Top Spring Break Destinations and Tips for Dry Tripping

It’s time to plan spring break again, but you’ve recently started your sober journey, and you’re perplexed. All your past spring breaks have included beers on the beach or hot toddies at the ski cabin. You don’t want to lose all the progress you’ve made cutting back, but you want to have a fun, relaxing spring getaway. You’ve heard about dry tripping. Is that a thing? Is it possible to have a fun spring break without drinks? Yes!

In this article, we’ve put together our top tips and destinations for dry tripping to make sure you have a fun spring break while still working toward your sobriety goals.

What Is Dry Tripping?

Dry tripping is simply the idea of taking a trip or vacation without alcohol. We know we don’t need alcohol to have fun. Dry tripping is a way to embrace sobriety or a detox from alcohol and find things to do without alcohol. Dry trippers seek travel that doesn’t focus on alcohol such as pub crawls. Instead, dry trippers seek destinations that accommodate sober lifestyles by offering nonalcoholic beverages or activities that don’t surround alcohol. There are many benefits to dry tripping including saving money by not buying alcohol, not fighting hangovers, having more energy to complete activities, getting proper rest, and creating memories we won’t forget. 

Sober-Friendly Destinations

In reality, we can make any vacation spot a sober destination, but some places naturally make abstaining from alcohol a lot easier than others:


• Sedona, Arizona. A peaceful getaway with stunning hikes to seek the red rock formations, wellness retreats, and spiritual explorations. 
• National Parks. Zion, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountain, Yosemite, Arches, Everglades, or Joshua Tree are great options for National Parks to visit in the springtime. 
• Lake Tahoe. Enjoy the lake views on hiking trails or hit the slopes. 

Sober destinations are a great way to enjoy dry tripping without the pressures of alcohol. Wherever we go, we can plan alcohol-free activities that keep us active and busy.

Alcohol-Free Activities

Staying busy will help us enjoy a sober spring break. There are a host of activities we can enjoy while still staying alcohol-free: 

• Group fitness classes
• Sober bars 
• Hiking or biking
• Geocaching
• Photography 
• Yoga 
• Museums 
• Botanical gardens 
• Art galleries 
• Stargazing
• Kayaking or canoeing
• Skiing or snowboarding

All of these activities are best or safest completed without alcohol, and they will fill our days with new sights, adventures, and memories. By nighttime, we’ll be too tired to even consider going out for drinks.

Tips to Stay Sober on Spring Break

But let’s face it — no matter where we go, there will be alcohol. However, you can still have a successful dry trip as long as you plan accordingly: 

• Set clear goals and intentions 
• Travel with supportive people 
• Avoid high-risk or trigger environments
• BYO nonalcoholic beverages
• Practice politely refusing alcohol 
• Have an exit plan for tempting situations
• Practice self-care and mindfulness
• Stay active to boost mood and energy levels
• Remember your “why” for having a dry trip

The ultimate goal is to enjoy your vacation and not have to worry about alcohol. With careful preparations, you can successfully do both. Now that we have established the possibility of a dry trip, let’s explore some popular destinations!

Best Spring Break Destinations

Whether you want to relax on the beach or shred the slopes, whether you’re traveling with friends or with family, we’ve put together a list of the best spring break destinations.

Best Beach Destinations



If relaxing in the sun and getting some much-needed vitamin D sounds like the perfect getaway, there are plenty of beaches calling your name:  

• Cancun, Mexico. Famous for its white sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, Cancun is the perfect destination that offers a mix of relaxation and excitement.
• Miami Beach, Florida. Home to the iconic South Beach that attracts spring breakers with its beautiful beaches and diverse cultural scene.
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Known for its pristine beaches and all-inclusive resorts, Punta Cana is a tropical paradise ideal for those seeking a sun-soaked, relaxing getaway
• Maui, Hawaii. Maui offers stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and a variety of outdoor activities. 
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Known for its wide sandy shores, family-friendly atmosphere, and a range of affordable accommodations, Myrtle Beach is suitable for all types of travelers seeking a beach getaway with adventure. 
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Nestled along the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta combines beautiful beaches with a charming old town, offering a diverse range of experiences for spring breakers.
• Oahu, Hawaii. Home to the famous Waikiki Beach, Oahu provides a mix of urban and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those who want a range of fun in the sun.
• Phuket, Thailand. Phuket is a popular destination with stunning beaches and a variety of water activities.

Best Family-Friendly Destinations 

A family getaway is the perfect way to reconnect and make new memories. When planning a family trip, consider destinations that offer a mix of relaxation, entertainment, and activities for all ages:

• Orlando, Florida. Home of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is a classic family vacation with plenty of attractions, entertainment, and accommodations with families in mind. 
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Aside from the beautiful beaches, Myrtle Beach has a wide range of attractions such as amusement parks, mini-golf courses, and the boardwalk with entertainment complexes that offer diverse activities for everyone. 
• Outer Banks, North Carolina. A laid-back beach vacation destination that includes family-friendly activities such as exploring historic sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial or enjoying water sports. 
• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. The awe-inspiring Grand Canyon can take everyone in the family’s breath away. The Grand Canyon has numerous scenic hikes, ranger-led programs, and breathtaking views that can be accessible to everyone. 
• Cancun, Mexico. Aside from its vibrant nightlife, Cancun has many family-friendly resorts, beautiful beaches, and activities such as snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and archaeological sites. 
• Gulf Shores, Alabama. On the Gulf Coast of Alabama lay beautiful white sandy beaches with activities such as the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and nature reserves. 
• San Diego, California. Enjoy the California sun and activities such as the San Diego Zoo, Old Town San Diego for a history lesson, or the Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. 
• Washington, D.C. Our nation’s capital is a great place to bring the family and explore the many historical landmarks, museums, and the National Zoo. Visit during the cherry blossom season for stunning views. 

While this is not an exhaustive list, it offers a variety of spring break destinations that everyone can enjoy. Part of being a family-friendly trip is being inclusive for everyone, including our sober friends and loved ones.

Key Takeaways

Try choosing a spring break destination that allows for a dry trip. We can enjoy a dry trip by choosing destinations that hold a lot of outdoor activities, wellness retreats, or places that make alcohol hard to get. Remember to set yourself up for success by bringing your favorite nonalcoholic drinks, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and scheduling plenty of self-care.