Episode 41

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Published on:

23rd Jul 2024

041: Sober Travel: Navigating Alcohol-Free Vacations with Jen Hirst of Lighthouse Sobriety

Have you ever wondered how you can travel and avoid alcohol without sacrificing fun and adventure? Jen Hirst, founder of Lighthouse Sobriety, shares her powerful story of overcoming addiction and provides actionable tips for embracing an alcohol-free life while traveling. 

In this episode of the Transform with Travel podcast, Jen discusses her journey to sobriety, the impact of alcohol on personal growth, and how to navigate vacations without drinking. Jen shares her journey to sobriety – from seeking help through AA and various outpatient programs, to eventually dedicated herself fully to recovery. 


Many people associate travel with alcohol. Whether it's enjoying a drink on the beach, attending a wine tasting, or partying at local hotspots, alcohol seems intertwined with the concept of vacation. However, Jen highlights the problems this relationship can cause, particularly for those looking to embrace a sober lifestyle.


For Jen, the true essence of travel lies in experiencing the world fully present. Alcohol, she explains, can dull these experiences, leaving travelers missing out on the simple joys of connecting with new places and cultures.


Jen shares her key strategies to enjoying your alcohol-free vacation to the fullest.


We talk about:

  • 00:00 Intro
  • 01:57 Jen’s Early Struggles with Alcohol
  • 13:01 Seeking Help and Sobriety
  • 17:53 Life After Sobriety: Rebuilding and Thriving
  • 21:00 The Impact of Alcohol on Travel and Life
  • 27:14 Understanding Alcohol's Effects on the Body and Mind
  • 34:43 Empowerment Through Sobriety
  • 36:22 Strategies for Navigating Alcohol-Free Vacations
  • 37:59 Reframing FOMO to JOMO
  • 40:56 Visualization and Planning for Sober Travel
  • 45:01 Setting Boundaries and Communicating with Travel Companions
  • 49:02 The Importance of Alcohol-Free Communities


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About the Podcast

Transform With Travel
Go On An Adventure
Welcome to the Transform with Travel Podcast, where we share stories of personal transformation and life lessons through our experiences of traveling and exploring the world. Travel is the ultimate accelerator for personal growth and can be the root catalyst for the pivots and plot twists we make in our lives. I’m your host - Kelly Tolliday from Rising Nature Retreats - and it’s my mission to inspire you to live life to its fullest, travel with an open-mind & Heart, and let the world show you a new perspective.

About your host

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Kelly Tolliday

Kelly is a Yoga & Meditation Teacher, Lifelong Student & Experience Enthusiast. Kelly fell head over heels in love with the practice of yoga & meditation when she was 15 years old, and the love affair with holistic wellness hasn't stopped since! She's passionate, purpose-driven and committed to serving her community, both on & off the mat.

Kelly has lived in Australia, Europe, Central America, South East Asia, and now back in her hometown in Florida. She's traveled to over 40 countries, and loves to swap stories of adventure with fellow travelers.

Kelly is the co-founder of Rising Nature Retreats - a group travel & wellness retreat company, offering world-class travel experiences around the world. She's passionate about travel, nature, holistic wellness & community building. She believes when these are combined - magic can happen.

Kelly is married to her husband Sam, and a mom to 2 beautiful girls & 2 crazy dogs.