My secrets as a seasoned yogini: tips for practicing yoga while you travel

What is the first thing you pack when preparing for a trip? 

The very first thing I pack into my suitcase is my yoga mat. For some, it could be an odd thing to pack first. But for me, it sets the intention to practice yoga in some capacity while I am away. 

I have been practicing and teaching yoga for over ten years now. And I am grateful that I’ve had opportunities to blend both of my passions for yoga and travel on this journey. 

Each travel destination has offered me a unique experience to connect with different cultures, landscapes, and people—all the while, deepening my own yoga practice. This path I’ve been on has led me to discover that yoga and travel make quite the dynamic pair.

A consistent yoga practice does wonders for my mental and physical well-being. Traveling offers new experiences boosting my emotional awareness, empathy, and inspired creativity. 

I always have every intention to practice yoga consistently while I travel. However, I’m not always successful at it. Considering all that I want to see, all that I want to do, and who I am traveling with, my yoga practice will occasionally take a back seat. 

As a seasoned yogini, I know that it is still very possible to do yoga while traveling. With just a little bit of flexibility (no pun intended), dedication, and effort, there’s always time to whip out my yoga mat. 

In the end, I always feel better after doing a little bit of yoga while on a trip. My practice offers me a sense of familiarity while exploring unknown territories. It is a comforting feeling that keeps me grounded while I travel. 

Are you planning a trip soon? I know from experience it can be hard to stay on track with your practice. Here are some pointers that have helped me keep my yoga practice while I travel. 

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Invest in Yoga Gear

All you need to practice while you travel is your yoga mat. No fancy studio is ever required so long as you bring your yoga mat with you. For me, the physical touch of my mat automatically puts me in the headspace to practice. 

I invested in a yoga mat specifically for traveling. It is a lightweight mat that I can easily fold and put in my backpack or suitcase. Here is my recommended travel mat from my favorite yoga brand:

Travel Yoga Mat

Take this yoga mat with you on any trip. It easily folds and rolls with only 1.5mm of thickness. This mat offers all of the portability whether you go away for the weekend or abroad for the summer. 

The Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat is my favorite mat for traveling. Its foldable design makes it easy to store in your luggage. It’s also super lightweight and doesn’t take up too much space.

I personally love to use a weekend bag with yoga straps for short trips. The straps securely hold my yoga mat, which makes it easy for me to carry along with my other personal belongings. Here is my top pick for a bag that is compact in design:

Gym Tote Bag

Securely strap up your yoga mat with this gym tote bag. This multifunctional bag serves as a gym bag and a weekend bag. It even has a luggage sleeve!

The ERTUNA Gym Tote Bag is not just a workout bag, but a great travel accessory. It’s thoughtfully designed to carry everything you need. From your yoga mat to your laptop, toiletries, and clothes. 

Book Accommodations with Yoga in Mind

Get an Airbnb or a hotel room with lots of space for your practice. I personally love to find an Airbnb with a balcony or a terrace to which I can dedicate my yoga practice. 

When I am traveling with others, especially with my daughter, I make it a point to wake up before the rest of the group. That way I can practice first thing so that there are no surprises getting in the way, such as delayed tours. 

Look into a Yoga Retreat

Although I have not joined a yoga retreat myself, I’m confident that this is probably one of the best ways to combine both yoga and travel. A yoga retreat not only helps you keep your yoga routine, it actually helps deepen your yoga practice so much more. 

There are plenty of options to choose from when joining a yoga retreat. Some retreats have a very open itinerary where yoga and meditation are scheduled in the morning. This gives you the rest of the day to do as you please. 

Other retreats have a full schedule of classes, workshops, lectures, and other activities. These may include sightseeing and guided tours. 

Find a Local Yoga Studio

I love to check out local yoga studios when exploring new destinations. I do some research online, skim through their class schedule, and book a class in advance. 

This is such a great way to meet like-minded people while visiting a new place. One of my favorite yoga experiences was in New York City when I booked a class at Y7 Studio. It was a candlelit yoga setting with bumping hip-hop music. It was very fitting for New York.

Booking a class at a local yoga studio is also an incredible way to immerse in local life. I will never forget taking a class at HOM in Santo Domingo. It was my first ever yoga class in Spanish. It really challenged my personal practice in such a transformative way.

If you can’t seem to find a local yoga studio, ask your hotel or resort. 

Find a Local Wellness Event

I like to do some research on any local wellness events that may be going on while I travel. These events usually feature yoga classes, workshops, and mindfulness sessions. These events provide an opportunity to connect with a whole community. 

While traveling to the Dominican Republic one summer, I was able to participate in Global Wellness Day. This global celebration raised awareness of the importance of health and well-being.

The wellness event took place in Los Establos, Cap Cana. This picturesque location offered me such a unique cultural experience. It enhanced my yoga practice and my overall trip.

Practice Yoga in Nature

Practicing yoga outdoors is a great way to take in your surroundings while traveling. 

For example, practicing at the beach while I am in Punta Cana is a no-brainer to me. I usually look for a place under a palm tree to lay out my towel. The views of the ocean and the sounds of the waves upgrade my yoga practice. I feel bliss once I am done.

If you find yourself in the mountains for the weekend, I suggest you take a hike with your mat. Take some time to breathe in the fresh crisp air while doing some meditation in a wooded area.

Download Digital Yoga Classes Before Your Trip

Did you know that you can practice with your favorite teachers on demand from anywhere and at any time? There are lots of on-demand yoga classes you can choose from online. You can even find some free ones on YouTube.

I use CorePower Yoga On Demand. They have a library of free classes you can select and practice from wherever you are. 

Do Simple Sun Salutations

If you are low on energy from a long day of exploring, try a simple sun salutation sequence to get your body moving. It is an easy sequence that you can mindlessly do that works the entire body.

I found myself doing simple sun salutations on my solo trip to Madrid. It helped to increase the circulation in my body and get the blood flowing. It was exactly what I needed as I adjusted to the time change and walked around the city. I felt so much better in the end.

Take a Deep Breath

Did you know that you don’t always have to put your body into shapes in order to do yoga? It’s true! Yoga is actually a practice that centers around your breath. That awareness of your breath helps you stay calm and collected. 

My yoga practice sometimes starts at the airport. Airports make me a bit anxious. Yoga is one of the ways I can relax. When I feel travel anxiety, I take a few moments of stillness to just breathe.

Set Realistic Expectations

It is very unlikely that you will be able to commit to your usual 60-minute yoga practice each day while you travel. 

Your daily routine changes drastically when you are traveling. Take into consideration your itinerary and set realistic expectations for yourself.

I always take it easier on myself when I travel. I set small achievable goals. If I can practice for at least 20 minutes here and there, I am satisfied. 

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Keep these tips in your back pocket the next time you travel with your yoga mat. Your mind and body will be nourished as you travel around the world. Remember to take it easy on yourself and above all, enjoy your trip!

Want to feel your absolute best while you travel? Read through Chelsea’s rules on how to stay healthy while on a trip.