For years, I convinced myself that I loved the whole business trip gig. I was all about the airports, the upgrades, those fancy company-card dinners — the entire “consultant lifestyle.” I told myself people envied me.
But the truth? It was a pretty simple one: I wasn’t traveling. I was drinking my way through a job I hated, relying on the false comforts of alcohol.
When the travel stopped, I was left staring at the reality that I didn’t actually like who I was. My coworkers resented me, my reputation was in tatters, and every attempt at a “fresh start” felt as fake as a reality TV show. I went as far as dyeing my hair brown, adopting a dog, and trying to reinvent myself from the outside in — but nothing changed because I wasn’t changing.
Then, I got sober.
The Wake-Up Call
Here’s the kicker: Sobriety didn’t magically make life easier. Nope! It made everything feel smaller and scarier. Suddenly, I had to move through the world without alcohol, the one thing I’d relied on for years like a security blanket. Spoiler alert: I was not ready for that.
The Catalyst: New Orleans
Three weeks into sobriety, I was sent to New Orleans for a work trip — absolutely the wrong place at the wrong time. I was shaky, overwhelmed, and just trying to hold it together. Let me tell you, it quickly became one of the hardest experiences of my life.
At the end of the trip, my coworkers left me to tear down our booth all by myself while they took a cab to the airport bar. No goodbye. No “You got this.” Just… gone.
I felt abandoned.
The Rule I Made After That Trip
After New Orleans, I set a boundary: No more traveling for work. For years, I only traveled with my partner or close friends. It was the only way I felt grounded. My world stayed small because it had to.
But here’s the thing: Sobriety eventually nudges you toward growth — even when you’re not sure you’re ready for it. It’s a theme that often shines through in recovery stories and inspiration.
The Invitation That Scared Me
So, when I got invited to Las Vegas for a Sober Curator-related event — the launch of a partnership with “Soirée,” a nonalcoholic drink by Margaret Josephs and Lexi Barbuto, and Caesars Palace — I felt this mix of excitement and instant anxiety.
All the old fears rushed back like a bad pop song on repeat:
- What if people don’t like me?
- What if I don’t fit in?
- What if I end up alone like I did in New Orleans?
But then my fiancé said, “You should go. You never know what might happen.” And he was right. The fear wasn’t coming from who I am today; it was coming from who I used to be.
So I said yes. I went scared. And I’m glad I did.
Vegas, Sober
This time, Vegas wasn’t about casinos and hangovers; it was about connection and clarity.
I met a few celebrities. I sipped nonalcoholic cocktails at Caesars Palace. And I chatted with new people as my sober self — not the version of me who drank to fit in.
And the best part? People actually liked me. For who I truly am.
I didn’t come home with shame; I returned with friendships and confidence — a reminder that sobriety has blessed me with a life I genuinely want to remember. It’s moments like these that show the benefits of sober living and inspire a sober lifestyle.
Finally Saying It Out Loud
Six years into sobriety, Vegas gave me a courage I hadn’t felt since before alcohol ever got in the way: the courage to put myself out there again. To meet new people, travel with different folks, and trust that I’m enough, sober.
The world feels safe in a way it hasn’t in years. More importantly, I feel safe in it.
If You’re Early in Sobriety
Here’s what I wish someone had told me when I started: Don’t rush. Protect your sobriety first. But when the time is right, say yes to the things — and the people — that help you grow.
Say yes, even if you’re nervous.
Say yes to opportunities that resonate with you.
Say yes to the version of yourself you’re becoming.
Whether it’s exploring sober vacations, attending sober retreats for women, or just finding new alcohol-free hobbies, I didn’t just go to Vegas. I proved to myself that I can live fully, travel fully, and be fully me — without alcohol.
You’ll get there too. One brave “yes” at a time. Embrace the sober adventures that await you and remember: recovery rocks!
So if you’re seeking sober lifestyle tips or looking for sober travel adventures, let your journey show you the way. It’s all part of living an alcohol-free lifestyle, one day at a time.
Check out my curated shenanigans via IG Reels:
- Lost OURA Ring in Alaska Airlines bathroom garbage can 20 minutes into flight – yes, sober
- Rollin’ into Bravcon sober with baggage
- Sober Girls shopping
- Sober Soirée
SOBER CURATOR PODCAST: Drink Soirée: The Glam Revolution of Sober Living with Margaret Josephs & Lexi Barbuto
WHAT A TRIP! Nostalgia, Sobriety and the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere: A Full-Circle Concert Experience
SOBER TRAVEL – WHAT A TRIP! is The Sober Curator’s guide to exploring the world alcohol-free. From insider travel tips and honest destination reviews to our curated Sober Retreats Calendar, we help you plan trips that are fun, fulfilling, and booze-free. Whether your jet-setting overseas or planning a weekend getaway, our stories and resources prove that sober travel is anything but boring. Looking for a sober getaway? We’ve got your back with our Sober Retreat Calendar. Need a night out on the town? Check out our Sober Events Calendar.
We also recommend soberscribing to The Sober Sip for weekly and monthly travel + events updates. Have a life-changing sober trip to share? Send your tips and photos to thesobercurator@gmail.com—we’d love to feature your journey.
✈️ 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.)
SOBER POP CULTURE at The Sober Curator is where mainstream trends meet the vibrant world of sobriety. We serve up a mix of movie, podcast, fashion, and book recommendations alongside alcohol-free cocktails, celebrity features, and pop culture buzz—all with a sober twist.
We’re here to shatter the “sobriety is boring” myth with a mash-up of 80s neon, 90s hip-hop edge, early 2000s bling, and today’s hottest trends. From celebrity shoutouts to red-carpet style inspo, this is where sober is as chic as it is fun. To the celebs using their platform for good—our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you!
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.
