10 Alcohol-Free Activities to Try While Travelling
Introduction
Sober travel is anything but boring and I don’t know why there’s this idea that because somebody doesn’t drink, their life must be dull. Especially because my life has without a doubt gotten more fun since getting sober. Travelling alcohol-free has helped me stay grounded, present and way more intentional about how I spend my time. Whether you are sober, sober-curious or taking a break from booze while you travel this post is for you! Here are 10 of my favourite alcohol-free ways to spend my time and make the most of my travels.
1. Join a Local Walking or Food Tour
One of my favourite things to do while travelling is join a local tour. It’s such a fun and easy way to learn more about the culture and history of the place you’re visiting. Tours are also a great way to meet other travellers—especially those who share your interests. Plus, many of them run during the day and are completely alcohol-free, which makes them perfect for sober or low-key travellers.
A walking tour is a great way to discover things in the city you may not have found without a local guide. There are also so many free walking tours which are great for budget travellers. They work on a tip basis so you pay as much as you want. Some companies that offer free tours are Freetour and GuruWalk.
Food tours are also a great way to try some local dishes and get to know the culture through the food. Street food tours are super popular and a lot of fun. GetYourGuide is a great place to find food tours and where I book a lot of my tours. Just note that some food tours are at night so be sure to check if it’s a sober-friendly tour to be sure it’s alcohol-free.
Pav Bhaji from my street food tour in Mumbai, India.
2. Take a Yoga or Fitness Class
Staying active and prioritizing movement can feel like a struggle while we travel. But, if you make time for it and treat it like any other new experience it can be a lot of fun. Trying a new style of yoga, fitness class or checking out local studios can take us outside of our comfort zone, which is a great place to be.
Find a local fitness class, yoga studio, or even look for beach yoga (if location allows). These are great places to meet people in an alcohol-free environment that prioritizes wellness.
I spent a week at this yoga retreat centre in Kampot, Cambodia.
3. Explore Nature: Hike, Swim, Dive or Rent a Bike
Getting outside and enjoying the beauty of nature is one of the best things to do while we travel. Going on a hike, swimming in the ocean, scuba diving or even renting a bike are just some of the outdoor activities to do while travelling. Even if you are staying in a city try to find a local park you can spend some time in. Time in nature is healing and the perfect way to reset and recharge while we travel.
Soaking up the Views while hiking in Sa Pa, Vietnam.
4. Visit Museums or Cultural Sites
Museums, art galleries and landmarks always inspire me and teach me so much about the world. You could always go on a guided tour of the city or a museum, to learn more in depth and it’s another way to meet other travellers. For museums I personally think an audio guide and taking it at your own place is the best way to do it (my dream day).
Admiring the incredible works in the Museo Nacional de Prado in Madrid, Spain. Saw one of my favourite paintings that day, Saturn Devouring His Son by Francisco Goya.
5. Attend a Local Workshop or Class
I love to learn something new and enjoy having a creative travel experience. Whether that be a jewelry making class, language, dance or cooking class. Gaining a new skill is one of the best things to leave a country with and it is a great way to meet locals and other travellers who share similar interests to you. Another benefit is that most classes and workshops are during the day and are alcohol-free.
Jewelry making class I took in Bali, Indonesia.
6. Catch a Sunrise or Sunset View
Completely free and incredible to witness every single time (my camera roll is full of stunning sunsets). A great way to be mindful and a great place to journal or reflect on your travels. But be aware that some popular places to view the sunset may have people drinking (like the beaches of Thailand) but I just bring my fave non-alcoholic drink and have my own little reflection time.
Dreamy Sunset in Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia.
7. Go Cafe-Hopping or Try Local Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Lots of places are famous for their alcohol production which can leave you feeling left out as a sober traveller. But, luckily lots of other places are popular for their non-alcoholic drinks and their cafe culture. Places like Vietnam and Australia which are known for their amazing coffee. And Thailand is known for its unique cafe experiences. Lots of cafes are open during the day and the emphasis is on non-alcoholic drinks, so you don’t have to miss out on drinking anything.
Cafe-Hopping in Melbourne, Australia. The coffee is unreal down under!
8. Journal Your Experiences
Travel journaling is an amazing way to reflect, stay present and capture all the special moments that make your trip so special. I love to write in my journal at a cafe, out in nature or in my evenings. Journaling is a really important part of my alcohol-free travel routine. It keeps me grounded when I’m often moving around.
Journaling in Lumphini Park in Bangkok, Thailand. I go everywhere with my journal!
9. Discover a Local Bookstore
If you are a book lover like me then there’s nothing quite like roaming through a bookstore. They are cozy spots you can recharge, discover your next reads and spend some quiet time if you are seeking some peace. You can also find travel guides or books set in your location which is a great way to fully immersive yourself.
Nothing quite like a used bookstore. There are so many discover in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
10. Visit Local Markets
Local markets are some of my favourite places for people watching, eating delicious food and buying one of a kind items. You can spend a just a few hours or a good chunk of your day discovering new things there. A lot of markets happen just on the weekend or during the day so they are great things to do without drinking.
Exploring Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, Thailand.
Conclusion
If you are just starting your sober journey I hope you’re feeling a bit more confident that your life is doomed to be boring. Sober travel doesn’t mean missing out but, choosing real connection, presence and creating incredible memories. This list just covers some of my favourite things but there is a whole world to discover. If you have any alcohol-free activities I didn’t mention on this list I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Still feeling worried about sober travel check out my other post From FOMO to Freedom: How Sobriety Transformed My Solo Travel Experience.
