Your stomach is tingling and your spirits are lifting: It's time for vacation! Yoga and vacation can be perfectly combined. It's no wonder this special way of traveling is becoming increasingly popular. You treat yourself to a well-deserved break in the most beautiful places and do something good for your body, mind, and soul. It's a fantastic way to get to know the country in a unique way.
We give you helpful tips on what to look out for on a yoga vacation.
Organization of the yoga holiday
If you want to spend as little time as possible booking your trip, pre-packaged travel packages are a great option. You don't have to worry about anything. Arrival, transfers, accommodation, and yoga activities are all pre-arranged for you. All you have to do is pack your bags and go!
If you prefer to travel independently or flexibly with a backpack, it's worth doing your own research. This gives you greater flexibility regarding arrival and departure times, length of stay, and on-site activities. The internet makes it easy to quickly find the right package. Even brick-and-mortar travel agencies often offer a selection of specialized yoga hotels and tips.
Our tip: Social media groups are perfect for exchanging ideas with other travel-loving yogis.
Where to travel?
In your mind, you've already packed your yoga mat. But you're still thinking about where you want to spend your yoga vacation. Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, or perhaps somewhere in Europe? India or Bali are definitely classic destinations for a spiritual retreat. There are few other places in the world that are so closely associated with yoga retreats and slowing down.
Anyone willing to take a long flight and dig deeper into their pockets will definitely not be disappointed. The selection of excellent yoga hotels, studios, and yoga teachers is vast all over the world, offering something for everyone.
Checklist: What is important to me on a yoga vacation?
Yoga holidays are now offered in countless countries. When choosing the right holiday, you should consider what's most important to you:
- Does it have to be a yoga hotel or is a standard hotel enough?
- Do I want to practice yoga on the beach?
- Do I want to relax in the mountains?
- Does yoga in a quiet atmosphere, such as a monastery, appeal to me?
- Do I want to travel by train, bus or plane?
- Do I want to stay in one place or do I want to travel as a backpacker?
- Do I want to practice yoga alone or in a group?
Once you have answered these questions for yourself, it will be easier for you to narrow down your travel destinations.
Guided vs. Individual Yoga Trip
Every type of travel has its advantages and disadvantages. If you choose a private yoga trip, you have complete freedom in how you plan your trip. When the urge to practice yoga strikes, simply grab your travel yoga mat , find a nice spot, and get started. This is a fantastic experience, especially for advanced yogis. If you're new to the world of yoga or a beginner, a guided yoga trip is a better choice. A yoga instructor will keep a close eye on you and give you valuable tips.
All-round carefree package: Yoga retreat
If you're looking for a holistic retreat where yoga, meditation, and slowing down play the absolute main role, then a yoga retreat is just right for you. Everything here, from the activities to the food, is designed to rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit. Non-slip mats and the necessary yoga equipment are available on-site, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
A yoga retreat is perfect for you if you...
- appreciates a spiritual atmosphere
- would like to attend guided yoga classes on site
- Want to eat a healthy and balanced diet
- would like to use a wellness offer with massages
- Holiday with like-minded yogis
You can find a wide selection of retreat offers from various tour operators and hotels online.
Yoga studio and yoga teachers on site
Prefer to explore independently with your own mat? If a yoga retreat is too structured for you, local yoga studios are a wonderful option for a relaxing break. Depending on the country, every larger town usually has a yoga studio and yoga teachers who also hold their classes outdoors. Facebook and other social media platforms make it easy to find a studio, a well-trained yoga teacher, or like-minded people. You can also find out whether you need to bring your own exercise mat or whether there are enough mats and accessories available locally.
Which yoga props should I take with me?
It also depends entirely on the style of yoga you want to practice. For Hatha Yoga, a non-slip mat is sufficient, but for Yin Yoga, you'll need more accessories. In addition to your style, your travel style is also important. When traveling with a suitcase, you'll have more space for your equipment than a backpacker with a backpack.
These tools should definitely not be missing on your trip:
travel yoga mat
If you don't want to go without your own mat, it's best to choose a lightweight travel yoga mat in the desired thickness. It's made of a particularly lightweight material, such as PVC or natural rubber, and doesn't take up unnecessary space. It's important that it's non-slip, durable, and easy to care for. After all, your mat should be a reliable companion on the beach, on a mountain, or in the forest.
Travel yoga mats offer these advantages:
- good grip thanks to the non-slip surface
- particularly light weight
- many models are foldable
- robust and easy-care material
- available in many beautiful colors
- comfortable thickness up to 0.42cm
Our travel yoga mat recommendations:
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Travel Yoga Mat Premium Super Light Travel Mat
At just 900 grams, this mat is a real lightweight! It features six beautiful colors, the highly abrasion-resistant PVC material, and an easy-care surface. The mat is non-slip, 0.15 cm thick, and can be machine washed at up to 60°C. It also serves as a foldable yoga mat.
Material: non-slip PVC
Weight: 0.9kg
Mat dimensions: 183x60x0.15cm
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Travel Yoga Mat Premium
The popular Premium Travel Yoga Mat is the ideal companion for traveling. It's available in seven colors and is made of extremely abrasion-resistant PVC. This mat is 0.30 cm thick, offers optimal slip resistance, and is machine washable up to 60°C.
Material: non-slip PVC
Weight: 1.1kg
Mat dimensions: 183x60x0.30cm
If you've booked a trip to a yoga hotel, the mats will already be available on-site. You don't need to pack a separate travel yoga mat.
Yoga bag
Pack your mat and head to the beach! To keep your hands free while you're out and about, a practical yoga bag is a great option. They're available in great colors and designs. Yoga bags protect your exercise mat and ensure you can easily transport it from point A to point B.
drinking bottle
Drinking enough is incredibly important for the body. It's also important to make sure you drink enough water on a yoga vacation, especially if you're spending a lot of time in the sun. Therefore, a proper water bottle is a must. During your practice outside on the beach, you'll always be well-supplied and will automatically be reminded to drink regularly.
Comfortable clothing
If your vacation revolves around yoga, you'll naturally need the right clothing. It should be comfortable, airy, and breathable. This will serve you well and make you feel completely at ease during your practice.
Which yoga aids are still useful
A non-slip travel yoga mat (or foldable yoga mat) with a matching yoga bag, a water bottle, and the right clothing. These are the bare minimum yoga accessories you'll need. If you have a little space left in your backpack or suitcase, a yoga strap is a good idea. It's lightweight, takes up little space, and is ideal for stretching. If you have even more space, you can also pack two small yoga blocks . They're incredibly versatile, lightweight, and can also be used as a replacement for a meditation cushion , for example.
Are you planning a yoga trip this year? Do you have any recommendations for relaxing yoga on vacation? Or other tips on what to look out for on a yoga vacation? Feel free to leave us a comment!
