If you’ve ever wondered whether travel and sobriety can truly go hand in hand, episode 10 of the Sober Curator Podcast, “Hooked Travel with Darci Murray,” is about to open your eyes—and your heart. In this vibrant, laughter-filled discussion, host Alysse Bryson and co-host Tamar Routly welcome Darci Murray, founder of Hooked Alcohol Free Travel, for an inside look at adventuring around the globe—without booze.
Darci’s journey to sobriety is deeply personal, but her passion for redefining travel experiences is universal. As a mom of four boys and a veteran travel agent, she reached a pivotal moment when alcohol simply stopped serving her—and began hindering her day-to-day life, especially as a parent. Her decision to embrace sobriety wasn’t only about removing alcohol, but about actively choosing a fuller, richer life: “If I want to be the best mom possible, I need to quit drinking,” she says. This clarity led Darci not only to shed shame, but to channel her expertise and entrepreneurial spirit into creating Hooked Alcohol Free Travel—an inclusive community where like-minded explorers can discover the world, remember the journey, and truly enjoy every moment.
How Hooked Alcohol Free Travel Began
Hooked was born from a coffee date where Darci and a friend realized there was a gap in the travel industry for sober adventurers. Why should sober trips be limited or exclusive? Darci’s answer was simple: “Let’s launch like a completely sober travel company.” Given her 20-year background as a travel agent, creating unforgettable itineraries was already her forte. Hooked quickly grew, launching its first group trip after the pandemic lockdowns in 2022, and is now celebrated for its vibrant, inclusive approach to global exploration.
Through Hooked, Darci champions travel that isn’t about bar-hopping or waking up hungover, but rather about immersing yourself in new cultures, savoring authentic experiences, and forging deep connections with fellow travelers. In her words, “We all have that commonality, and it just kind of goes from there. It’s really a remarkable thing to watch.” Every trip—whether it’s Tanzania for safari adventures, the Maldives for stunning seascapes, or even vibrant Vegas—emphasizes true presence, genuine connection, and all the pinch-me moments that travelers actually remember.
Darci also dispels any notion that sober travel is limiting or less fun. She shares that sober travelers want the same adventurous destinations as anyone else—be it Ireland, Greece, or all-inclusive cruises—but with the support of a like-minded community. It’s about inclusion, adventure, and the joy of memory-making.
Upcoming Adventures and the Sober Love Boat
One of the major highlights discussed is the upcoming Sober Love Boat cruise to Alaska in 2025, with Alysse Bryson (celebrating her 50th) joining the festivities. Princess Cruises has leaned into the sober movement by offering outstanding alcohol-free beverage options, including Blake Lively’s Betty Buzz line and a variety of zero-proof spirits and mocktails. For Hooked travelers, this means the freedom to enjoy world-class amenities and dazzling destinations—minus the booze—with themed parties, games nights, group excursions, and even a murder mystery experience in the works.
Darci also reveals plans for other group trips, including a dry grad adventure to Thailand with an elephant sanctuary experience, and an alcohol-free wine tour through Germany and Austria—proving the demand and excitement for sober travel is on the rise.
Darci’s enthusiasm is palpable. Founding Hooked let her trade private shame for public pride: “Opening Hooked has completely changed me as a person…I’ve created a space for like-minded people to enhance their lives through travel.” For her, sobriety isn’t about giving things up, but gaining everything: family connection, adventure, laughter, and real memories. Her travel brand is about saying yes—to the world, to new friends, to wild experiences, and, most of all, to herself.
Ready to Join the Sober Adventure?
Learn more about upcoming Hooked trips (like the legendary Alaska Sober Love Boat cruise, Thailand dry grad, or the Germany-Austria alcohol-free wine experience) by heading to Hooked Alcohol Free Travel’s website or following Darci on Instagram at @hooked.alcoholfreetravel.
Listen to the Episode Now
Getting sober is one thing—but staying sober? That’s where the real adventure begins.
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– Where can I find inspiring sober podcasts, apps, and creators?
– How do I give back or stay plugged into the sober community
– What are the best sober-friendly drinks and travel tips?
– Where do I find the good NA drinks that don’t taste like regret?
The Sober Curator is your go-to for sober pop culture, booze-free travel, apps, creators, and community.
We’re not here to help you get sober.
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We went full pilgrimage to Astoria and then sat down with Behman Zakeri — the lifelong Goonies superfan who actually bought the Goonies house. He walks us through the wild buy, the meticulous restoration (yes, the Rube Goldberg works), and how he keeps the magic open to fans without wrecking the neighbors’ peace. It’s fandom, boundaries, community… and a reminder that “Goonies never say die” is a sober mantra, too.
Takeaways:
Fandom → stewardship: buying the house wasn’t flex, it was a promise to share it with the world.
Restoration with receipts: original red trim, distressed fence, working Rube Goldberg (robot chicken and all).
Boundaries matter: welcome the selfies; respect the neighborhood and the porch unless invited.
Community funds community: a simple donation box helps cover upkeep and keeps the Goon Docs open.
Sober parallel: “Goonies never say die” = one-day-at-a-time resilience.
Key Timestamps:
[00:02:16] Why this convo: fandom, boundaries, and keeping the magic without chaos.
[00:16:23] “Tell us everything”: the surreal buy + underdog energy.
[00:20:45] The attic, the missing stairs, and the decision to “bring the magic back.”
[00:25:06] Chosen over higher offers: why the seller picked heart over money.
[00:30:01] Rebuilding the Rube Goldberg so it finally works start-to-finish.
[00:41:09] No business, just joy: free tours for charity, Halloween Baby Ruths, and set-design secrets.
Resources & Links:
–Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
–Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
–LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
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About:
Sobriety isn’t the end of the party—it’s just the start of a better one. Hosted by Alysse Bryson, media powerhouse and sobriety’s ultimate hype woman, and joined by Sober Curator contributors, The Sober Curator Podcast* delivers bold convos, pop culture deep dives, and zero-proof living that doesn’t suck. Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just looking for good vibes without the hangover, we’ve got you covered. Subscribe now—because getting sober matters, staying sober matters more.
*The Sober Curator Podcast is a space for open and honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and alcohol-free living. While we celebrate all paths to a sober lifestyle, some topics discussed may be sensitive or triggering for certain listeners. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you’re in recovery or exploring sobriety, please take care while listening and seek support from trusted professionals as needed.
WHAT A TRIP! Discover the Serenity of Alaska on the Boozeless Cruise with Hooked on Travel – July 2025 – CABINS STILL AVAILABLE!
SOBER UNBUZZED FEED: 25 Reasons Not to Miss the 2025 A.A. International Convention in July…Even if You’re Not in A.A.
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND & NETWORK at The Sober Curator is your audio haven for all things sobriety and recovery. We’re your bee-zy sober podcast enthusiasts, curating the best shows that educate, inspire, and entertain in the alcohol-free space.
Our archives are neatly organized so you can easily explore Recovery Podcastland—featuring our favorite recovery-based podcasts from across the globe—and the TSC Podcast Network, where we share our own original shows on sober lifestyle, pop culture, travel, entertainment, and more.
Whether you’re seeking practical recovery tips, personal stories, or uplifting inspiration, this is your go-to listening guide.
✈️ Sober Adventures Wanted! 🏞️
Have you taken a trip without the booze but with all the epic vibes? Did you hike majestic trails, sip fancy mocktails poolside, or just find a quiet corner of the world where your soul could exhale? We want the juicy details (and the jaw-dropping pics)! The Sober Curator is putting together the ultimate sober travel guide—and your story could be the highlight.
Send us a postcard!
(And by that we mean… save the stamp and shoot us an email. We’re cool like that.)
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
