A new study has revealed the best US states for sober travel – Utah tops the list
The study by recovery health experts at Lantana Recovery ranks US states on several metrics, including sober-friendly activities, alcohol consumption rates, number of bars, alcohol laws, Alcoholics Anonymous locations, public safety, and overall health.
Key Findings:
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Utah ranks first with a sober-friendly score of 82.2 out of 100. This ranking is due to Utah’s low alcohol consumption rate of 1.30 gallons per capita, strict alcohol laws, strong public safety measures, and a low number of bars per capita and square mile.
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Vermont is second with a score of 72.2. Vermont stands out for its high availability of sober-friendly activities (161.34 per 100,000 residents), scenic landscapes, and strong public safety and health measures, making it ideal for sober travel.
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Idaho, Hawaii, and New Hampshire complete the top five. Idaho ranked third due to its abundance of outdoor activities and low alcohol consumption rate. Hawaii offers stunning natural beauty and the highest availability of sober-friendly activities. New Hampshire features picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and strong public safety measures.
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Iceland leads the international rankings with a score of 84.1. Known for its high density of sober-friendly activities, breathtaking landscapes, hot springs, and the Northern Lights, Iceland is a top destination for sober travelers.
Check out the study in full here: https://lantanarecovery.com/sober-travel-destinations-index/
Table showing the top 10 states best for sober travel:
| Rank | State | Sober-friendly activities per capita | Alcohol consumption per capita | Number of bars hybrid index (per capita and sq. mi.) | Alcohol laws | Alcoholics Anonymous locations per capita | Public safety score | Overall health score | Total score |
| 1 | Utah | 77.59 | 1.30 | -0.72 | 5.00 | 1.77 | 63.48 | 0.606 | 82.2 |
| 2 | Vermont | 161.34 | 3.13 | -0.19 | 4.00 | 23.18 | 68.79 | 0.788 | 72.2 |
| 3 | Idaho | 59.31 | 2.00 | -0.13 | 3.00 | 6.70 | 54.67 | 0.277 | 66.8 |
| 4 | Hawaii | 246.29 | 2.66 | -0.17 | 1.00 | 3.47 | 60.36 | 0.655 | 64.1 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 102.56 | 4.43 | -0.84 | 4.00 | 0.72 | 63.99 | 0.891 | 63.6 |
| 6 | Maine | 151.73 | 2.97 | -0.48 | 2.00 | 2.17 | 66.95 | 0.534 | 62.6 |
| 7 | Virginia | 46.20 | 2.26 | -0.79 | 3.00 | 1.84 | 55.99 | 0.307 | 62.3 |
| 8 | Oregon | 84.34 | 2.82 | 0.04 | 4.00 | 4.48 | 55.48 | 0.265 | 61.5 |
| 9 | New Mexico | 88.01 | 2.33 | -0.73 | 1.00 | 5.21 | 49.92 | -0.440 | 60.2 |
| 9 | Washington | 62.86 | 2.27 | -0.26 | 1.00 | 2.70 | 59.44 | 0.625 | 60.2 |
Table showing the top 5 countries best for sober travel:
| Rank | Country | Sober-friendly activities per capita | Alcohol consumption per capita | Prevalence of alcohol dependence | Alcohol laws | Public safety | Overall health | Total score |
| 1 | Iceland | 541.45 | 9.21 | 1.90% | 2.00 | 93.60 | 93.47 | 84.1 |
| 2 | Italy | 144.72 | 8.01 | 0.60% | 1.00 | 86.70 | 91.53 | 74.7 |
| 3 | Norway | 98.32 | 7.14 | 4% | 3.00 | 91.90 | 93.63 | 74.0 |
| 4 | Denmark | 112.87 | 10.13 | 3.90% | 2.00 | 94.20 | 91.54 | 73.7 |
| 4 | Japan | 66.61 | 10.09 | 1.10% | 2.00 | 94.00 | 95.09 | 73.7 |
Lindsay Richerson, Executive Director at Lantana Recovery, said:
“Traveling can be an incredibly enriching experience, but it also presents unique challenges for those in recovery.
“It’s essential to approach your trip with a proactive mindset. By setting clear intentions for an alcohol-free journey and planning your activities ahead of time, you lay a strong foundation for maintaining sobriety.
“Visualizing positive experiences and being mindful of your goals can make all the difference in enjoying a fulfilling and sober travel experience.”
Ends
To view the research and methodology in full, please click here: https://lantanarecovery.com/sober-travel-destinations-index/
TripAdvisor’s Consumer Sentiment Survey reveals that about 80% of Americans plan to travel this summer, with many aiming to “make memories” and “have an adventure” without alcohol.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
