Sober Vacation

During the Sober Vacation season, more people drink to excess, and often drive impaired, adding up to a dangerous season. There are more social occasions, and more stress as social and financial obligations and deadlines for shopping mount. The holiday season can seem like a minefield for those in recovery from alcohol or chemical dependence.

Those in early recovery may be most at risk for relapse, but Sober Vacation stress can trigger anxiety, depression and even relapse for many. How to survive and even thrive through it all takes a little planning. Not all coping strategies are right for everybody. Some people in recovery will need to ditch the family traditions altogether, while others can bring new traditions to supportive family settings.

Are you worried about going to a party where there is alcohol served and many guests will be drinking? Non-alcoholic beverages are always available, even if it is water, so you can graciously accept the offer of a drink without alcohol.

If alcohol has “taken the edge off” anxiety in past social situations, and you are in recovery, plan to attend the event with someone who is a good psychological support, often someone in successful recovery. If you know the event will act as a trigger, you don’t have to attend.

Sober Haven Bali has announced plans for an “Eat, Pray, Love” vacation retreat at its picturesque sober sanctuary tucked in the same spiritual island paradise where actress Julia Roberts retraced writer Elizabeth Gilbert’s spiritual journey in her 2006 best-selling book.

Located in Seminyak on the west coast of this “Island of the Gods”, Sober Haven Bali offers luxe accommodations combined with 12-step support for the ultimate in safe and sober vacation adventure.

Inspired by the release of Gilbert’s popular screenplay, filmed in Bali, Sober Haven Bali has put together a week-long “Eat, Pray, Love” experience designed to guide guests through many of the local cultural and spiritual landmarks highlighted in the movie. At the same time, visitors will have the benefits of Sober Haven’s colonial styled resort with its five-star meals, yoga, meditation, surfing, golf and many other activities, all in a supportive environment that celebrates sobriety.

In keeping with the momentum of Gilbert’s spiritual journey, Sober Haven guests will have opportunities to meet with Balinese spiritual teachers and immerse themselves in Balinese cultural offerings such as the Kecak Dance Tour, one of the Island’s most fascinating and powerful cultural exhibitions. Explore the temple of Uluwatu with its ceremonial areas, traditional carvings, and resident monkeys that live naturally in many Balinese holy places.

Enjoy a vitamin lunch at Wayan’s restaurant, a sunset seafood dinner on the beach and other uniquely Balinese landmarks visited by Gilbert during her journey.

Sober Haven is also surrounded by a wide choice of boutique shopping, international dining and artistic offerings for those in search of a more decadent sort of spiritual comfort.

Whether it is the lure of retracing Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat, Pray, Love” journey or the desire to relax and be pampered in this island retreat, Sober Haven offers a transformational holiday specifically designed with celebrating recovery in mind and spirit. Attendance at local twelve-step meetings is offered every morning and evening, making it easy for guests to remain close to their program.

Vacation Rentals

If you are traveling alone or with others, vacation rental is a new concept makes you consider because you need to know about hotels and time-shares. You couldn’t stop thinking about it, if wanting the vacation rental idea.

I’ve always wanted to vacation in Europe, haven’t we all, but I could never really give the idea credence because, in the deep recesses of my brain, I knew hotel accommodations would be just too cost prohibitive. When I began to explore the vacation rental, I realized that a European vacation might be within my grasp after all!

Comparing hotel rates with vacation rental rates, it is apparent that I can get more for less with a vacation rental. If you’re traveling with another couple or a group, the per person savings can be tremendous.

Check out this example for Paris:

I located a vacation apartment rental in the Latin Quarter for 65.00 per week.

It has two bedrooms, each with a private bath. There is a kitchenette, Internet access, and cable TV. It is a five minutes walk from Notre Dame.

For 4 people, that works out to 6.25 per person per week or .32 per day per person.

For comparison, I located a Mid Scale hotel called Adagio Paris Opéra, in roughly the same area. The rooms start at 2.25 per day, which is 15.75 per week, roughly .00 per person per night, based upon 4 people.

There, you have one bedroom with two single beds and a sofa bed in the living room. It also has cable and Internet access, but only one bathroom.

From strictly a cost standpoint, the vacation rental is the better deal, but there is more to consider than just money.

What about comfort? What about privacy? Certainly, the private bath is plus for the vacation rental as are two bedrooms rather than one. I like to have my own personal space in which to relax. The vacation rentals seem more like “home” than the hotel atmosphere. There are other advantages worth mentioning. Families can be together as opposed to scattered about in different hotel rooms. Then there is the problem of tipping, taxes, schedules for meals and so on. You have more room in a vacation home in which to relax. Plainly said, it is just more like home!

So, what is the downside? You will not typically find support staff on premise, so if you have a problem, large or small, its resolution may take some time. Transportation may be an issue. Look into this before you finalize your plans. You probably won’t have maid service. Be prepared to clean up after yourself. When you arrive, you may be disappointed. Hey! Even I look good in photos.

If you are diligent in your research, ask the right questions and are realistic in your expectations, you will likely find the vacation rental to be a more than satisfactory experience.