My Travel Tips For Yogis On The Go
As a yogi, I like to travel, but it’s important to get practice in no matter where life takes us. Life on the mat is possible. You can be anywhere in the world and still find your peace, serenity, and health if you make it part of your wellness plan and lifestyle. Practicing yoga has brought me many great adventures. I was pushed to my physical limit and found myself doing my first Crow Pose in Barcelona. I once almost broke down a door to a class in Lisbon because I was running late. I took a whole class in French and had no idea what the instructor was saying! I've trekked through 1 degree weather in Toronto. And all in the name of yoga! Throughout my mishaps, close calls, and wrong-turns, I’ve learned a lot of yogi life hacks along the way!
Here are a few tips I’ve learned and practiced as a yogi that loves to travel:
Call the studio or check their website ahead of time to find out what classes are available. Ask them if they offer other types of classes to customize your experience depending on what you’re looking for.
Consider what you’ll be doing on the day of your class so that you can have the best experience and make it worth your money. If you’re doing a lot of walking or shopping, doing a strenuous class may not be the wisest choice.
If they only offer one type of class, try to schedule it at the best time that will benefit you the most. For instance, if I know I’ll go out the night before a class, I'll want to take a class that will make me sweat and burn off those calories. If it’s a rest day, I may schedule a class in the evening as an end-of-day relaxation session.
Rent a mat from the studio if you don’t have space in your suitcase. My studio charges just $1. If you MUST bring your own, check out the Gaiam Foldable Yoga Mat.
Roll your clothes for more space. Bring only what you need. If you are practicing yoga just once or twice on your trip, then you only need two leggings and two sports bras. I usually take my shirt off once I step into the room. It doesn’t always have to be cute, just practical.
Be sure to have a working GPS, or at least have the class mapped out ahead of time so that you can give yourself enough time to get there. Sometimes, there are all kinds of corridors, stairs, and side streets before finding that little studio suite. You also may need time to acclimate to the heat once your inside! Half a mile or two may seem a short distance, but it's a whole different ballgame when you're on foot.
That means you'll need some good walking shoes - and I'm a Reebok girl most def. I love kicks that don't require lacing up because they're faster so I like the Reebok Furylite Asymetrical. I love all their Furylites actually, I have another olive pair. It can also get really hot or windy so bring a hat and jacket. I love this Tokyo cap from KYC Vintage and this lightweight Nike Tech Aerolift Fleece Bomber.
Bring the products you use post-yoga class at your home studio. For instance, after a 90 minute class, I love to use a good body scrub, Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub in Hawaii Kukui in the shower, a HASK Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioner pack, and my Scuunci Wide Tooth Comb. If there's time, I'll even put on a face mask after a shower to cleanse my pores. I take full advantage of the locker room lol. I like the Que Bella Refreshing Pomegranate Peel Off Mask from Target. It helps me feel like home when I have my go-to products when I'm traveling.
Be kind to those you meet along the way; remember that you are a representation of your hometown studio. Kindness costs nothing! A "Yoga Snob" is no fun, how can they grasp the true meaning of the practice!? When I was in Toronto, they asked me where I was from, I told them I was from Dallas and practiced at Bikram Yoga in Arlington. I want to give them the best impression possible; you never know who you’ll run into later down the road!
I hope these tips help you as you prepare for your travels! It does take time, but it definitely allows you to enjoy your trip hassle-free. Best of luck in your journey!
xoxo - Jasmine
