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.

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