I stopped drinking when I turned 50. Learning to travel sober was the hardest part.

Karthika Gupta went alcohol-free at 50, and it changed the way she travels.

Karthika Gupta

• Drinking used to help Karthika Gupta connect with friends or loosen up in unfamiliar places.
• Last year, when she turned 50, she decided to go alcohol free.
• She often misses drinking while traveling, but appreciates waking up clear-headed.

I didn't start drinking until I was 25 — late by many standards — but once I did, alcohol quickly became both a social and professional currency.