Looking for alcohol-free destinations? These 10 places are considered the top choices.

An unusual booking was once received by the manager of a hotel in Koh Samui, Thailand during the middle of the night.

The traveler and his family flew to the Thai island via private jet from Brunei, where alcohol sales are prohibited, after learning this upon landing.

That's a man who prioritizes having a drink or two on holiday.

Of course, he's not alone. Numerous individuals consume alcohol to unwind and alleviate tension, which are two of the primary reasons individuals journey. Moreover, it's widely available in many resorts, including the swim-up bar in the pool and the Champagne brunch that offers endless bubbles for breakfast.

Vacation drinking isn't just about relaxing on the beach with frozen cocktails; it can also help travelers cope with anxiety and stress, says New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers in Texas.

Lounges and bars at airports serve drinks around the clock, attracting people who are either beginning or ending their vacation, as well as those who are simply waiting.

Can you travel without a tipple?

A growing number of individuals are adopting a "sober curious" lifestyle for reasons related to physical health, mental wellness, and work/life productivity.

An anonymous former heavy drinker from Asia, who works in Asia, told CNBC Travel that being sober is like having a "superpower." He cited business trips where colleagues would struggle to get out of bed, long after he had exercised and returned emails to clients.

The "sober curious" movement has resulted in an increase of non-alcoholic spirits, beer, and cocktails being offered on menus globally, with some bars opting for an entirely alcohol-free environment.

The number of conversations on social media about "dry tripping," "sober travel," and "alcohol-free vacations" has increased by 205% in the past six months on X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, and Tumblr, compared to the previous six-month period, according to the social media listening company Sprout Social.

The number of unique authors discussing the sober travel trend has increased by 186%, with engagements also nearly doubling during this period, as per the company's data.

Conversations peaked in June 2024, coinciding with the start of the summer travel season, with the majority of users being from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.

Despite its popularity, sober-curious travel also has its critics. In the past year, social media interactions reveal that 32% of sentiment is positive, 38% is neutral, and 30% is negative.

Where to take a sober trip

Some destinations may make it easier for those looking to cut back or eliminate alcohol consumption on vacation, according to a new ranking by InsureMyTrip.

The ranking is not a list of countries where alcohol sales are prohibited, such as Brunei, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.

The company evaluated countries based on nine metrics, including the cost of domestic beer and average alcohol consumption by residents, and also examined other activities for relaxation, such as national parks and wellness retreats.

The "best destinations to travel sober" were ranked on a 10-point scale, and the company named them.

1. Nepal: 7.02
2. Morocco: 7.00
3. Costa Rica: 6.73
4. Turkey: 6:57
5. Greece: 6.41
6. Indonesia: 6.31
7. Jordan: 6.00
8. Italy: 5.93
9. Singapore: 5.92
10. India: 5.67

In Asia, six out of ten countries offer hiking and wellness retreats at an average cost of $584 per retreat, making Nepal the top choice due to its abundance of hiking and affordable wellness retreats, according to InsureMyTrip.

Morocco ranked No. 2 due to its low drinking culture, which is predominantly Sunni Muslim. The report also highlighted its national parks, which received high ratings (4.42/5), featuring numerous wildlife areas and scenic treks.

Costa Rica ranked third on the top 10 list of countries in North America, with its emphasis on outdoor tourism attracting visitors seeking vacations that promote physical and mental wellness.

The Acropolis, one of Greece's 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, was ranked No. 5 as the "best thing to do" and "best for relaxation" in a recent survey. Travelers can enjoy the site's historical significance while also taking advantage of the country's highly-rated, yet affordable spas.

On average, Greeks consume more than seven liters of alcohol annually, while Jordanians drink less than one bottle of beer per year, according to the data.

The reasons for the remaining countries on the list vary: in some cases, alcohol is limited due to religious beliefs (Indonesia, parts of India), in others it is readily available but expensive (Singapore), or it is overshadowed by the numerous other amazing experiences available while traveling there (Italy, particularly its wine regions).

'Waking up early and feeling great'

According to New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers' website, careful planning and a proactive mindset are crucial for those who wish to abstain.

It advises travelers to:

• Plan a mix of physical and relaxing activities to relieve stress.
• Inform your group that you will abstain from drinking to maintain responsibility.
• Keep a travel journal to stay present and mindful.

Jessica Watson, an American, stated that her decision to abstain from alcohol four years ago influenced her perception of certain travel destinations, including a renowned tourist spot in central Texas.

"When I stopped drinking, I went to Fredricksburg early and realized that the only thing people do there is walk around with wine and shop, which made it an uninteresting place for me," she said. "Taking drinking out of the equation reveals how much people's activities revolve around it."

After quitting, Watson discovered that skiing in Colorado was more enjoyable for her.

"Vacations become more enjoyable and productive when alcohol is removed, allowing travelers to focus on the destination and engage in more activities."