Experienced a sober vacation in Italy, resulting in an enhanced travel experience without alcohol consumption.
Swapping booze for sightseeing, that's the buzz on my second trip to Italy! Last time out, I was stumbling through the Colosseum with a hangover, but two years later, I was a stone-cold sober spectator, ready to soak up the beauty this incredible country has to offer.
Fast forward to now, I've been sober for about 600 days, and the thought of stepping foot back in the land of vineyards and Aperol Spritz didn't give me the shakes, not even a little. Sobriety has transformed me, from my relationships to my parenting skills – and traveling sober has been a game-changer.
My one-week sober sojourn with my kids stands out as one of the most memorable trips of my life. Sure, there were wine tastings and signs advertising Aperol Spritz everywhere, but I stumbled upon a wealth of activities that had zilch to do with the swill. From shopping in the heart of Rome to taking a pasta-making class in Tuscany, I immersed myself in the Italian experience without a drop of alcohol.
A Booze-free Bonanza
I mean, come on, who needs alcohol when you’ve got gelato, pizza, and the chance to marvel at the Colosseum through my movie-loving son's eyes? I'll take that over a limp spaghetti and questionable wine any day.
My kids, who had never been to Italy, were as captivated as I was – from my daughter's delight in the taste of authentic pasta to my son's fascination with the Colosseum, thanks to "Gladiator." Sobriety allowed me to be fully present and enjoy every moment with my little warriors.
Up at Dawn, Alert all Day
Our travels took us from Rome to Florence and ended in Venice. Waking up at the crack of dawn wasn't always my favorite thing, especially when there was cocktails involved in my past. But this time around, I was in bed by 10 PM every single night, sipping on herbal tea and reading a good book, ready to conquer the day minus the hangover.
Since we were participating in a guided group tour, waking up early gave us access to special experiences, like early morning visits to the Vatican Museums and high-speed train rides from Florence to Venice. Screw hazy memories from the night before – sobriety has its perks!
A Cultured Journey, not an Inebriated Odyssey
Italians love their wine, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that my pasta dinners without a glass of red didn't leave me with a void in my heart or my stomach. Our itinerary was focused on learning about Italy's rich history and culture, with plenty of incredible food, of course.
Even in Tuscany, the land of wine, I joined a farm tour while my fellow travelers were wine tasting. My choice to skip the sauce wasn’t about having an "alcohol problem," but about eliminating anxiety, exhaustion, and a host of health issues from my life.
Comparing my two trips to Italy, I'd pick the sober one any day – and I don’t even have to squint to remember it!
What a delightful and enriching experience travel had become without alcohol, turning my journey into a cultured exploration rather than an inebriated odyssey. I marveled at the Colosseum through my son's movie-loving eyes, savored gelato and authentic pasta, and embraced a healthier lifestyle in the heart of Italy's vibrant culture.
