Why I Don’t Do All-Inclusive Resorts Anymore (Unless They’re Sober AF)
Discover why all-inclusive resorts no longer align with sober travel. Learn how choosing sober-friendly vacations brings peace, presence, and real joy.
Vacation Mode Used to Mean Bottomless Drinks
For years, I was all about the all-inclusive life. Unlimited cocktails, poolside fun, and zero responsibilities — it felt like freedom. Like a reward for surviving the grind of daily life.
But when I got sober, that “vacation mode” turned into something else entirely. What used to feel fun and freeing started feeling like a trap.
Sobriety and the Resort Scene Don’t Always Mix
I’ve booked those trips post-sobriety. I’ve sat in the middle of party pools at 10 a.m. while everyone else took shots. I’ve watched slurred dinners, endured loud, boozy nights, and asked myself:
Is this really relaxing? Or am I just pretending again?
For me — someone who fought hard for sobriety — those environments became emotional battlegrounds. I was either white-knuckling my way through or completely checking out. And neither of those felt like peace.
My New Vacation Rule:
If the vibe is “drink or die,” I’m not going.
Unless it’s a sober-friendly or wellness-focused resort, I skip it — unapologetically.
What Happened Next Changed Everything
I started actually vacationing. Mornings began with sunrise yoga, not hangovers. Afternoons were spent in nature or journaling by the sea. Nights ended with connection and real laughter — the deep-belly kind, not tipsy giggles.
I didn’t just survive my vacations anymore. I thrived in them. I woke up present for the life I planned.
Sober Travel = Real Freedom
If you’re newly sober or questioning the whole “vacation = alcohol” model — you’re not alone. You’re not boring. You’re actually showing up.
Follow me on Instagram @theadgeofsobriety for more tips, destination ideas, and real talk about sober travel.