourmet food experiences. Part of planning will be to know what alternatives might be available to you or even take something with you (maybe a water additive or the like) or to buy this kind of thing when you get to town.
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Stay active: Incorporate physical activities into your itinerary, such as hiking, biking, or water sports. Active pursuits not only keep you engaged but also boost your mood and energy levels.
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Keep a journal: Document your sober travel experiences in a journal or blog. Reflecting on your journey can help you gain insights and appreciate the positive aspects of your trip.
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Stay hydrated: Especially in warm or tropical destinations, it’s essential to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle with you as a reminder. Also, be wary of salty snacks in tourist areas. They are likely inducing thirst and may take advantage if you don’t have that water bottle or hydrating drink readily available.
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Have a plan for handling triggers: Identify potential triggers to deviate from your plan that might tempt you to drink and have a plan for dealing with them. Whether it’s stress, social pressure, or boredom. Planning ahead tends to increase successful outcomes.
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