It’s important to ensure that your plans are in line with your recovery and that your vacation time does not interfere with your sobriety. When you’re in recovery, it’s necessary to have a proper plan — even when on vacation. There are several do’s and don’ts you should consider when planning a vacation for yourself or someone else in recovery.

At Waypoint Recovery Center, we believe that recovery is possible for anyone who desires it. We can help you proactively take steps to reduce your risk of relapse—or plan to get your recovery back on track. Vacations are supposed to be fun and relaxing, but travel can become quite stressful when your vacationing in recovery schedule is jam-packed. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going and map out any unfamiliar routes beforehand. If you’re flying and have the resources to do so, book a non-stop flight so you won’t need to worry about missing a connecting flight and being stranded in an unfamiliar city.

SOBER GREEK CRUISE

A travel buddy is not meant to be a babysitter but is there to offer support when needed. Many people will attempt to drive or fly long distances to save some money, but the best thing you https://ecosoberhouse.com/ can do for yourself is to travel safely and stress-free. If you’re terrified of flying, then avoid traveling by airplane. Instead, take a road trip or perhaps consider train travel.

• Prioritizing self-care doesn’t only have to happen on vacation.
• The staff is amazing and I couldn’t ask for a better place to just be ME.” -Tiffany W.
• Another great addition can be nutritional snacks and calming teas, like chamomile, for your carry-on or heating pads and warm blankets to soothe stressful moments.
• Get help today so you can enjoy a fulfilling, meaningful, sober lifestyle.
• We don’t have to chain ourselves to our desks until we get through the day’s to-do list.

Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood, so it’s smart to find ways to work physical activity into your trip. Whether you’re exploring a nearby park, swimming at the beach, or taking a walking tour of local attractions, staying active will make it easier to manage your cravings. If your hotel has a fitness center, you might even consider sneaking in a quick workout before the day begins.

Stay Connected to Your Sobriety

These days, I don’t even think about drinking alcohol, but if I harken back to early recovery, I remember I was afraid to go on vacation. Because everything was a reminder of the days before recovery. Airports were triggers, Jimmy Buffet songs made me think – DRINK, and unscheduled time was dangerous. There is nothing to fear about going on vacation in recovery (in fact, your family/friends will thank you for it). The trick is thinking ahead and picking the best sober vacations with a minimum of time for temptation. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or taking a trip with friends, it’s important to be honest with your travel companions about what you need as a person in recovery.

Many travel companies, cruise lines, and resorts offer alcohol-free vacations. Some destinations provide sober music festivals, spas, camping, and yoga retreats. Not only will you enjoy a sober vacation, but you will also be around a supportive network of people in recovery. A vacation is a time to relax and take a break from the daily grind at work. Whether you plan to go to the beach, go camping, or visit another country, a vacation is beneficial to your mental health.

Stay rooted in your support system

Do not miss a well-deserved vacation when you are in recovery. While sober, you will have the freedom to explore fun and exciting activities that you could not do before treatment. Most people go on vacation to relieve stress, but getting to your destination can be overwhelming and cause anxiety. Flight delays or cancellations, extra paperwork, and managing unsettled children can all contribute to unnecessary stress. If you are in early recovery, this added stress can increase the risk of relapse.

Feeling overwhelmed trying to plan out your entire vacation when all you want to do is relax? Hire a travel agent, tell them your parameters, and see what they deliver. You’ve come a long way — take some time to reward and pamper yourself.