Travelling whilst still in recovery can feel like a huge milestone for a lot of people. For many
people still recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction, getting back on the road after alcohol
rehab or alcohol detox marks a powerful moment.
There has been continued interest in travel across the Gulf region for a long time, with
holiday and travel destinations such as the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman continuing to
attract visitors looking for culture and a lot of sunshine.
However, for those who are still in recovery, travel can come with a number of mixed
emotions. For example, for a lot of people, excitement often sits very close to anxiety. This is
due to the unfamiliar routines, long journeys, social expectations, and exposure to triggers
that a lot of people experience during travel. Unfortunately, this can test even the strongest
commitment to sobriety.
Thankfully, the Gulf is one of the most recovery-friendly regions to explore whilst trying to
remain sober. This is because there are a number of alcohol-free environments, rich cultural
attractions and a growing focus on wellness and recovering.
This article shares practical advice for travelling sober in the Gulf. This includes practical
advice on how to better manage triggers whilst travelling, how to protect your recovery and
how to discover activities that make the journey meaningful, memorable and most of all
sober.
Why Does the Gulf Region Work So Well for Sober Travel?
drinking culture. In the Golf, alcohol is restricted or heavily regulated, which can be a relief
for anyone managing addiction recovery. Likewise, in the Golf, socialising often centres
around food, coffee, family, culture and outdoor experiences, rather than nightlife and
drinking.
For travellers who have recently completed a detox or a stint in drug and alcohol rehab, this
environment can feel supportive, rather than limiting. This is because there is less pressure
to join in with drinking, and more freedom to focus on experiences that promote wellbeing
and recovery.
Preparing for Travel After Rehab or Detox
As with most things when it comes to travel, preparation is everything. This is particularly
true when you are travelling whilst still in recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction. A little
planning before you leave can prevent stressful situations, exposure to triggers and protect
the progress you have made so far.
There are a number of things that you should do in preparation for your travel plans. For
example, you should start by checking in with yourself, truthfully and honestly. You should
ask yourself a number of questions such as how stable your recovery and sobriety is
currently feeling, how long it has been since you last relapsed and whether you currently feel
strong enough to be exposed to triggers, should they happen.
If the answers to these questions feel overwhelming, then you might need to consider
shorter trips or slower itineraries to begin with. If you have worked with a therapist or rehab
professional, or recently completed alcohol rehab, discussing travel plans in advance with
them might be useful. You could always start by talking through your potential triggers, what
your coping strategies might be and how you might react if you are exposed to any triggers.
Practical steps also matter. For example, you should always take the time to research
accommodation, plan activities in advance to make sure that they are right with you and try
to identify support contacts, you can reach out should any cravings, triggers or anxiety
arise.
Choosing the Right Accommodation
the Gulf, many hotels cater to families, business travellers and wellness holidays, which can
make sober travel a lot easier.
When booking a hotel in the Gulf, you should consider hotels that promote wellness such as
spa hotels or fitness hotels. You should also try to choose locations that are more close to
cultural attractions or other points of interest instead of nightlife culture.
There are now a lot more luxury hotels that do not serve alcohol which should always be
considered. Knowing this in advance helps to avoid awkward moments and reduces the
chances of being exposed to triggers.
Sober Activities in the Gulf
One of the biggest myths about addiction recovery is that life becomes smaller when you
suffer from an addiction and when you are in recovery. However, in reality, sober travel often
feels better because experiences are fully remembered and genuinely enjoyed when you are
sober, as opposed to being high or drunk.
The Gulf offers a range of different activities that support sobriety, some of which are listed
below.
1. Cultural Exploration
In the Gulf there are a number of museums, mosques and historic areas and villages to visit.
For example, cities such as Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat offer some amazing places to visit
which would not involve drinking alcohol.
2. Desert Experiences
Likewise, there are a number of desert safaris, dune walks and sunrise tours that create
powerful moments of wellbeing, meditation and reflection. These experiences often replace
old and less positive habits with new memories and habits that aid recovery.
3. Wellness and Self-Care
There are also a number of spa hotels, yoga retreats and beachside wellness centers in the
area. Many travelers in recovery use trips to these places as an extension of their rehab
program and aftercare.
Managing Triggers While Travelling
Triggers do not disappear just because you are travelling or on holiday. Unfortunately, travel
comes with a lot of stress from the airports, flights and lack of routine which can often trigger
a lot of people with addiction and with mental health issues.
Common travel triggers include delayed flights, a lack of sleep, feeling isolated in unfamiliar
places and meeting new people. If you are triggered by any of these things, then there are
some simple strategies that can help.
For example, you should try to build rest into your schedule as much as possible, make sure
that you regularly eat and stay hydrated to manage your mood swings. Likewise, you should
also try to carry grounding tools such as music or even a journal.
It is important to understand that triggers and cravings are incredibly hard to avoid
altogether. If and when cravings do appear, then you should treat them as information rather
than failure. It is also important to remember that cravings do pass, even when they feel
intense.
When Travel Becomes Part of Recovery and Healing
For some people, travel marks a huge turning point in their recovery. Being in a new
environment allows space to reflect on how far you have come since recovering from your
addiction and also allows you to celebrate this new stage in your life.
It is important to understand that travel does not undo all of your hard work when it comes to
your recovery. Each choice you make during your travels will strengthen your confidence
and trust in yourself and your recovery. However, the Gulf region truly offers an ideal setting
for people who are rebuilding their lives after an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Whether you have just recovered after attending an alcohol detox, feeling steady after
receiving rehab treatment or are years into your recovery journey, travelling sober is not
about restriction. Travelling sober is about the freedom that you have earnt. This includes
the freedom that allows you to now remember moments more clearly, wake up without regret
and return home stronger than you have ever been.
It is important to understand that preparation is key when it comes to travelling whilst in
recovery. Look into where you want to stay and who you want to travel with. With
preparation, awareness and support, sober travel in the Gulf can be incredibly rewarding,
empowering, and a lot of fun.
