Hey everyone,
I just got back from a holiday to Menorca and wanted to share my experience here, because this community was a huge reason I made it through and actually had the best trip of my life.
Having this incredible community and toolkit right in our pockets whenever we need it is an absolute game-changer.
It started at the airport at 5:30 AM. In the past, I would have already been a few pints deep before boarding. This time? Tea and coffee. It felt surprisingly easy, and a nice bonus was not having to run to the airplane toilet even once on the flights there or back.
When we arrived at the hotel, there was a minute or two while we waited for our room where the old thoughts crept in: “Shall I just have a few beers? I’m on holiday, after all.”
In that moment, I paused and thought about all of you here who have helped me. I thought about how close I am to my one-year mark, and how awful I’d feel coming back to this thread to post that I’d messed up. I reminded myself of every single event I’ve navigated sober over the last 11 months.
I decided to try a simple compromise: “Let me just order a Fanta Orange and see how that feels.”
Honestly? It was the best Fanta I’ve ever had in my life. Right then, the switch flipped. Pure elation washed over me—I knew right then and there that I had won this particular battle and was going to have a 100% drink-free holiday.
From there, I threw myself into everything:
Being active: Joined in on pool activities, paddle boarding, pilates, pool Tai Chi, aquafit, and pool volleyball (plus plenty of lazing by the pool and jacuzzi).
Exploring: Took gorgeous coastal walks, visited art galleries, cathedrals, and convents, ate fantastic meals out, and saw an awe-inspiring solar eclipse.
Relaxing: Caught up on my Kindle, listened to audiobooks, and soaked in the sunset harbour walks.
I experimented a bit with drinks, too. Mocktails turned out to be dreadful—just pure sugar and syrup. But I tried my first-ever non-alcoholic beers (had 3 over the week), and they were actually enjoyable without giving me that itch to keep drinking. We kept our hotel fridge fully stocked with soft drinks instead.
The absolute best part was waking up feeling fresh every single day, especially while traveling.
While waiting for our 5:45 AM transfer home, two guys at the hotel were blown away when they realized I hadn’t had a drop to drink all week. One of them actually said to me, “God will forgive you for not drinking.” I just laughed it off, smiled to myself, and thought, you idiot.
I’ve never enjoyed a holiday so much in my entire life. I appreciated every single second of it.
Thank you to everyone here for being part of my toolkit when I needed that push at the hotel check-in.
Im hoping this might help someone else. Staying soberis just the best feeling and is so worth it.
Thank u so much sharing!! I certainly can not wait another month for ur 1 year!
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out in me. Thanks friend 
I am not sure why that is either. But it’s good I don’t want more than one because of the extra calories. As for mocktails, I occasionally like a virgin pina colada or spicy virgin mary! And sometimes I will order a soda since I never drink those anymore and it feels like a real treat.