Have you decided to take part in a yoga retreat? Perfect! Use the time as a break from your stressful everyday life and look forward to valuable experiences on and off your yoga mat. But what exactly should you take with you for your retreat? So that you can prepare for your next retreat in a relaxed manner, we answer the question and present our essentials.
Don't worry: In this article you will learn which yoga essentials are indispensable for your trip.
The ideal yoga mat for your yoga retreat
No matter whether you are heading to warm Spain or the cold north: item number 1 on your packing list is of course your yoga mat. You have the following options:
Option #1: Pack a travel mat
The advantages of travel mats: They usually weigh only half as much as a normal yoga mat. That means less lugging and fewer kilos on the luggage scale at the airport. In addition, travel mats are usually foldable: you can simply stow them in your normal luggage. Although travel mats are much thinner and lighter than regular mats, they still offer very good grip, even in hot or even tropical temperatures.
These travel mats are particularly suitable for your trip:
B MAT Traveler by b, halfmoon
Voyager by Jade
More yoga mats for travel
Option #2: Use yoga mats on site
In many retreat locations you can also use the yoga mats on site. Important: Don't rely on this, but ask in advance whether this offer is available and what it costs extra. Our recommendation: Pack at least your own yoga towel in your suitcase. You can put this on the yoga mat on site and practice hygienically.
Option #3: Bring your regular yoga mat
Sure: If you already have a favorite yoga mat that you would like to practice on during the retreat, you can take that with you too. But you will then need a bag to transport it, as your mat will not fit in most suitcases. But you will not want to be without a good yoga bag after your retreat either! You can use it to transport your mat, your clothes and your water bottle the next time you head to the yoga studio in your city.
Bags and carrying straps for your yoga mat
No matter which option you choose, you should definitely pack a yoga mat care product that is suitable for your mat. This will not only keep your mat clean, but will also give it a fresh scent: who wants to practice on a musty mat?
Four more essentials for your practice sessions
Don't forget to pack a small towel . Many retreats are held in hot places and you'll be surprised at how much you'll suddenly sweat. Use a towel to wipe sweat from your face or dry your hands so you don't lose your grip on the mat in poses like downward dog.
We also recommend that you take a light blanket (or a large towel) with you. However, you should not put this in your checked luggage, but rather stow it in your hand luggage: when the air conditioning comes on on the plane, you will be happy to be able to snuggle up in a soft blanket. The blanket can also be used in many ways during the yoga retreat itself: use it to cover yourself in Savasana or as a mat on the beach. The more of these multifunctional items you pack, the less luggage you end up with!
A sleeping mask or eye pillow should also be part of your hand luggage. This will make it easier for you to fall asleep on the plane or train, so that the travel time passes super quickly. Once you get there, it is also the perfect companion for your Savasana: your final relaxation will be even deeper! You should also take it with you to your room: if you are used to pitch-black nights with the blinds drawn at home, a black-out sleeping mask could be your savior.
To avoid having to buy plastic bottles from the supermarket, it is best to travel in an environmentally friendly way with your own drinking bottle. Take it with you to your yoga sessions and to the beach as an indispensable accessory.
These yoga outfits are the ones you should pack for your upcoming retreat
As a rule, 2-4 yoga outfits are completely sufficient. In order to have enough freedom of movement during dynamic yoga sessions and not to freeze during quiet sequences, you should make sure you have a good mix of yoga clothes:
• Pack a comfortable pair of leggings for your dynamic sessions (e.g. Vinyasa Flow, Power Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga).
• Also pack a pair of loose-fitting pants made of a light material in your luggage (e.g. for meditation, pranayama and restorative sessions).
• Think of 2-3 comfortable tops made of airy fabrics (e.g. organic cotton or bamboo viscose).
• For additional support, you can bring 2-3 sports bras .
• To avoid getting cold during quiet sessions, you should also pack a light sweater or a kimono.
• And what about your feet? For the walk to the shala, it's best to take open sandals that you can slip into quickly. Light sneakers are ideal if you want to explore the area around your retreat location outside of the yoga program.
Tip: Take another close look at the program of your yoga retreat. Are there any trips to the beach planned? A party together? Then pack 1-2 outfits for that too, depending on the location and occasion.
Essentials that many forget on their first yoga retreat
A yoga retreat is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your life and get to know yourself better. To ensure that you don't lose your thoughts after your trip, you should write them down in a personal journal. This way, you can keep the inspiring impressions with you for even longer.
Don't forget to bring an inspiring book with you. You can read it on your flight there and get in the mood for an enriching and peaceful break.
These two books will make you want to get to know yourself better during a yoga retreat:
Emotional Detox by Laura Ritthaler
You can find more books here .
Avoid buying your sunscreen when you get there. Because: In many destinations, you will look in vain for sustainable sunscreen . However, this is the only way to protect the environment when swimming in the sea.
Two more essentials for your cosmetic bag: a relaxing muscle cream that you can apply after demanding yoga sessions and an essential oil that will help you let go even more during relaxing sessions.
Last but not least: small snacks for the soul. Most yoga retreats include meals, but you may be surprised by a little hunger while waiting for the next meal. So pack healthy granola bars, nuts and some chocolate in your bag. You will be very happy about it if something happens!
Your suitcase is now ready. We wish you a wonderful and inspiring yoga journey to yourself!