Ibiza. Mykonos. Phuket. We know them as some of the biggest party islands in the world. We are here to reclaim them as a haven for the sober!
There are many parts of the world we want to explore, but are dreading due to the party culture they may focus on when it comes to tourism, but being sober doesn’t rule out these islands. Here are some ways you can take them back as yours to enjoy without alcohol:
🤓 Do your research
The first key part of reclaiming party islands is making sure it is actually somewhere you want to go. Do your research into what you can do there, where are good areas to stay and transport options around the island. The main thing is make sure you aren’t just following every other tourist to the island, and it can offer you something you will enjoy beyond the partying! I didn’t do this before going to Ios in Greece and I had a very boring couple of days there.😅
☀️ Focus on daytime fun
Party islands typically have incredible natural beauty, stunning beaches and amazing daytime activities that get overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of the nightlife. This is where it comes in handy to be able to get up early and make the most of your day – get involved in water sports, explore hidden coves, put on your comfiest trainers and head out for a hike. Or, just relax on the beach with a good book, maybe start a game of volleyball with others you meet! You can also use your time to travel away from the most touristy beaches and explore quieter areas. This way you still get to experience and enjoy the beauty of the island whilst missing out on the alcohol focus.
🏨 Stay in a quieter area of the island
Rather than reaching for the same hostel chain that everyone visits and recommends, check out sites like Booking .com or HostelWorld to explore other accommodation that could be located in quieter areas, or homestays so you can truly experience the heart and soul of the island. These areas will be far more relaxed and a peaceful retreat if you do venture out to the tourist hubs of the island.
🛎️ Book tours through your accomodation
This can be tricky as some tours are party-based without being explicit about it (hello, snorkelling trip in Koh Rong, Cambodia that turned into a huge party with free beers😬). You can do your research through Get Your Guide and Viator which are reputable tour booking companies, but if you are a bit more hesitant, you can discuss what you want with your hostel or accommodation hosts and they can answer any questions you may have.
😱 Don’t be afraid to see what other hostels offer
Just because you have booked with one hostel, doesn’t mean you can’t see what other tours and activities are offered by the hostel next door – especially if you turn up to your hostel and it is a lot more party-focused than you originally thought…
💬 Use apps to find like-minded people
There are a million apps out there now for travellers wishing to make friends and have travel companions, from
• Facebook groups – for every kind of traveller, one of my favourites is The Travel Squad
• Nomad Table – you can suggest events and join location-based chats with others in the area on the same dates
• Hostel World – book your hostel through them and unlock chats with others in the area, as well as in the same hostel as you
• Bumble Friends – a bit more time intensive, with creating a profile and starting conversations but still a worthwhile way of building relationships whilst you are travelling
✋ Set boundaries
Meeting new people often comes with having to explain that you don’t drink, which can feel daunting but these conversations are important to have. Read our article on ‘How to Say No to Alcohol Whilst Travelling’ if a drink is offered to you, and remember that if someone isn’t accepting of your decision to not drink – this is not on you, and you shouldn’t need to be flexible with your boundaries to suit someone who you may never see again after the next day or two. It can be much easier to set this boundary if you first meet people virtually, or be the first to suggest an activity that you’d enjoy that doesn’t include alcohol. It can be easy as “would anyone like to join me for a hike, or a stroll along the beach with an ice cream?” 🍦
❓Remember your ‘why’
Whilst you are embracing the party island lifestyle, it’s ok to have a drink if you would like it (sober travelling isn’t about black and white behaviours) but the key is to remember your why. Make sure you aren’t drinking due to direct or indirect pressure from those around you and be aware of any triggers for alcohol-based behaviour. You can read about how to be more self-aware with your relationship with alcohol here.
🚪Remember you can leave whenever you want
Just because you have booked a commitment to the island doesn’t mean you have to stay. You might have to take the loss for a bit of money, but if you don’t feel comfortable on the island or don’t think you will enjoy being there, there is no shame in leaving earlier than planned. If you’ve done all of the above and it’s still not working for you, that’s completely ok but don’t let it put you off trying to visit another party island that could suit you much better. You are not stuck where you are. 🫶
🪩 You can still enjoy the party scene without drinking
Last, but not least, you can still enjoy showing off your best dance moves without alcohol! There is nothing stopping you from going into a bar or club, ordering yourself a glass of coca cola and boogying to Beyonce or some Skrillex-type music if that is what gets you hyped. You are here to enjoy the island in every way possible, and you deserve to be there just as much as anyone else!
By embracing these strategies, you can transform your party island experience into a unique and memorable sober adventure, proving that you don’t need alcohol to have an incredible time.
Make sure to let me know in the comments where you end up going and your experiences! 🥰
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