“In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”

- Abraham Maslow, American psychologist -

Embracing Carry-on Only Luggage and Alcohol-Free Travel

The beginning of August was such an exciting time as I prepared to fly out for my 3 week European adventure!

I had been so looking forward to meeting up with friends I've made along the way during these past five years of living alcohol-free. The deep and joyful connections I’ve been blessed with have made my journey to healthy living so incredible!

I’ve met many amazing women, and even though we had never met in person, our bond was incredibly real and strong. Finally getting to meet some of my sober tribe in person was the absolute highlight of my trip.

The power of connection is real! You can read more about the power of connection in my last blog.

They say that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to some of the most memorable and transformative experiences in your life. I can certainly vouch for that after my 3-weeks of alcohol-free European travel adventure with only carry-on luggage!

Initially, I was hesitant about taking so little luggage – particularly as I’m normally quite a big packer, taking everything I can possibly fit in my suitcase. But as I pondered the benefits and weighed up my options (10kgs!), I began to see the value in embracing this unique challenge.

After all my preparation, researching carry-on bags and packing tips, and a huge dose of determination, my carry-on only luggage was ready!

It was time to say, ‘Bon Voyage!’ ✈️😎

Little did I know at that point, this trip would forever change my perspective on travelling.

In my mid-twenties, as a drinker, I travelled to Europe on vacation with some girlfriends and had a blast! Can’t say I remember too many details of the trip, perhaps because most of my nights were spent drinking until the bars closed, and my days were spent hungover and recovering! However, this trip, as a non-drinker, was vastly different, even though I’m now a little bit older and, hopefully, a tad wiser!

As someone who used to associate airports with a glass or two of pre-holiday bubbles to signal the start of a trip and holidays were spent sipping cocktails on the beach or indulging in the local beers and wine, I welcomed the excitement of travelling while being fully present.

Travelling without the crutch of alcohol and a large suitcase may seem, to some, intimidating, but let me assure you, it’s a decision that can lead to incredible personal growth and the most enjoyable travel experience that’s worth every memorable moment.

My trip started with the long flight to Paris, stopping via Seoul. Finally, I was about to meet my international sober sisters and unite in fun times! ✈️👯‍♀️🌸

There was even a Lyre’s alcohol-free stand at the duty-free shopping! I was off to a good start. 😀🍹🥂

Paris was sublime! My alcohol free travels were amazing! Paris is certainly the most fabulous city!! J’adore! 💗 🇫🇷

Despite such a huge wine culture in France, the delicious alcohol free drinks were flowing in Paris! No FOMO there! 🍹🇫🇷

The next stop was London. Lucky for the locals, I brought the blue skies and sunshine from Paris with me!

London, too was amazing!!

The power of connection (and manifesting!!) was evident everywhere! 😉

I enjoyed a fabulous night of fun and connection, meeting fellow UK 🇬🇧 Sober Club members while celebrating Janey Lee Grace's 250th podcast episode. Laura Willoughby’s ‘Club Soda’ alcohol free bar and tasting room in Covent Garden provided the perfect venue.

Special guests Clare Pooley and William Porter entertained us while we also had the chance to chat with Janey and share a few candid and funny stories.

The whole place was certainly vibing, more so than the nearby pub!! 😉🎉💃🥂🍹🍸

Later, during my time in London, I enjoyed a lovely day with Janey Lee Grace (The Sober Club) and others at her ‘Sober by the Sea’ mini-retreat at Southend on Sea, UK. 🇬🇧

We did some amazing activities. But one that stood out for me was creating my vision board. Who knows, maybe Janey may put a trip down under on her vision board? 😉 An Aussie Sober Club meet-up could be on the cards!

What you think about - you bring about!

I couldn’t have even imagined all the amazing places I’ve been or people I’ve met before I started my journey to living alcohol-free. So, I’m going to keep manifesting.

My European adventures ended in gorgeous Italy! It was so hard to come home from that stunning country.

We enjoyed a few days exploring Pisa and parts of Tuscany and the stunning Ligurian Coast! Think Portofino and Cinque Terre. Such a fabulous Italiano 🇮🇹 vibe!

I had never been a beer drinker, even when I was drinking, but the scorching hot weather 🥵 in Lucca and Pisa saw me quenching my thirst with an AF beer! It actually tasted like real beer, and even more surprisingly, I enjoyed it. It must have been the Italian air.

So, if you think that holidaying sans booze is impossible, just remember that you can “keep the ritual and change the ingredients!”

Cheers to that! 🍻

If you’re wondering if it’s really worth embracing alcohol-free travel, here are some benefits I thrived on during my trip!

10 Benefits of an Alcohol-Free Travel Adventure:

1. CLARITY and PRESENCE: Without the haze of alcohol, I was fully present and able to absorb every sight, sound, and scent around me. This heightened awareness allowed me to truly immerse myself in the European cultures I encountered and easily remember the details of my experiences.

2. EHNHANCED EXPERIENCES: Every meal, every beautiful cathedral, amazing sculpture or painting and every interaction with locals was a more enriching experience.

3. AUTHENTIC CONNECTIONS: I found it easier to connect with locals and fellow travellers, engaging in genuine conversations and heartfelt connections while cultivating meaningful friendships with those I had only ever met virtually.

4. SAFETY and AWARENESS: I had a clear head and better judgement which helped me make safe decisions, reducing the risk of accidents and helping me stay alert in unfamiliar environments or while navigating foreign train stations!

5. BUDGET FRIENDLY: Skipping alcohol significantly reduced my travel expenses! It gave me extra money for enjoying unique experiences, tours and souvenirs.

6. MORNING ADVENTURES: Early mornings are often the best time to explore without crowds, or depending on the location and season, the heat in Summer. Having a fresh mind and body I could get up early to seize the day.

7. PERSONAL GROWTH: Stepping out of my comfort zone by not relying on alcohol lead to greater self-discovery and personal growth. I became a more resilient and confident traveller. E.g. carry-on luggage only!

8. HEALTH and WELLBEING: Not drinking alcohol meant more energy for daytime adventures like hiking, exploring cultural highlights, shopping, or simply strolling through picturesque streets and villages. Travelling alcohol free often lead to making healthier choices, like opting for fresh local cuisine instead of ‘hangover’ food.

9. RESTFUL SLEEP: I enjoyed restful nights of sleep, which left me feeling refreshed and ready to explore each day to the fullest.

10. MEMORABLE MOMENTS: Without the numbing effect of alcohol, I was more emotionally connected to the beautiful moments I experienced. These memories will be etched in my heart and mind forever.

My 3-week alcohol-free adventure in Europe and the UK was a life-changing experience that highlighted to me the countless benefits of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

By choosing to travel and enjoy life sans booze and embracing carry-on luggage, I opened myself up to a world of authentic experiences, personal growth, and meaningful connections without the hassle of lugging heavy bags or having a foggy head!

I hope you’ve been inspired to get out of your comfort zone and start planning your next adventure!

Why not consider the rewards of an alcohol-free journey too – it might just be the best holiday you ever take!

Cheers to the path less (and lightly) travelled!

Cindy x

REFRESHING SPRING MOCKTAIL RECIPE

Strawberry Basil Spritzer

Low in sugar and calories, rich in antioxidants, and one of the best sources of vitamin C, strawberries are a seasonal spring favourite! They’re sweet, juicy, and the star ingredient in this Strawberry Basil Spritzer.

Enjoy with fresh basil, a drizzle of honey, and a splash of zesty lemon.

Ingredients: