Best Destinations for Sober Travel

Last updated on 07/02/2024

Sober travel is growing in popularity, with travelers focusing on their mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing and creating long-lasting memories that won’t be impacted by a hangover. Traveling priorities are shifting to immersion in cultural and historical experiences – taking in nature and relaxation in a different and healthier way.

At InsureMyTrip, we had a look at eight metrics including the cost of wellness retreats, the cost of domestic alcohol, and the number of World Heritage sites to find out where are the best destinations for sober travel.

Asian destinations dominate the top 10, with six countries ranked highly in the study. In these destinations, the alcohol consumption is often much lower and there is a feast for the other senses with an abundance of cultural heritage sites and relaxation spots. Two European countries, Greece and Italy, are featured in the top 10.

Nepal

In the number one spot is Nepal with an overall score of 7.02. It is known for its mountainous terrain, with Mount Everest’s summit on its border, attracting adventurous hikers from around the world.

However, for those looking for a relaxing trip, Nepal is ideal. On average, the cost of a wellness retreat is $584, which is among the cheapest in the study. Here, you can relax and absorb the tranquillity of Nepalese culture away from alcohol and enjoy the exceptional sights and delicious food.

Morocco

Morocco ranks second with an overall score of 7. It has the lowest average alcohol consumption per person per year in the top five (0.49 liters). Culturally, drinking restrictions in Morocco have led to the country being perfect for sober travelers, with plenty of festivities and experiences that do not revolve around alcohol. It also has high ratings for its national parks (4.42/5), with many wildlife areas and gorgeous treks to enjoy.

Costa Rica

North America’s only destination in the top 10 is Costa Rica in third place, known for its abundance of natural beauty and wildlife. It holds top spot for rating of national parks at 4.74 out of 5, with endless options of activities including river sports, canyoning, and hiking. If you prefer a more relaxing vacation, Costa Rica also has one of the best ratings for their spas (4.63/5), where you can put your feet up and relax with a clear head.

The study also highlights the countries with the best scores in overall categories for Best for Low Alcohol Consumption, Best Things to Do, and Best for Relaxation.

Greece

Greece tops the group for Best Things to Do and Best for Relaxation. It has 19 World Heritage Sites including the Acropolis of Athens and Delos, where travelers can learn the history of Greek mythology, scattered across the islands. Greece has the highest rated spas (4.71/5) in the top 10 and the highest number of eco-certified places to stay (300) in the whole study. There is so much to do in Greece making it the perfect spot to visit if you are looking to travel sober.

Jordan

Jordan comes in seventh place with an overall score of 6.00. It has the best ranking for low alcohol consumption as it is highly regulated, with the average price of a domestic beer being $6.35. The average person in Jordan will drink around 0.31 liters a year, which is less than one bottle of beer. The country is also known for being one of the most remarkable countries in the Middle East, with incredible history and food. It is also an archaeological haven, housing more than 100,000 sites, so there is always something to explore.

Conclusion

For a growing number of travelers, alcohol-free vacations are becoming increasingly popular. This may be because travelers are looking to enjoy a healthier lifestyle or avoid a nasty hangover on their vacation. Whether you prefer an adventure to fill your day or to recuperate in a luxury spa, there is a destination for everyone who wants to try sobriety abroad.

Methodology

Each data point consists of the latest research available from reputable sources. All sources are destination-specific level data points. The data was standardized using minmax normalization. The minmax normalization value is multiplied by 10 to create a score (between 0-10). A score of 10 is always the best result, while a score of 0 is the worst. Each destination is then ranked on their overall rating across all metrics to find which is the best destination to travel sober.