Your First Sober Holiday: How to Travel Without Booze (and Actually Enjoy It)
- Ali Payne
- Aug 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 24
No prosecco in the departure lounge. No G&T on the plane. No problem.
For years, alcohol and travel went hand in hand. The airport glass of fizz, the in-flight gin and tonic, the arrival cocktail — they all felt like part of the holiday experience. A ritual. A reward. You’d earned it after all.
So when you’re taking your first alcohol-free holiday, the idea of travelling sober might feel… weird. Even uncomfortable. Like something’s missing.
Let me reassure you: you’re not alone, and this is completely normal. But I promise — with a little intention and a few new rituals, your first sober trip can feel more relaxing, more empowering, and way more you.
Airports Without Alcohol: Why It Feels So Weird
Airports are funny places — out side of time, full of indulgence, chaos, and over-priced snacks. And for many women, airport drinking became a way to switch into “holiday mode.”
That first glass often symbolised freedom, escape, relaxation. So it’s no surprise that being at the airport sober for the first time can feel like you’re breaking an unspoken rule.
But here’s the truth:You don’t need alcohol to start your holiday.You just need a new way to mark the moment.
5 Feel-Good Ways to Travel Alcohol-Free
Here are some simple swaps and supportive ideas to help you feel calm, grounded, and even a bit indulgent — without the booze.
1. Create a New Airport Ritual
Instead of heading to the bar, try this:
Duty-free — treat yourself to something luxe.
Fancy coffee & a pastry — choose somewhere that feels a bit special.
Journal at the gate — reflect on how far you’ve come or set intentions for your trip.
Walk, stretch, people-watch — take it slow, be present. You’re allowed to enjoy this.
2. Pack a Sober Travel Playlist or Podcast
Listening to a great podcast can be a brilliant way to keep your mind engaged and your energy focused.
Here are a few to try:
Music more your vibe? Make a playlist that feels empowering, upbeat, or peaceful — whatever matches your travel mood.
3. Upgrade Your In-Flight Ritual
You can still have a “drink” — just make it an alcohol-free one and decide in advance what that will be.
Pair it with a book, podcast, or meditation, and you’ll land feeling refreshed instead of regretful.
4. Bring a Treat for the Flight
Download a film or Netflix show you’ve been dying to watch, bring a snack you actually love (not just plane snacks), or grab a magazine that feels indulgent.
5. Don’t Romanticise the Booze — Romanticise the Freedom
Alcohol on flights often leaves you tired, puffy, dehydrated, and low-key annoyed by everything. Sobriety gives you:
Clear skin
Energy on arrival
A calm, proud feeling that only grows stronger
Focus on how good it feels to arrive clear, present, and proud.
If You Feel Triggered, Remember This:
You are allowed to feel uncomfortable, emotional, or tempted. This is new. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong — it just means you’re creating new memories.
And remember: you’re not giving up anything. You’re gaining peace, clarity, and self-trust — one flight at a time.
Your first sober holiday is a huge milestone — and one you’ll remember more clearly than any other.
Give yourself permission to do things differently. To treat yourself kindly. To be proud of showing up for this version of your life — one that doesn’t need a drink to feel like a break.
Here’s to alcohol-free adventures — and all the beauty you’ll remember clearly.
