Sunday Funday 2/22/26
The sweetness of exploring this world sober
Hey, hi, hello, how are you? It’s been a minute.
There is no denying that the last two years have been nothing short of a spin cycle for me on a personal level. And as you all may know, I am an oncology nurse, so my day-to-day work life isn't particularly uplifting. I know I am not alone because it seems everyone I encounter is carrying the weight of our current world. So here on Substack, I turn to what brings me joy. Historically, anything I post about on the socials (and now Substack) leans hard into the beauty of life lived. Especially the alcohol-free beauty of life lived.
Please humor me, as I enjoy this space as my own refuge from stress, caregiving, and overall need to connect with others over things that are frivolous, joyful, and, honestly, just good ol’fashioned fun. Sunday fun.
Let’s gather below in this perfect rose colored womb for a deep dive convo into all the places we could explore this year.
I’m turning 50 this summer, and I am in flux about how to celebrate it. I love birthdays, mine and others. I love celebrating and marking these days with special experiences. I am not someone who shrugs her shoulders and calls it just another day. For the birthdays that landed me at the age of 16 all the way to 39, I, without a doubt, celebrated with alcohol. So not only is this a topic of celebrating one of the B*I*G birthdays, but this is also about how I celebrate in general without alcohol. Now add travel into the mix, and I am looking for something that typically doesn’t fall into the generic, run-of-the-mill birthday celebration category. And when I say this, I mean - just getting drunk and passing out wherever you happen to be in the world. No, no. I mean, the entire experience is catered around feeling alive, vibrant, energetic, and, hello, may I include healthy (!), given that we (I) survived another year in this oh-so-fragile life.
I want this intention and feeling to be with me literally anywhere I go, and in anything I do. So this doesn’t have to be about birthdays, because this lifestyle is a choice every single day.
DESIRABLE IDEAS/FEELINGS/EXPERIENCES
It’s hard to choose which way to go; I haven't found anything that combines all my interests in AF travel…yet.
Pure adrenaline adventure
Romantic, sexy, spa-oriented
Somewhere I have never been, and most likely will never return (aka a once-in-a-lifetime place)
Invitation to relax and just be
Favorite foods (particularly Mediterranean)
A culinary or creative experience (retreat/workshop)
Near water, rugged mountain tops, or both. Added bonus, olive trees, which I am obsessed with
A feeling of AWE - I want to be blown away by the extraordinary beauty
Romantic with just my partner, solo, girls’ trip, or with all our loved ones - or all of the above over the course of this year
I should note that I am not a shopper, nor do I book trips for shopping. I book for the experiences and the feels. I will save all the shopping intel for someone who knows it better.
Most notably, when it comes to travel, I will never be in a place that has a notorious party scene. However, for example, Ibiza (notorious for its party scene) is slowly gaining a reputation as a luxury wellness hotspot. Places can change, and given that views on health, wellness, and alcohol are changing around the world, it’s not hard to conceive that the travel industry will also change. And I am very hopeful for an explosion in the travel market that intentionally caters to non-drinkers. And what a treat it will be to no longer have to step over the all-night bubble bath party attendees who have passed out on the beach in order to get to the waves.
Until then, I will continue combing the internet for places and experiences that fit the bill.
FILE UNDER: PLACES TO GO ON YOUR 50TH
……Or any other time, special or not.
(1) MALLORCA, SPAIN
The Balearic Islands consist of Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera. Ibiza is the best-known, followed by Mallorca, of late.
Six Senses Ibiza is truly giving Ibiza that new (rich) wellness vibe, however, I am more into the mom and pop seaside hotels over big and trendy. Give me character over bougie. Give me space over hobnobbing with the social media elite. Give me off-the-grid, over something on everyone’s social grid.
While Menorca and Formentera are tempting, I am leaning hard toward Mallorca (along with the rest of the world, seemingly), slight sigh here, but I can’t control what calls to me. Nor can I explain why, but this island has had a hold on me since I first came across an old monastery in Deià while looking for retreat options years ago.
My choice, Finca Serena. Hits the romantic, sexy, wellness/spa oriented, definite invitation to relax and chill, Mediterranean eats, olive trees, and I love that countryside beauty with a sick pool situation.
Itinerary: when chill mode is complete, rent a car and explore the magic of this island. Then explore it by sea on the hotel’s private sailboat.
(2) CUSCO, PERU
While I can get down with rugged, dirty, no-shower-in-sight adventures, for my 50th, I would prefer something more elevated.
This adventure includes a cliff-hugging overnight, upscale lodge-to-lodge travel (still rugged and adventurous) to Machu Picchu, and the epitome of luxury train travel, while being spoiled.
This hits that AWE factor, pure adrenaline, rugged mountain tops, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I would do this solo, with my partner, girlfriends, or all my loved ones.
Bonus: literally “elevated” with a night stay on the side of a cliff with Skylodge Adventure Suites in Cusco, Peru.
While there are multiple ways to get to Machu Picchu, there is only one choice for me, and that’s the Salkantay Trek. Ever since I saw my first photograph of Humanatay Lake, I have been obsessed with touching that water with my own hands. There are lodge-to-lodge trail options that are less crowded and certainly more appealing at this age.
Belmond Train Peru has a different feel from its European counterparts. While any of the trains to and from Paris in particular are beyond magical, they tend to lean towards the party of it all. While there once was a time when I wanted nothing more than to dress to the nines and drink champagne cocktails while flying through the rolling hills of western Europe, it’s just not what I am looking for anymore. The Andean Explorer has a more laid-back spiritual side. With a hefty pricetag, of course. But again, it’s that once-in-a-lifetime energy I am going for.
Time permitting, I would love to explore the Amazon, just a quick plane ride away. Starting here.
(3) YELLOWKNIFE, CANADA
In early 2020 (pre-C), I hosted an all-female, alcohol-free adventure to the top of the world in search of the aurora borealis… and would hands down do it all again!
While it is not easy to get to, but totally worth it. First, you must travel to Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories of Canada (typically 2-3 flights). Then take a bush plane (from another location) that drops you off on a frozen lake in the middle of nowhere, to even get to Blachford Lake Lodge.
Sadly, BLL went bankrupt in 2020 but has since been purchased and revamped by Arctic Kingdom. The pricing is much higher (like triple) than it was in 2020, but again, totally worth it.
Hits the AWE factor, pure adrenaline, once-in-a-lifetime (or twice :))
If you are not afraid of the cold (like cold cold), love outdoor adventure, breathtaking scenery, blood-pumping activities, followed by home-cooked meals, cozy fireplaces, board games, with outdoor hot tubs and saunas, this may be something to consider.
I have yet to come across another secluded wilderness lodge offering all the amenities and adventures BLL does without an extraordinary price tag. But I will continue to search!
Wilderness lodges in Canada and the US, for when the price tag is no concern, start with these: Nimmo Bay, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, and Sheldon Chalet.
(4) TOFINO, CANADA
First learned of the Wickaninnish Inn while I was traveling solo in Banff. It was described to me as one of the moodiest, sexiest places to experience a winter storm. I was intrigued. And ever since hearing it put this way, I can not think of it any other way. While my birthday is in August (hardly winter storm material), I think this place is still a top contender for a special occasion.
Hits the romantic, sexy, spa-oriented location, near the water, with culinary experiences (awarded two Michelin Keys), in addition to a variety of adventures via the hotel or private businesses in British Columbia, offering anything from whale watching, hiking, storm chasing, wildlife safaris, nature tours, to heli-hikes.
Also, having the whole island of Vancouver Island to explore.
I am absolutely manifesting a thriller book club hosting a retreat with either Lucy Foley, Lucy Clarke, Alessandra Torre, or Emily St. John Mandel, author of The Glass Hotel. Or better yet, our very own sober author Emily Lynn Paulson, who I hear has a thriller coming out soon!….Ok, I am way off topic now.
(5) UMBRIA RENTAL FOR ALL FRIENDS AND FAMILY
FONTE SALA. Airbnb. This or something similar….but you get the idea. One week with an open invitation for friends and family to come for any amount of time while we are there. What a dream!
Honestly, I would do this anywhere in the countryside of Italy, Spain, or France. Desire plenty of bedrooms, a large outdoor area with a pool, olive trees with sleeping chairs under them, twinkle lights, and the most amazing food being cooked by an assortment of friends and family - maybe not a true culinary experience, but still an eating experience dream to be sitting with all my loved ones under the olive trees until the middle of the night.
Think Stealing Beauty vibes. One of my favorite movies.
Private chef for cooking lessons, not to be pampered. I want to get my hands dirty and to go home with new lifelong skills.
Other Mediterranean rental ideas: Tuscany, La Garde-Freinet, Pignans, Llinars del Vallès.
This hits the invitation to just be, the olive trees, a culinary experience with my favorite food, romance, and also the ability to spend time with all the loved ones.
(6) MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
This massive city will never be conquered in one visit. I, of course, never travel without a plan and a clear idea of what I want to see and do, but I can also let those plans go out the window and be very flexible with the days and nights. And a city like this, a plan, a plan B, and a plan C are essential.
This hits the adrenaline factor but in a different way. Also, a culinary delight, being that it is probably the number one city for die-hard foodies. Romantic and fun, but will lean hard into more of a busy vacation. I can’t think of anything more fun than experiencing this city with a group of good friends.
Airbnbs I have saved for groups who want to stay together - This rooftop apartment, apartment with its own private garden.
I was never a fan of “tours”; however, now I can appreciate not having to make all the decisions, and when it comes to food in Mexico City, I am a hard yes to a food tour. Starting from here, Michelin Star to street food.
Art. So much to choose from, non-negotiables - Museo Frida Kahlo, Museo de Artes Moderno
There are some incredible private homes outside of Mexico City that I dream of renting for a Sober Glow retreat and/or a magical girls' trip…but I will save those for another time.
(7) Norway Fjords (and surrounding area)
Number one in the AWE factor. If I had to give my top pick, it would be here. If it doesn’t happen this year, it will eventually. This area is also massive, and choosing just one area makes me immediately long for all the others. From the Fjords in Norway to Svalbard (an island midway between Norway and the North Pole), to the igloos in Lapland, Finland, and the endless Nordic spas in Sweden, like the floating Arctic Bath. I want to see and do it all. As much as I love basking on a beach near the sea, I equally adore freezing cold fresh air and adventure.
Did you watch the movie The Woman in Cabin 10? It’s this landscape I want to see in person under the Midnight Sun. It’s breathtakingly gorgeous. Minus the whole billionaire bastard murdering people and the $150 million superyacht.
Stay: The Ice Hotel. Artic Tree House. Immersive Artic. Or for a more laid-back vibe, harder to get to and less populated, I am looking at 292 Aurland. Fajaerland Hotel.
Adventures. Do the North (both winter and summer look stunning). Natural World Safaris. Svalbald in Summer - under the midnight sun.
Tell me another place where a sense of feeling freaking alive is more prevalent than standing on a glacier near the north pole, in the most crispy and fresh air possible, while polar bears (very safe distance) saunter around.
And I will end this list with the ultimate FU money bucket list trip via the Ocean Sky Cruise North Pole Expedition.
Now, all good daydreams must come to an end, and I have to go to work to make them my reality.
Thank you for being part of this little world of mine, but I would love to hear about yours…tell me your dream sober trip in the comments below.
XX, Mia