TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR THE MODERN YOGI

Written by Dominique Sasha 

Most wandering yogis know how hard it can be to maintain a regular yoga practice while travelling for a couple of days, weeks or even months. Getting your flow on in an exotic location sounds amazing, but it can be difficult to find time to practice in-between exploring, sightseeing and eating your way through a new city.

A regular yoga practice is surprisingly doable and, as we all know, it has the power to improve the way you think and feel. If you’re planning a blissful weekend getaway or a globetrotting expedition, these travel essentials are sure to make your journey even more dreamy.

Travel yoga mat

First things first, the yoga mat. We all know how important the right yoga mat is for your routine. It can be a real distraction if your mat is slippy, smelly or bunches up every time you move into a new pose.

While a thick, heavy duty yoga mat is perfect for a practice at home or in the studio, it’s just not practical to lug around while travelling. If you want something lighter to fold into your carry-on luggage or beach bag, a travel yoga mat is the perfect solution!

Water bottle

So many of us are incredibly environmentally conscious when we are comfortable at home in our natural habitat, but become so much more wasteful when we’re travelling. While staying hydrated is essential to good health, it shouldn’t come at the detriment to our environment. One easy way to curb your impact is limiting the use of disposable water bottles.

There are so many fantastic reusable water bottles to choose from including; glass bottles, stainless steel or BPA-free aluminium water bottles. Stainless steel options are great to travel around with (and won’t break when you drop them), they’re light and last a lifetime. Perfect for the carefree (or clumsy) yogis out there!

My personal favourite is the S’Well water bottle. These bad boys come in a range of unique designs and can keep liquids cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours.

Early morning alarm 

Waking up at the crack of dawn may sound like torture to some of you, especially while you’re on holiday, but setting that early alarm clock isn’t all bad! Your asana will encourage you to welcome the morning with clarity and intent, helping you focus on the beautiful places you’re seeing and the exciting adventures you have planned.

As well as the mental and physical benefits, these early morning yoga sessions will help your schedule. You’ll get your yoga practice out of the way before your eyes become drowsy and your feet achy.

And the added bonus: you can walk around all day thinking “I am awesome!” for swapping your lazy morning in bed for a sweet flow.

Mindfulness apps 

Mindfulness can mean many different things to different people. To me mindfulness is an opportunity to acknowledge your physical body and thoughts, without negativity or judgement. It’s also an opportunity to appreciate the present and appreciate the experiences and people you’re grateful for.

Headspace, Calm and Buddhify aim help you manage anxiety, boost focus or curb insomnia. With your yoga session done and dusted, mindfulness can be a great way to wind down at the end of the day. As nature intended, evenings are one of the best times to quieten the mind and settle down in time for a deep slumber.

While there are many guided sessions to help you doze off, there are sessions specifically designed to make travelling a welcome Zen experience. Even Qantas have acknowledged the benefits of guided meditation by introducing 12-minute sessions created to enhance your in-flight experience. With so many mindfulness apps and sessions available, you are sure to find something you love.

The most important thing you need to get your Namaste on is you! In the wise words of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, “in the practice of Yoga one can emphasize the body, the mind or the self and hence the effort can never be fruitless.”

Happy travels yogis!

Dominique Sasha is the founder of Wandering Yogi, selling eco-friendly yoga mats.

Need to get away from everyday life but also want to delve deeper into your practice with our teachers and guest facilitators? Check out the latest Power Living retreats and workshops.