Best Sober Vacations of 2023

For people who live an alcohol-free life, going on vacation can present a challenge. It can be difficult to travel when so much of our culture surrounding celebration is centered around drinking alcohol or consuming other substances. That is why Choose Life Sober Adventures was created. Our passion is being able to see the most amazing places in the world with a community of people who are on the same life path as us, who want to enjoy life to the fullest without the influence of mind-altering substances. 

For 2023, we put together the best sober vacations available. These departures are designed for those of us who are passionate about exploring new places, connect with new friends, and disconnect from their day-to-day stressors without jeopardizing their sobriety. Our top picks for sober vacations include:

Costa Rica Sober Vacation

Costa Rica Sober Exploration & Discovery

The Costa Rica Exploration and Discovery Trip is an incredible journey that combines exploration, personal discovery, adventure and relaxation. This trip takes place in the beautiful country of Costa Rica, which is known for its natural beauty, lush rainforests, and stunning coastline. Our adventure takes us off the beaten path, away from the hustle and bustle of other tourists, and deep into the heart of this amazing country.

Over the course of six days, we’ll explore both the rainforests and the remote Pacific coast. Our activities will include hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and even surfing for those who are interested. In addition, we’ll have daily meditation and recovery meetings, wildlife walks, and yoga and mindfulness workshops.

On the first day of the trip, we’ll meet you upon arrival in Costa Rica’s western province of Guanacaste and take you to our eco-lodge at the foot of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. We’ll use this time to introduce you to your co-explorers, guides and facilitators, and to prepare you for the journey ahead.

On day two, we’ll start with an optional early yoga and meditation session, followed by a 2-mile walk through the tropical forest to Chorrera Falls. Then we’ll take to the rainforest canopy, embarking on a two-hour zip-lining and rappelling adventure through the canyon and forest, where we may even spot troops of howler monkeys, toucans, and parrots feeding in the forest. We’ll finish the day by an invigorating float down Rio Negro in inflatable tubes, catching glimpses of the surrounding wildlife.

On day three, we’ll explore the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where we’ll encounter boiling hot mud springs, fumaroles, and plenty of birdlife. We may even spot spider monkeys with their long limbs and tails floating through the rainforest trees with ease.

Day four takes us to the stunning shores of Playa Carrillo, where we’ll engage in stand-up paddleboarding or sea kayaking across some of the most serene waters on the Costa Rica coast. The natural world can amaze us when our journey aligns with the massive arrival of sea turtles laying their eggs, which we’ve been blessed to witness southward on Corozalito Beach.

On day five, we’ll awaken at Hotel Nammbu and enjoy a day of snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking at the Isla Chora National Refuge. This refuge is a small tropical island and national refuge located just a short flatwater distance from Samara Beach, where we’ll encounter sea turtles, starfish, and even “friendly” octopuses.

On day six, we’ll have a free day to relax, surf, explore, and spa before our farewell dinner and final meeting as a group.

Overall, the Costa Rica Exploration and Discovery trip is an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and personal growth. It’s the perfect opportunity to escape the concerns of everyday life, connect with like-minded sober travelers, and explore the wonders of Costa Rica in an alcohol-free environment.

Sober Vacation Machu Picchu

The Spirit of Machu Picchu

Our Machu Picchu trip is different from any other. This week-long alcohol-free exploration of one of the planet’s most mystical historical sites in the Peruvian Andes offers equal parts exploration and inspiration. Beginning in the high Andean city of Cusco, where we stay at Hotel Abittare, a deluxe accommodation just in front of the archaeological temple of Qorikancha, we wind our way through the mountain terrain, visiting villages and markets and staying in lovely haciendas, en route to the famed archeological site. 

After a Day one walking tour of the historic city of Cusco, we journey into the Sacred Valley, where we embark on an optional 6-mile casual hike starting at the archaeological complex of Chinchero and continuing through the Sacred Valley to the tiny village of Urquillos. The trail is not difficult, and the views and adventure are constant throughout the day. Overnight accommodations are at Hotel La Casona de Yucay, a serene hacienda retreat surrounded by a magnificent mountain vista.

The third day includes a visit to Pisac, nestled in the Urubamba Mountains outside of Cusco, where we have the chance to interact with the indigenous Quechua communities who arrive from the nearby hillsides to sell produce. After lunch with the people of the village of Huayllafara, the group returns to Hotel La Casona de Yucay for an afternoon of relaxation and an evening meeting among the property’s tranquil grounds. 

On day four, participants depart for Piuray Lake, where we spend the day lake kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and taking in the remarkable Andean scene. In the evening, our guides arrange a pachamanca, an authentic meal prepared in an in-ground oven with the aid of hot stones. Participants experience a special camping adventure in the remote Sacred Valley, enjoying unusual privacy in the mountains for their evening meeting amidst extraordinary scenery.

On day five, we transfer by road to the station to board a train heading towards the famed Lost City of the Incas – Machu Picchu. They travel through the valley in comfort to kilometer 104, where they begin a journey by foot along the trail to the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. After exploring for a bit, they cut across the ridge above Machu Picchu to reach Inti Punku, Gate of the Sun, where they are greeted by their first spectacular gain a glimpse into a mystical, forgotten world. In the evening, we retire to the comfort of Casa Andina, located in the village of Aguas Calientes on the shores of the Vilcanota River with views of the surrounding mountains, and gather for a meeting and to share stories of the day’s adventure.

On day six, we return by bus to Machu Picchu to explore the central elements of these fascinating ruins. An optional hike to Huayna Picchu is also available, which takes us along a stone pathway that rises nearly 1,000 feet above Machu Picchu. After returning to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon travelers are free to explore the eateries and shops in the town center before convening for a meal at a local restaurant and an evening meeting.

Our final day in the Sacred Valley provides a view of a lesser visited route outside of Cusco that brings us from highland wetlands with abundant birdlife on a downhill journey of around 3 miles to the Cara del Inca. Then we continue to the Temple of the Moon, an ancient Huaca, or ceremonial site, consisting of two caves cut into the side of a hill. Inside the caves are altars and mysterious carvings of animals and unidentified objects. The openings to the caves allow moonlight to touch the altar on certain nights. We continue descending until arriving at the main plaza of the artist’s district of San Blas, where a vehicle will be waiting to bring us to a local Cusco restaurant for a final dinner together in the Andes. Throughout the trip, participants engage in light meditation and meetings, providing a safe and supportive recovery environment.

Kenya Sober Vacation

Kenya Sober Safari of Discovery

The Kenya Safari of Discovery trip is a special adventure that takes travelers to the wildest areas of East Africa, staying at deluxe camps in private reserves where nature is at our side. The trip includes game drives, safari walks, village visits, and a behind-the-scenes exploration of a rare chimpanzee sanctuary, making the expedition truly one of a kind. Additionally, the trip features meditation and recovery meetings held within the wilds of Africa, providing you the ability to take your wellness practice on your adventure with you.

The trip begins in Nairobi, where travelers will be transferred to a quaint guesthouse for an orientation dinner and their first group meeting. On day 2, travelers will head out overland in four-by-four safari trucks northward to Ol Pejeta Reserve, one of Kenya’s famed wildlife hotspots. The reserve is home to the largest population of black rhino in East Africa and the only two northern white rhinoceros remaining in the world. The group will enjoy an afternoon game drive en route to their deluxe tented camp, Sweetwaters.

On day 3, travelers will head out in specialized safari trucks in search of game, including the “Big Five.” The group will return to camp midday to enjoy brunch and then some time to rest on the grounds before gathering for a meeting. In the afternoon, the group will head out on an afternoon/early evening game drive in search of wildlife, returning in time for dinner in Africa’s wild.

On day 4, the group will visit Ol Pejeta’s chimpanzee sanctuary and have the rare opportunity to enter the sanctuary and gain a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day care of the chimpanzees. In the afternoon, the group will head out on a game drive, returning to camp for their evening meal and a meeting under the African stars.

On day 5, the group will depart from Ol Pejeta, searching for wildlife as they depart the reserve. The group will then drive to Nairobi, taking in small African villages and having cultural experiences that most travelers miss.

On day 6, the group will depart from Nairobi for a private conservancy in the Masai Mara, giving them an exclusive away-from-the-crowds safari experience. The Lemek Conservancy is home to all the wildlife of the Masai Mara National Reserve, which is Kenya’s wildlife jewel, but with very few other visitors around. The group will enjoy an afternoon/evening game drive, staying out well after dark.

On day 7, the group will journey into the plains on a full-day safari, enjoying a picnic lunch in the bush. They will gain an understanding of natural life in the African wild, with the possibility of witnessing Africa’s great migration.

On day 8, the group will head out into the bush seeking close-up wildlife encounters, enjoying a yoga-stretching session and a mid-morning meeting. After a midday rest, they will journey back to the savanna for their final game drive.

On day 9, the group will enjoy their final morning in the African bush before journeying through the reserve and arriving in Nairobi in the late afternoon.

Choose community, choose adventure, Choose Life.

Are you ready for a truly transformative adventure? Choose Life Sober Adventures invites you to explore some of the most incredible and exotic locations on earth, while also experiencing the connection and fellowship of a sober community. From Africa’s breathtaking savannas to the jungles of Costa Rica, our trips offer unique opportunities for personal growth and adventure. So why wait? Contact us today to learn more about our upcoming trips and start planning your next unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re seeking to open a new chapter of your life or simply a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, Choose Life Sober Adventures has a trip that’s perfect for you. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to see the world and experience the joy of sober living. Contact us now to get started!