# How To Plan a Guys Getaway Your Sober Friends Will Enjoy Too *By James Hills — Updated July 2023* One of my challenges with managing this site over the past decade is that the concept of a "guys weekend" tends to evoke images of wild, balls to the wall partying when in fact that's just one way to go. As I've gotten older however, I've discovered that many of my friends either choose not to drink, or unfortunately have discovered that they have problems with various substances. This can prove to be challenging initially when planning an awesome getaway, but it doesn't have to. One of the joys of running ManTripping.com is that I've made a lot of friends and planned a lot of guys weekend / mancation adventures all over the world. While I personally do enjoy a drink or two, it isn't what I'm "about" anymore. However, when working with PR and Marketing folks it seems like the default "guys weekend" activities involve drinking. In my professional life, when planning events I've been told that if you don't involve free alcohol that people won't want to come. It's unfortunate that this attitude is so pervasive. However, we're not going to change it. Instead, here's some tips that I've learned to make sure that all of the guys feel included and not to turn the choice to avoid alcohol and other substances into a negative experience for the group. ## Know Your Friends and Understand What They Are Interested In (and not) One of the things that I've learned is that while there are certainly some people who should not associate with alcohol at all - there's actually a spectrum. This spectrum ranges from those that might be newly sober and are still tempted to those that don't have a problem but simply don't enjoy drinking. This is important to understand because while the later might be OK with sitting with you and sipping on coffee or soda while the other guys visit a brewery, the former need to focus on their sobriety and any temptation could prove to be a negative experience. The key here is understanding your friends and not being afraid to ask them what they'd be comfortable with. Based on what you find here, you can make the right choices for the rest of your guys weekend. ### Ultimate Guys Football Weekend in Detroit: Lions, Tailgating, and Motor City Madness Experience the ultimate guys weekend in Detroit with this 3-day itinerary built around a Lions game at Ford Field. Discover downtown accommodations, tailgating spots, local eats, and Motor City attractions. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/7SDInYzJYGolrbdyVSTZOw.1485) ### Ten Reasons Why Guys Love a Viking River Cruises Rhine Getaway ManTripping: Men's Travel and Lifestyle Blog for busy men who love to travel. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/7SDInYzJYGolrbdyVSTZOw.1476) ### 4 Days Treasures of Thailand from Chiang Mai, Small Group Four-day small group tour from Chiang Mai through the ancient capitals of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya to Bangkok. Ideal for history lovers. Viator (affiliate) $792.25[See Current Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/7SDInYzJYGolrbdyVSTZOw.533) ### Cruise Plus - Cellular At Sea Seamless mobile data service for your entire cruise at sea, in port, and at destinations all for one low price. Cellular At Sea [View Details](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/7SDInYzJYGolrbdyVSTZOw.143) Promoted by FlowAds ## Don't Make Assumptions That Leave Sober Friends Out I have several good friends that I love to travel with who still love tours of distilleries and breweries. Superficially, that sounds like a contradiction but it's that they love science, artisanal processes, and design. In the past, I had assumed that they wouldn't be interested in attending an event where that would be a key part. Unfortunately this assumption led to the person feeling left out.  ## ## Plan Activities Where Alcohol Isn't The Focus This could range from planning [destinations that are good for sober living](https://www.palmerlakerecovery.com/blog/3-great-sober-travel-destinations-u-s/), or it could involve making choices on the activities you chose during the trip. For instance, while it might be customary in some groups to pass a bottle around the boat or celebrate the round of golf with drinks at the club house - look for other options. These small changes can make it easier for your sober friends while not diminishing the fun. ## Reassure Your Sober Friends That You Are There To Help If They Need It Depending where your friends might be in their recovery process, they may need a friend to help them continue the process. This could range from simply being a good friend and listening to their frustrations and challenges - or it could be a more active role including helping them locate a local meeting. ## Man Gear Pick of the Month September's Pick Amazon (affiliate) ### Kenyon City Grill Portable Stainless Steel Electric Grill Why we picked it: a grill you can actually carry to the campsite, the tailgate or the cabin without borrowing a truck. Stainless, no propane tank to wrestle, and hot enough to cook for four guys rather than reheat for one. [Check The Price](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/wIQsg2NcMPAHTyNxTcdrCw.2144) [August's Pick LiberNovo Maxis Electric Big and Tall Ergonomic Office Chair, Graphite 52cm $1,466.00](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/wIQsg2NcMPAHTyNxTcdrCw.2350) [July's Pick Powerful Propane Torch Gun, Adjustable Flame Thrower Gun, Kitchen Torch with Detachable Design, Flamethrower Blow Torch for BBQ, Searing Steak, Welding, Camping Charcoal Lighter(Tank Not Included) $41.99](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/wIQsg2NcMPAHTyNxTcdrCw.2397) [June's Pick OYASUMI Funny BBQ Man Hot Dog Holders, 4 PCS Reusable Stainless Steel Sausage Stands, Portable Hot Dog Roasters, Barbecue Grill Accessories for Camping & Party Gifts $14.98](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/wIQsg2NcMPAHTyNxTcdrCw.2396) Promoted by FlowAds ## Pick The Right Guys To Invite Some guys simply want to party, drink, smoke, and carouse. It's OK to do that and blow off some steam. However, if you are trying to plan a [guys weekend](https://www.mantripping.com/guys-weekend.html) that includes sober guys - having a guy in the group that will always want to have a drink in his hand and go from bar to bar might not be the best choice to invite this time.    ## Don't Worry About Making It A "Sober Guys Weekend Getaway" - Just Make it a Great Guys Weekend! One of the worst things you can do is make your sober friends feel like they stick out or are inhibiting the rest of the group's fun. This is a series of little things from making sure to have your sober friends' favorite beverages available and planning an itinerary that all the guys will enjoy. Even guys that do enjoy drinking can have a blast doing awesome stuff together without needing alcohol to fuel the excitement.  Details Written by: James Hills Last Updated: 31 July 2023 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? Aug 17, 2026 [Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River?](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amazon-river-cruise-planning-ship-options.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) ### Products & Gift Ideas #### LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk Sep 10, 2026 [LiberNovo Maxis Chair Review - Finally A Seat That Lets Big Dudes Feel Comfortable At The Desk](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/libernovo-maxis-big-and-tall-office-chair-review.html) #### FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review Sep 09, 2026 [FRESKO 4-in-1 Immersion Hand Blender Review](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/fresko-4-in-1-immersion-hand-blender-review.html) #### UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer Aug 25, 2026 [UGREEN Air Review: Four Slim Chargers And Power Banks I Traveled With This Summer](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreen-air-chargers-power-banks-review.html) ### Top Guys Trip Ideas: #### Psychics, Sacred Vortexes, & Nine Places That Even Skeptics Will Enjoy Visiting on a Guys Trip Apr 07, 2026 [Psychics, Sacred Vortexes, & Nine Places That Even Skeptics Will Enjoy Visiting on a Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/metaphysical-guys-trip-destinations.html) #### The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island: A Great Place for a Florida Guys Weekend Getaway Aug 13, 2022 [The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island: A Great Place for a Florida Guys Weekend Getaway](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amelia-island-a-great-place-for-a-florida-guys-weekend-getaway.html) #### From the Quays to the Grand Cru: How to Plan a Bordeaux Wine Country Guys Trip Aug 01, 2026 [From the Quays to the Grand Cru: How to Plan a Bordeaux Wine Country Guys Trip](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/bordeaux-wine-country-guys-trip.html) ### Related Articles #### The 7 Best Water-Resistant Hats for Boating and Fishing in 2026 [The 7 Best Water-Resistant Hats for Boating and Fishing in 2026](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/best-water-resistant-hats-boating-fishing.html) #### The Vegas Safety Talk Nobody Gives You Before a Guys Trip To Sin City [The Vegas Safety Talk Nobody Gives You Before a Guys Trip To Sin City](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/vegas-guys-trip-safety-tips.html) #### Amsterdam Canal Cruises for a Guys Trip: Where to Board and How to Plan [Amsterdam Canal Cruises for a Guys Trip: Where to Board and How to Plan](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amsterdam-canal-cruise-guys-trip.html) #### Why Men Won't Ask for Help - and What It's Quietly Costing Us [Why Men Won't Ask for Help - and What It's Quietly Costing Us](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/why-men-wont-ask-for-help.html) #### What Do You Need To Do If You're Injured On A Bike Tour [What Do You Need To Do If You're Injured On A Bike Tour](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/what-to-do-if-injured-on-a-bike-tour.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- *Source: [How To Plan a Guys Getaway Your Sober Friends Will Enjoy Too](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/sober-living-guys-weekend.html)* **Tags:** Guys Weekend, Travel Ideas, Mancation Tips and Advice, Sober Living, Addiction and Recovery