Places for Teetotallers to Travel

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Not everyone goes on vacation just to drink. In fact, many individuals are teetotallers, which means they don’t drink at all. Of course you can travel anywhere you want and just not drink…the world is your oyster.  We just thought we’d share some places to consider to travel to.

Dubai
Although you can drink alcohol in parts of the United Arab Emirates, others do not permit it.  Even in the more liberal Dubai, you will find very few liquor stores.  From desert dune safaris to the longest zip line in the world, Dubai has plenty to do for the adventurous spirit.  Of course Dubai also has amazing architecture, museums, shopping and dining. The new Dubai cruise terminal will open up that market to larger ships visiting the United Arab Emirates and surrounding regions.

Maldives
Bringing alcohol into the Maldives if prohibited.  For relaxation, there is nothing like reserving an over the water bungalow in the Maldives.  Scuba diving & snorkeling are amazing, surfing, island hopping & paddle boarding are popular options as well.  The Maldives has also been listed as one of the 10 Places to See Before They’re Gone.

Tokyo
While you will find a lot of Sake bars in Tokyo, there are certainly plenty of other things to do. For starters, this is a foodie city so you may just want to spend your time here going from restaurant to restaurant or enjoying the street food. It’s not uncommon for locals to enjoy their meals with water or tea so you don’t have to worry about your waiter pressuring you to enjoy any alcoholic beverages. There are also a ton of amazing sites in Tokyo and many travelers have no desire to go out drinking after a long day of sightseeing. You can also take a day trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji on a high speed train.

Cuzco
One of the interesting things about Cuzco is that it’s at 3,400 meters in altitude so it’s recommended that tourists don’t drink for at least 7 days while here as the effects can be magnified. The city is jammed packed with sights so there is no need for any alcohol. Activities include touring the Plaza de Armas or the Iglesia de San Blas. If you are looking for a nonalcoholic beverage to cool down from the heat, go for the Chica Morado. It’s made out of purple maize and has a deep purple color.

Los Angeles
No alcohol is needed in Los Angeles. This city is all about surfing and being outdoors. You will find numerous places to hike or some pick-up volleyball games taking place on the beach. Many of the locals and tourists here won’t be drinking either so you will be in good company. If you are looking for a break from the outdoors, consider getting pampered at one of the many day spas or going on a Hollywood tour.

Santorini
Unlike Mykonos, Santorini isn’t all about partying. Most people are all about spending time on the beaches and trying all of the delicious food. If you don’t want to head back to your hotel room come sun down, you will be pleased to find that many places are open and not just the bars. Many of the area’s restaurants and shops are open late and you may even be able to catch a movie at Santori’s outdoor cinema. There are some great pictures of Santorini on our Places to Visit in Santorini Greece & Santorini, Greece Amazing Beauty You Must See blog posts.

Teetotal travel is easier in some destinations than others. Our advisors’ Bucket List Worthy Destinations includes options perfect for travelers who prefer their adventures alcohol-free.

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.