Smithfield Christmas Market in Dublin and Christmas Market Galway are still going strong this week with alcohol-free options and locally made crafts in abundance. There are many alcohol-free New Year events happening, including the Salthill Beach swim for the truly brave. #Galway #Dublin #Sober

Well done on your first year! My sobriety date is June 4th, 2017. Best decision I ever made.

7. Similar to sobriety, travel can feel like a gift and a challenge simultaneously. Setting realistic expectations and knowing how/when to ask for help is vital as we embrace the potential of the road ahead.

6. Comparison is the thief of joy. It's natural to take inspiration from the travel experiences of others or your own past, but becoming reacquainted with yourself in sobriety can lead to fascinating discoveries. Take the opportunity to explore how your priorities or interests have changed.

5. Research the local customs and etiquette. This is advisable for any traveller, but when we give something up, it can suddenly feel like we're seeing it everywhere. Alcohol can seem omnipresent, but there are countless, free travel blogs with resources and recommendations from local non-drinkers.

4. The number of hours available in a day can be surprising if you, like me, used to spend a significant amount of time hungover. Don't pressure yourself to "make up for lost time" or schedule more activities than you can enjoy. Go at your own pace.

3. Be ready to H.A.L.T. (pause to check in if you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired and address it with priority, if so) regularly. Loneliness can feel particularly difficult when you're on a different timezone from home. Finding a local recovery group/meeting can lead to great connections.

2. You don't owe anyone your story, but it helps to have simple answers prepared for the questions which may arise. I've lost count of the people who took my decision not to drink personally. If "I'm not interested" doesn't work, "I'm allergic" is more difficult to debate.