Choose Life Sober Adventures is one of a handful of small companies specializing in group travel for non-drinkers. I’ve traveled twice with Choose Life, once on an action-packed trip to Costa Rica and once on a hike-filled journey to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of Peru. We did all sorts of the usual fun adventure travel things like kayaking, ziplining, and eating at good restaurants. The Choose Life facilitator leads daily yoga classes and a nightly recovery meeting, which makes for faster bonding between participants than you’d see in your average group tour. I love the company and was surprised to hear that founder Cole Bressler had sold it.

The new owner is similar to Cole in many ways. Tristan Klimak is also a young guy in recovery who grew up in a family that worked in the travel industry. He took the time to talk with me about what he foresees for Choose Life’s future.

Interview with Tristan Klimak, Owner / President Choose Life Sober Adventures

Teresa: Tell me a little about your travel biz background.

Tristan: I grew up in the travel industry. My mom is the co-owner of a travel agency called Largay Travel. So, I grew up surrounded by it, going with her to different conferences and traveling a lot myself. Some of my top destinations I love to visit are South and Central America.

Once I left high school, I got an opportunity to work at Largay Travel in marketing and also take their mentoring program, which is basically training you to become a travel advisor.  That was my introduction to working in the travel industry.

Teresa: How did you come to buy Choose Life?

Tristan: Cole and I have super similar stories. And it’s actually funny, because I knew Laura and Ben (Cole’s parents, who own Natural Habitat Adventures) before knowing Cole. I just recently, in December of 2021, moved to Los Angeles from Connecticut, where I was working in the travel industry where Largay is based. I knew Laura and Ben from working at Largay.  When I moved out here, I met Cole, and he told me about his company when he was just starting it. I was like, “Oh my God, let me know if you need help with anything.”

So when Laura reached out, she said, “Our son is no longer interested in doing this; he wants to go back to school and pursue his passion for history.” I was like, “Who is your son? You said he’s out here in Los Angeles in recovery.” And she said Cole. So it’s so funny, because everything just kind of aligned. And I was like, “Oh my God! I know Cole very well.”

Teresa: What drew you to Choose Life?

Tristan: Travel and recovery are two of my top passions. Knowing that this company aligns with both of those, they’re very enmeshed, and the mission aligns with my beliefs. It was too perfect to say no to.

Teresa: What do you have planned for Choose Life?

Tristan: For 2025, we still have Costa Rica and Machu Picchu we’re going to run. But we’re looking into upgrading the amenities a little bit. And I know in Machu Picchu, that is a pretty extensive hike. So we’re looking into options for travelers who might not want to go on the seven-mile hike at 10,000 feet elevation and might do another tour that day instead.

We hope to have eight to ten itineraries eventually. I’m looking into doing a domestic itinerary, whether Alaska or Yellowstone. Just getting something domestic for people who can’t leave the country or would rather explore their own territory. And we’re hoping to add an Egypt itinerary in the future.

Teresa: What do you think Choose Life offers travelers?

Tristan: I think of it as bringing the sober community with you as you explore the world. And very much an emphasis on building community.

When I was younger, I loved to travel. It was something where I was always curious about the different cultures and threw myself into it. Once I started to begin the process of addiction, travel became very difficult. A lot of it was surrounded by the fear of being unable to get well while out of the country. I also had to sneak around people I was traveling with to do what I needed to be okay.

So, for me now, being sober is one of those things. I recently went on a trip to the Caribbean. And there’s a heavy emphasis on drinking, which I’m sure you’re aware of when traveling. I also feel the disconnect from the community of people in recovery I’m surrounded with at home. And so that’s like the most prominent thing from my perspective about Choose Life: you’re with like-minded individuals while traveling and exploring the world.

I love the concept of the facilitator going on these trips with you. It’s heavily focused on the recovery/wellness aspect. You’re waking up in the morning, setting your intentions. You’re doing your meditation meetings and yoga. And you’re deepening a connection with those around you. It’s just such a cool concept that I was super excited to be a part of it.

• Ziplining in Costa Rica. By Paul Bikis.

• Llamas for sale! By Teresa Bergen

• Oropendola Falls Guanacaste, Costa Rica. By Paul Bikis

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