Sober Travel: How to Travel, Celebrate, and Live Fully in Recovery with Teresa Bergen

What does it look like to build a full, adventurous life in recovery?In this inspiring episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal welcome Teresa Bergen, sober travel writer and author of Sober Travel Handbook, for a conversation about what it means to travel alcohol-free with confidence, purpose, and joy. Teresa shares her personal recovery story, how getting sober at a young age opened the door to a bigger life, and why recovery should never mean shrinking your world.Together, they explore one of the most common fears people face in sobriety: How do I still have fun, celebrate, connect, and travel without alcohol? Teresa offers practical advice for navigating weddings, vacations, cruises, holidays, and social events while protecting recovery and staying grounded. From bringing your own mindset into the room to planning an exit strategy and finding support while away from home, this episode is full of real-world guidance for anyone wondering how to live fully without substances.This conversation is especially meaningful for people in early recovery, those preparing for sober travel for the first time, and families looking to better understand how to support a loved one in recovery. Teresa’s message is clear and hopeful: you did not get sober to have a small life.In This Episode, You’ll Hear:Why addiction can make your world feel smaller — and how recovery helps you rebuild itThe emotional fear many people have about having fun, traveling, or celebrating without alcoholWhy early recovery is a time to rebuild your foundation before jumping into high-risk situationsHow to prepare for weddings, cruises, reunions, and other alcohol-centered environmentsSimple ways to participate in celebrations without drinkingThe importance of accountability, support people, and sober connection while travelingWhat “Friends of Bill W.” means on cruises and why those meetings can matterWhy having an exit strategy can be a powerful recovery toolTeresa’s encouragement for people in recovery who want a better, bigger lifeAbout Teresa BergenTeresa Bergen is a sober travel writer and author who writes and speaks about traveling alcohol-free. In her book, Sober Travel Handbook (Microcosm Publishing, February 2026), she shares practical strategies for navigating common travel situations without alcohol, including airport bars, business networking, social pressure, and travel planning in recovery. Through her work, Teresa helps nondrinkers build confidence, reduce relapse risk, and explore the world without compromising their sobriety. To learn more about Teresa visit: https://teresabergen.com/Learn more about Hanley Foundation at hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.