What to Expect on a Sober Gay Adventure: What’s Included and What Makes It Different

Today’s blog is all about giving you a clear picture of what’s actually included when you join a Sober Gay Adventure.

I’m not going to dive into the specific itineraries here, since both our Crete and Italy trips have detailed brochures you can download. I’ll link those at the end of this post so you can explore them on your own.

What I do want to focus on is everything beyond the day-to-day schedule. The essentials, yes, but also what I personally bring to the experience as your tour manager, and what we offer as a company.

Because SGA is about a lot more than just putting together incredible vacations. It’s about creating connection, community, and an experience that feels meaningful from start to finish. And that’s what I want to share with you today.

The Essentials

Sober Gay Adventures offers a lot, but one thing you’ll notice is that our trips are mostly all-inclusive.

There will be times when you have free time to explore on your own. During those moments, you’re free to check out the city, grab a meal, or do whatever feels right for you. We don’t follow you around covering every individual expense, but we make sure that the core experience is fully taken care of.

If you download a brochure or visit our WeTravel booking page, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of exactly what’s included for each specific trip, especially when it comes to meals.

Here’s a general overview of what is included:

What’s Included

Group meals, including tips
Accommodations
Tours and excursions, including tips
Transportation from arrival at the accommodations through departure
A dedicated tour manager throughout the trip
Assistance coordinating transportation to and from the airport
Trip insurance

What’s Not Included

Flights
Transportation to and from the airport (I’m happy to help coordinate this at no cost, but the transportation itself is not included)
Optional additional activities
Snacks and additional non-alcoholic beverages you may purchase on your own
Personal items and souvenirs
Health insurance (We do have liability insurance)

While the essentials are important, they’re really just the foundation of the trip.

What makes Sober Gay Adventures different goes beyond what’s included on paper. It’s not just about where you’re staying or what activities are planned, it’s about how the experience feels from the moment you arrive.

From creating a space where you don’t have to think about alcohol, to helping people connect in a real and meaningful way, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes to make these trips what they are.

That’s the part I want to get into next.

What I Offer as Your Tour Manager

As your tour manager, my job is to make sure everything runs smoothly. I make sure you’re up on time, the group is where it needs to be, transportation is organized, and the bill is handled at restaurants. I’m basically your alarm clock, calendar, and wallet in human form.

Need to charge your phone? I’ve got three portable chargers on me at all times. Don’t want to carry a fanny pack with your passport? I’ll wear it. Italy requires you to have your passport on you, and yes, I’ve been stopped before. I’ll carry it like a mom of six who has no problem keeping things safe.

Need someone to take your photo for that Instagram post or just a memory? I’m your guy.

At the end of the day, I’m here to take care of you. My door is always open. During free time, if you don’t feel like going out on your own, come hang with me. Want suggestions on what to do? I’ve got a few ideas. I love traveling, and I love showing people around. You are never a bother.

Personally Curated Vacations

One thing that makes SGA special is that every trip is personally curated.

I have spent months in each of these locations over the years. While I am not a local, I know my way around. These are places I return to again and again.

I have personally experienced what you will experience. I have taken the tours, stayed in the hotels, and eaten at the restaurants.

This is not a package pulled from a quick search. It is built from real experience.

Some places made the cut, and some did not. I chose what I stand behind.

Of course, things can change. Restaurants close, management shifts, and plans may need to adjust. But everything included is something I have personally vetted to the best of my ability.

Stopping the Temptation Before It Starts

If you’ve never been to Italy or Greece, drinking is a big part of the culture. There is nothing wrong with that, but as someone in recovery, I know I don’t have just one or two glasses of wine. It turns into a bottle or three.

One of the reasons I started SGA was to remove as much of that temptation as possible. Personally, I can sit at a cafe and say no, but I also know that can be triggering for others.

It’s not uncommon for a shot of limoncello or raki to show up with the bill. In some places, the concept of sobriety doesn’t always register. I was on a scouting trip and when I said I don’t drink, the response I got was, “Not even a sip?”

With SGA, we do everything we can to remove alcohol from the experience. I cannot control what happens around us, but I can control what happens at our table. I make it clear when reservations are made, I remind them the day before, and I say it again when we arrive.

The same goes for accommodations. I make sure minibars are cleared, there are no complimentary drinks waiting in your room, and nothing is presented on arrival. I even arrive early at our first location to make sure everything is set up properly.

Your space should feel safe, especially your private space.

Sobriety is always the priority on an SGA trip. We do our best to stop temptation before it even starts. Of course, mistakes can happen, and we have grace for that, but if we can prevent it, we will.

Accountability Partners

One of the best parts of traveling with other sober people is the built in accountability.

Your sobriety comes first, and you are surrounded by people who understand that and support it. Everyone is there for the same reason, and we look out for each other.

There may be opportunities to go out at night. Being sober does not mean life stops. I still like to go dancing sometimes, and if the group wants to explore the nightlife, we can plan that together. If no one wants to go, bring me. I am an insomniac, I will go with you and keep you company.

SGA is not about clubs or partying, but the curiosity is natural. Maybe you want to experience the local LGBTQ community. I would rather go with you than have you feel like you need to sneak off on your own.

The same goes if you are feeling an urge. My door is always open.

If you are in a 12 step program and want a meeting, I can help find one or we can create one. Whether that is in a hotel room or outside in a yard in Crete, we will make it happen. I always carry a mini Big Book with me.

SGA is not a conference, and all paths of sobriety are welcome. But I understand how important it is to stay connected to your program, and there will likely be others on the trip who want the same.

The Pledge

At SGA, we have a pledge we ask people to sign to remain sober during the trip.

Relapse can happen. I have seen it happen, even in sober environments. While we do everything we can to prevent it, we also want to be realistic.

The pledge is simply an agreement that if a relapse happens, you take 24 hours to reset before rejoining the group. It is about respecting the group as a whole.

We also welcome partners who are not sober, but they must agree to not use any mind altering substances during the trip. The same expectations apply.

We take sobriety seriously. It is in our name, and it is the foundation of what we do.

There is also a two strike policy. If it becomes an ongoing issue, you may sit out group activities at your own expense unless the group feels comfortable with you rejoining. Your room is still yours, and you are not left stranded.

At the end of the day, this is a sober trip. The pledge is there to make sure that expectation is clear.

I am not turning my back on anyone. If someone struggles, I will still check in and support them. But the focus of SGA is to create a sober and safe environment for everyone.

The Act of God Clause

This is in place to make sure you are protected if something outside of our control affects travel.

If travel becomes impossible due to things like weather, strikes, pandemics, or other major events, you will be refunded.

This does not typically include personal situations like illness, injury, or job loss, but we will always do our best to work with you, whether that means a refund where possible or a credit toward a future trip.

I bring this up because there has been some uncertainty in the world, and a few people have asked about it. It is a fair question.

All of our trips are insured, and we choose refundable options when possible to protect you.

If something major prevents travel, you are covered.

The 10 Percent Club

We are a new business, and we understand that can feel like a leap of faith.

We do not have a long list of reviews yet. My family would vouch for me, but they might be a little biased.

So for our first year, we created the 10 Percent Club.

If you join us on one of our first trips, you will receive 10 percent off every future trip. As SGA grows and expands to new destinations, that benefit stays with you.

It is our way of saying thank you for taking that first step with us.

Come on a Sober Gay Adventure

It all sounds pretty good, right?

If you have been thinking about it, this might be your sign.

If you still have questions, you can set up a Zoom call with me. It is a chance to get to know each other and see if it feels like a good fit. You will be traveling with me, after all.

You can also reach out anytime at johnnyestling@sobergayadventures.com. I am happy to answer anything.

If you are ready to take the next step, download the brochure or check out the Crete and Italy trips.

We would love to have you join us for connection, community, and sober travel around the world.

CHECK SPAM TO CONFIRM SUBSCRIPTION

Sober Gay Adventures

Today’s blog is all about giving you a clear picture of what’s actually included when you join a Sober Gay Adventure.

I’m not going to dive into the specific itineraries here, since both our Crete and Italy trips have detailed brochures you can download. I’ll link those at the end of this post so you can explore them on your own.

What I do want to focus on is everything beyond the day-to-day schedule. The essentials, yes, but also what I personally bring to the experience as your tour manager, and what we offer as a company.

Because SGA is about a lot more than just putting together incredible vacations. It’s about creating connection, community, and an experience that feels meaningful from start to finish. And that’s what I want to share with you today.

The Essentials

Sober Gay Adventures offers a lot, but one thing you’ll notice is that our trips are mostly all-inclusive.

If you download a brochure or visit our WeTravel booking page, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of exactly what’s included for each specific trip, especially when it comes to meals.

Here’s a general overview of what is included:

What’s Included

Group meals, including tips

Accommodations

Tours and excursions, including tips

Transportation from arrival at the accommodations through departure

A dedicated tour manager throughout the trip

Assistance coordinating transportation to and from the airport

Trip insurance

What’s Not Included

Flights

Transportation to and from the airport (I’m happy to help coordinate this at no cost, but the transportation itself is not included)

Optional additional activities

Snacks and additional non-alcoholic beverages you may purchase on your own

Personal items and souvenirs

Health insurance (We do have liability insurance)

While the essentials are important, they’re really just the foundation of the trip.

What makes Sober Gay Adventures different goes beyond what’s included on paper. It’s not just about where you’re staying or what activities are planned, it’s about how the experience feels from the moment you arrive.

From creating a space where you don’t have to think about alcohol, to helping people connect in a real and meaningful way, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes to make these trips what they are.

That’s the part I want to get into next.

What I Offer as Your Tour Manager

As your tour manager, my job is to make sure everything runs smoothly. I make sure you’re up on time, the group is where it needs to be, transportation is organized, and the bill is handled at restaurants. I’m basically your alarm clock, calendar, and wallet in human form.

Need someone to take your photo for that Instagram post or just a memory? I’m your guy.

At the end of the day, I’m here to take care of you. My door is always open. During free time, if you don’t feel like going out on your own, come hang with me. Want suggestions on what to do? I’ve got a few ideas. I love traveling, and I love showing people around. You are never a bother.

Personally Curated Vacations

One thing that makes SGA special is that every trip is personally curated.

I have spent months in each of these locations over the years. While I am not a local, I know my way around. These are places I return to again and again.

I have personally experienced what you will experience. I have taken the tours, stayed in the hotels, and eaten at the restaurants.

This is not a package pulled from a quick search. It is built from real experience.

Some places made the cut, and some did not. I chose what I stand behind.

Of course, things can change. Restaurants close, management shifts, and plans may need to adjust. But everything included is something I have personally vetted to the best of my ability.

Stopping the Temptation Before It Starts

If you’ve never been to Italy or Greece, drinking is a big part of the culture. There is nothing wrong with that, but as someone in recovery, I know I don’t have just one or two glasses of wine. It turns into a bottle or three.

One of the reasons I started SGA was to remove as much of that temptation as possible. Personally, I can sit at a cafe and say no, but I also know that can be triggering for others.

It’s not uncommon for a shot of limoncello or raki to show up with the bill. In some places, the concept of sobriety doesn’t always register. I was on a scouting trip and when I said I don’t drink, the response I got was, “Not even a sip?”

With SGA, we do everything we can to remove alcohol from the experience. I cannot control what happens around us, but I can control what happens at our table. I make it clear when reservations are made, I remind them the day before, and I say it again when we arrive.

The same goes for accommodations. I make sure minibars are cleared, there are no complimentary drinks waiting in your room, and nothing is presented on arrival. I even arrive early at our first location to make sure everything is set up properly.

Your space should feel safe, especially your private space.

Sobriety is always the priority on an SGA trip. We do our best to stop temptation before it even starts. Of course, mistakes can happen, and we have grace for that, but if we can prevent it, we will.

Accountability Partners

One of the best parts of traveling with other sober people is the built in accountability.

Your sobriety comes first, and you are surrounded by people who understand that and support it. Everyone is there for the same reason, and we look out for each other.

There may be opportunities to go out at night. Being sober does not mean life stops. I still like to go dancing sometimes, and if the group wants to explore the nightlife, we can plan that together. If no one wants to go, bring me. I am an insomniac, I will go with you and keep you company.

SGA is not about clubs or partying, but the curiosity is natural. Maybe you want to experience the local LGBTQ community. I would rather go with you than have you feel like you need to sneak off on your own.

The same goes if you are feeling an urge. My door is always open.

If you are in a 12 step program and want a meeting, I can help find one or we can create one. Whether that is in a hotel room or outside in a yard in Crete, we will make it happen. I always carry a mini Big Book with me.

SGA is not a conference, and all paths of sobriety are welcome. But I understand how important it is to stay connected to your program, and there will likely be others on the trip who want the same.

The Pledge

At SGA, we have a pledge we ask people to sign to remain sober during the trip.

Relapse can happen. I have seen it happen, even in sober environments. While we do everything we can to prevent it, we also want to be realistic.

The pledge is simply an agreement that if a relapse happens, you take 24 hours to reset before rejoining the group. It is about respecting the group as a whole.

We also welcome partners who are not sober, but they must agree to not use any mind altering substances during the trip. The same expectations apply.

We take sobriety seriously. It is in our name, and it is the foundation of what we do.

There is also a two strike policy. If it becomes an ongoing issue, you may sit out group activities at your own expense unless the group feels comfortable with you rejoining. Your room is still yours, and you are not left stranded.

At the end of the day, this is a sober trip. The pledge is there to make sure that expectation is clear.

I am not turning my back on anyone. If someone struggles, I will still check in and support them. But the focus of SGA is to create a sober and safe environment for everyone.

The Act of God Clause

This is in place to make sure you are protected if something outside of our control affects travel.

If travel becomes impossible due to things like weather, strikes, pandemics, or other major events, you will be refunded.

This does not typically include personal situations like illness, injury, or job loss, but we will always do our best to work with you, whether that means a refund where possible or a credit toward a future trip.

I bring this up because there has been some uncertainty in the world, and a few people have asked about it. It is a fair question.

All of our trips are insured, and we choose refundable options when possible to protect you.

If something major prevents travel, you are covered.

The 10 Percent Club

We are a new business, and we understand that can feel like a leap of faith.

We do not have a long list of reviews yet. My family would vouch for me, but they might be a little biased.

So for our first year, we created the 10 Percent Club.

If you join us on one of our first trips, you will receive 10 percent off every future trip. As SGA grows and expands to new destinations, that benefit stays with you.

It is our way of saying thank you for taking that first step with us.

Come on a Sober Gay Adventure

It all sounds pretty good, right?

If you have been thinking about it, this might be your sign.