By: Michael Youngblood, Co-founder & CEO, Unsettled.
Drinking Less, Experiencing More: Our Mindful Approach To Alcohol
I didn’t set out to quit drinking. And I can’t say it’s an all-or-nothing issue for me.
But how I drink — and how I think about drinking — has definitely changed. And I’ll be the first to say that Unsettled’s stance on drinking needs to evolve too.
For most of my 20s and early 30s, alcohol was simply part of life. It was visiting a brewery after a big day in the mountains. Drinking while out on the adventure half the time.
The more I’ve stepped away from it, it felt more like the sport was the drinking and the adventure was the afterthought.
When I think about the live I’ve always wanted for myself, that vision was centered around friends, family, adventure, travel and not drinking.
The awe I want in life comes from the former, not the latter — and for me, the awe I seek in life happens before and between the drinks, not because of them.
Like anyone’s relationship with alcohol, mine has evolved out of my own experience — which, for me, has simply been a journey toward discovering how beautiful life is.
But I started to notice something: alcohol began to subtly smear that beauty. Whether it was from a health perspective, my energy levels, or simply waking up a little foggy the next day — I realized I wasn’t gaining anything from drinking. In fact, I was quietly losing something.
A calm life.
Part of this shift has also been about something deeper — about becoming more connected to myself and what I actually want out of life. It’s about no longer craving high amounts of social interaction or seeking approval from others. It’s about being fully at peace in my own company and not needing a drink to make social interactions smoother.
And as I slowed down my drinking, I started to notice subtle but profound changes.
Mornings became my favorite part of the day again — sharp, clear, and present. My sense of calmness — not just in the mornings but throughout the day — felt deeper. My connection to the places I traveled and the people I met felt richer.
I wasn’t missing anything. In fact, I was gaining more — more presence, more clarity, and more alignment with myself.
And the more I traveled, the more obvious it became.
The sunsets in Baja didn’t need a beer to feel euphoric. The kayaking in Patagonia didn’t need a cooler full of drinks. Trekking in the Dolomites didn’t need a glass of wine to make the experience richer — it already was. Alcohol didn’t add anything. If anything, it subtly took something away — my full, clear presence in the moment.
And as a leader on Unsettled trips, I started to notice how my own presence was shifting. Without drinking, I was more me. More tuned in. More able to connect deeply with participants — and more capable of creating profound, shared experiences.
Now, let me be clear — this isn’t a case for sobriety, nor is it a judgment on those who enjoy drinking while traveling. Alcohol has been a part of culture and community for thousands of years, and I love the beauty of that too. A bottle of wine shared in Italy or tasting local spirits in a new country can be a powerful cultural experience.
But what I am here to say — and what we at Unsettled believe — is that mindful consumption is a value we are embracing.
Creating Space For The Sober-Curious
From the beginning, Unsettled has always been about creating meaningful connection — with ourselves, with each other, and with the world around us. We’ve always believed that the best experiences aren’t fueled by consumption, but by intention.
And now, we’re being more intentional about how we approach alcohol on our trips.
Going forward, here’s what that looks like:
- All of our trips will remain inclusive — welcoming both those who drink and those who don’t. But we’ll continue designing experiences where connection, clarity, and adventure come first.
- On our sailing trips, we’re introducing the option of dry boats for travelers who prefer an experience without alcohol — where the adventure, connection, and presence take center stage.
- Our Experience Leaders will continue to create spaces where there’s never pressure to drink — whether it’s a sunset toast or a celebratory dinner. The choice is always yours.
Our goal isn’t to push any particular lifestyle — it’s simply to create experiences where everyone can be fully present in whatever way feels right for them.
Mindful Drinking
At the end of the day, this isn’t really about alcohol. It’s about presence.
It’s about how we show up for life — fully awake, fully engaged, and fully ourselves. For some, that might mean enjoying a glass of wine on our Basque trip this fall. For others, it might mean waking up at sunrise to meditate with a clear, fresh mind. Both are beautiful choices when made intentionally.
Unsettled isn’t for those looking to center a travel experience around drinking, substances, or parties. If we drink, we do it in an environment of moderation, mindfulness, and responsibility.
We’re about creating more meaningful moments — with a drink or without. Fully present either way.
Unsettled | A global travel community for those who value meaningful connections.
Unsettled is a global community for those who live and work differently.
Growth | Meaning | Adventure
