Belong, Heal & Thrive (for LGBTQ & allies)

Name: Belong, Heal & Thrive (for LGBTQ & allies)
Brand: Philippa Myers
Price: 2995 USD
Availability: InStock

New trips added every week

Belong, Heal & Thrive (for LGBTQ & allies) | Dry Tripping Travel

Finding your people can be life changing. Finding them in a flower filled villa in Guatemala with volcanoes, excellent coffee and absolutely no pressure to explain who you are is even better. This retreat is for LGBTQ+ adults living without alcohol or drugs, as well as supportive allies who respect the purpose and atmosphere of the experience. Come alone if you like many guests do.

You’ll soon have people to share breakfast with, wander Antigua’s markets with and laugh with while everyone tries to remember what ingredients went into the pepián. Mornings bring gentle movement and honest, uplifting conversations about identity, belonging, relationships and creating a life that feels genuinely your own. Afternoons might find you exploring ancient Maya ruins, taking part in a traditional ceremony, visiting Lake Atitlán or discovering that macadamia pancakes are a perfectly reasonable reason to get out of bed. By the end of the week, you may have gained new friends, fresh confidence, a deeper sense of belonging and several brightly colored purchases that definitely did not fit in your suitcase. You’ll return home reminded that living without alcohol or drugs can be joyful, adventurous and wonderfully connected.

YOUR RETREAT LEADERS

Al Updike, MA, LADC Originally from Sonora, Mexico, Al moved to the United States at ten and understands the search for belonging across cultures and LGBTQ+ identity. He earned his master’s degree from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School and has spent more than 14 years developing addiction services, including LGBTQ+-inclusive and Spanish-language programs. Al brings lived experience, professional expertise, warmth and plenty of humor. “I want everyone to feel seen, included and free to be fully themselves.”

Philippa Myers, MA, LADC, LPCC Philippa is an addiction counselor, psychotherapist and founder of Sober Travel Retreats. She has lived without alcohol and drugs since 2006 and has called Antigua home for decades. With master’s degrees in Addiction Counseling and Adlerian Psychology, Philippa specializes in addiction, trauma and family relationships. She created these retreats to combine personal growth with her love of Guatemala, authentic travel and meaningful connection.

“Everyone deserves to feel that they belong and to discover how much joy and adventure an alcohol-free life can hold.”

Refund Policy

Timing	Refund Policy
48 hours after booking	100% refund including deposit
After 48 hours	deposit non-refundable
61+ days before departure	remaining payments refunded 100%
31–60 days	remaining payments refunded 50%
30 days or less	no refund

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be sober/fully alcohol-free to be able to join a trip?

Dry Tripping Travel is built for anyone who wants to travel without alcohol in the picture, whether you're sober, sober-curious, taking a break, or just prefer trips that aren't centered around drinking. Some trips do require full sobriety to attend; when that's the case, it's always noted in the trip description.

Is this trip suitable if I'm traveling alone?

Absolutely! Many of our travelers come solo. Group trips are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, making it easy to connect with like-minded people.

Is this website only for people in recovery?

Not at all. Our trips welcome everyone, whether you're sober-curious, alcohol-free for health or personal reasons, in recovery, or simply someone who doesn't drink. Some trips have a stronger recovery focus, so check the individual listing for details.

Are all guests alcohol-free?

Yes, all guests on our trips are alcohol-free for the duration of the trip. That's kind of the whole point! It creates a space where everyone can connect authentically, and actually remember the magic.

What is the cancellation policy?

We understand that plans sometimes change. Here's our cancellation policy: Within 48 hours of booking: Full refund After 48 hours: Deposit non-refundable More than 60 days before the trip: Full refund minus the deposit 30–60 days before the trip: 50% Refund of the balance Less than 30 days before the trip: No refund We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your booking in case of unexpected circumstances.

How does the deposit work?

The deposit is 25% of the total trip cost and is set at booking. A paid deposit secures your spot. How it's charged depends on the listing type: Instant Book: the deposit is charged immediately. Confirm First: the deposit is authorized while the host confirms within 24 hours. If the host declines, the authorization is released in full. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the trip start date, or immediate if the trip starts within 60 days of booking.

Can I room with a friend?

In many cases, yes! Room sharing with a friend depends on the specific listing and accommodation setup. Check the listing details, and if it's not clear, you can reach out to us. We're happy to help arrange this where possible.

Do I need travel insurance?

We strongly recommend getting travel insurance for all trips. It's usually not included in your booking, so you'll want to arrange this separately before you travel. It can cover unexpected cancellations, medical situations, and other hiccups that are simply out of everyone's hands.

What happens after I request to book?

It depends on the listing type: Instant Book: your spot is confirmed immediately. Confirm First: the host has 24 hours to review and confirm your request. You'll receive email updates at each step!

Is transportation included?

It depends on the trip. Some listings include airport transfers or group transportation, while others don't. Check the Includes / Excludes section on each listing for exactly what's covered before you book.

How do I contact my host?

Once your booking is confirmed, your host's contact details are shared with you so you can coordinate directly. For anything else, email us at hello@drytrippingtravel.com and we'll help.

What does “alcohol-free” mean on Dry Tripping Travel?

Every trip listed on Dry Tripping Travel meets our Dry Tripping Standard: alcohol isn't included in the price, there are no alcohol-centered activities on the itinerary, and each host clearly states whether the environment is fully alcohol-free or has alcohol present but not central to the group experience. Either way, you'll know exactly what to expect before you book.