Sober, safe travels: The only thing off the menu for these luxury bookings is alcohol

A Kansas City woman’s travel business is taking flight with plans to offer budding adventurers a world of rejuvenating vacationing, luxury, and wellness — all with an alcohol-free itinerary.

“I’m blending my two passions together: sobriety and travel,” said Michelle Plante. “I wanted to create a space for women to get together, connect, and have fun.” 

She launched her own movement with Michelle Plante Travels in 2023, offering unique group travel adventures for women with luxury excursions and guaranteed safety. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, Plante said.

“A lot of women want to travel, but just don’t want to go alone,” she said.

Her business provides full-service planning and itinerary building for clients, small bookings for simple hotel stays, and alcohol-free group travel — coming soon, with the first such trip planned June 22-28 in Costa Rica.

“​​I’m just so excited about it. More people are wanting connection, and are ready to travel again,” said Plante. “I think sometimes when something is done for you — and everything is planned so all you have to do is show up — it makes it easier for people.”

Cheers to clear-minds

Plante began her alcohol-free journey in 2019. Because groups centered solely on a 12-step recovery program didn’t resonate with her, Plante said, her entry into the travel industry stemmed from a desire for something unique.

“There are many travel and recovery groups available, but I wanted something super adventurous, luxurious, and more of a fun time just hanging out with girlfriends,” said Plante.

Not restricting travelers to a set program, she wants the engaging activities to be the source of fun on her trips, no drinks needed. 

“The idea is that alcohol isn’t even on the menu,” said Plante. “We want to get up early. We want to have clear minds, have clarity, and not feel sluggish.” 

The alcohol-free group trip to Costa Rica promises luxury stays, hiking, relaxation at infinity pools, gourmet dining, and coffee and chocolate tours. Such wellness activities as meditation and yoga also are included, all to ensure her travelers leave completely refreshed. 

“Sometimes you come back from a vacation feeling like you need another vacation,” said Plante. “So I want people to come back feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and like they’re ready to make better choices, live better lives, and be a better person.”

Travel is self-care

Plante’s love for travel ignited during her childhood, living in Hiroshima, Japan, joining an elementary school program in Sydney, Australia, residing with a family in Germany during high school, and later moving to Kansas City in 2012. She’s since become a dedicated solo traveler, exploring six different continents.

Drawing from her extensive experience in both personal and professional travel, including planning trips for friends and family, she sees the value of experiencing different cultures and how it made her a more well-rounded person.

“I know that every time I go on a trip, I come back with a whole new perspective,” said Plante. “The more you get to see the world, the more you understand the world, and then start to understand yourself a little bit.”

At the heart of her business: a desire to build a sense of community among her travelers, and bonds that last well past her trips.

“I want to create this opportunity to encourage each other, have deep conversations, and push ourselves out of our comfort zones,” Plante said. “Travel is self-care. It’s an investment in yourself.”