The best travel destinations for sober holidays

We’ll cheers to that

• In this article:

• Why more people are embracing sober-friendly travel

• The best country to visit for the sober-curious

• Other sober-friendly destinations to add to your bucket list

Looking to book your next getaway, but not in the market for a week of binge drinking and late nights? We’ve got your back. Here are the best travel destinations for the wellness-obsessed. 

By definition, holidays are all about enjoying yourself, seeking pleasure and relaxation in the food, culture, and sights of your chosen destination. But eating rich, decadent meals every night, accompanied by a glass or three of the region’s most famous drop can quickly start to have an effect on how you’re feeling (not to mention your waistline and your wallet).

Whether you’re eating for two (and drinking for none), below the legal drinking age, or simply want to give your liver and brain a break from the perils of a hangover, mocktails and alcohol-free beverages are fast becoming the drink of choice for travellers around the world.

To put it simply, the ways we’re choosing to explore the world and reward ourselves with a hard-earned break are changing. We’re swapping all-nighter raves in Mykonos and an endless tab of Bintang beers on a Balinese beach for wellness-focused retreats and scenic hikes.

Analysing data from TripAdvisor, TimeOut and Expedia, the locations around the globe that support a health-focused holiday have been revealed in an independent study by Lantana Recovery.

Thanks to the growing momentum of the sober curious movement, as well as a greater prioritisation of our health overall, wellness vacations are at an all-time high, being the subject of over 200k searches online this year alone. As the data suggests, Gen Z travellers appear to be championing the change, booking healthier travel experiences centred around reducing their alcohol intake.

According to Expedia’s annual travel report, 41 per cent of worldwide travellers are planning to book a detox holiday this year – a massive jump for a trend that previously only interested celebrities and people with cash to burn. 

While it’s true that any holiday location on earth should be enjoyed with or without a cocktail in hand, here are a few spots specifically designed to help the sober, wellness-conscious traveller unwind.

Looking for a wellness hotspot? Time to book a ticket to Hawaii. Image: iStock

The best wellness destination overall

Taking out the top spot is Hawaii, a longtime go-to travel destination for those looking to bask in the sea, sun and delightful culture. 

Considering factors such as Water quality, sunshine horse per annum, air quality and the number of wellness activities available to travellers, Hawaii ranked highest overall. 

The location boasts an average of 3035 hours of sun, notoriously picturesque nature backdrops (on land and at sea), 567 hiking trails and 745 listed wellness spas. With activities for adrenaline junkies and zen hens alike (517 water sports and 145 yoga retreats on offer), it’s no surprise that people are racing to book a flight to the island. 

Iceland boasts the highest number of sober-friendly activities. Image: iStock

The best destinations for sober travellers

#1. Iceland

According to TripAdvisor, if you’re on the hunt for a haven of sober-friendly activities, look no further than Iceland. Filled to the brim with national parks, stunning landscapes and majestic waterfalls, the Nordic country’s impressive list of sober activities peaks at 541.45 per 100,000 residents – the highest of any nation worldwide. 

While alcohol consumption is of course present, the country upholds strong consumption laws and a low prevalence of alcohol dependency, elevating its status as the ideal sober travel destination. Following Iceland’s lead, two other Nordic nations (Norway and Denmark) also ranked highly on the sober travel scale for largely similar reasons. 

The way we're travelling is changing. Image: iStock

#2. Italy

Following closely behind Iceland is Italy. Though the country is known for its Aperol spirits and vineyards – deeming it a surprising choice for sober-friends travel – it also boasts an impressive amount of sober-friendly activities thanks to its rich history and culture. 

Whether you’re a history buff seeking out the secrets of the Colosseum and the canals of Venice, keen to refresh your art knowledge in the streets of Florence, or are simply looking to relax on the Amalfi coast with a good book, you can certainly keep yourself occupied in Italy without visiting a bar. 

Despite higher alcohol consumption rates (as we said, it is known for its Aperols), Italy has a strong public safety and health score, providing a balanced environment for anyone looking to travel sober. 

#3. Japan

Ranking alongside Nordic gem Denmark, Japan was also listed as a must-visit spot for sober-curious holidayers. Like the countries listed above, Japan’s rich cultural heritage and tranquil landscapes make for the ideal relaxation destination. 

Though not as many as Iceland, Japan still offers plenty of sober-friendly activities, such as exploring ancient temples in Kyoto, hiking the iconic Nakasendo Way trail, and melting your stress away in the country’s hot springs. 

Strong alcohol consumption laws and a low prevalence of alcohol dependency make the Asian destination totally sober-friendly. 

Originally published as The best travel destinations for sober holidays