Whether it’s your first time heading out for an inspiring yoga retreat, or seasoned backpacking yogi, this is the ultimate list of must-haves for your soulful travel adventures.
Here is my ultimate yogi travel essentials list:
+Yoga Mat: My Lululemon yoga tote & Manduka Yoga Mat Pro have traveled the world with me for so long that it should have it’s own passport by now! Manduka makes Eko Lite mats for portability, but I prefer my heavy duty mat as it has been through a lot for over 7 years now, and still has no sign of damage or wear. It straps easily to the side of your backpack, or in a yoga tote which you can carry on. Extra tip: your mat works great as a mattress during layovers!
+ Passport: This is a given, but your passport becomes a sacred memoir filled with your finest mug shot, and a collection of 5 years worth of stamps, Visas and memories.
+ Portable Altar: you can take the Yogini away from her altar, but you can’t take the altar away from the Yogini.. Or something like that. It’s nice to have a little incense or smudge to clear your space especially when staying in new & unknown places, and it brings a sacred quality to all that you do. I usually bring few of my favourite small gemstones or crystals to keep me grounded and centred.
+Inspirational Book: A New Earth by EckhartTolle is my usual book that has been with me around the world. It charges me up spiritually while on the road. Others I have taken with me are: “The Desire Map,” by Danielle Laporte, “Broken Open,” by Elizabeth Lesser, “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho and “Autobiography of a Yogi,” by Paramhansa Yoganada.
+Comfortable shoes: While I usually prefer barefoot or flip-flops, I’ve got my NewBalance Fresh Foam 980’s with me for lots of walking or hiking.
+Camera: If you’re a picture addict like me, you’ll have a camera or two with you on your travels. I’ve got my iPhone and Canon Rebel T4I for spontaneous yoga pictures and videos in paradise.
+Natural Lip Balm: I always have a natural/organic lip butter with me because planes and constantly changing our environment can dry us out!
+ Natural Hygiene: Liquids can be annoying on flights. So if I can avoid checking my bags, I limit my liquids to 100mL of Dr.Bronner’s Soap (an all natural & vegan all purpose liquid soap; works as shampoo, laundry detergent, body wash, first aid and more.) I bring a small tub of coconut oil which is my whole body lotion, conditioner, sunscreen (low SPF,) and sometimes toothpaste. And I use Lush Cosmetics Toothy Tabs that you can carry on so you can still brush your teach with layovers. Light, convenient & delicious.
+Water Bottle: SO much plastic and packaging is wasted on flights. I always have a reusable water bottle and get it filled up as I travel. And, you don’t have to worry about spilling!
+Infinity Scarf: This is a must! It works great to cocoon your head up and try to get some sleep when your jetlagged. It works great as a little blanket to keep warm. I spray it with my essential oils and breathe in the anti-bacterial and calming oils to keep me healthy and grounded.
+Natural First Aid: I always have a portable medicine cabinet and first aid kit. Usually, I travel with my favourite essential oils: Tea Tree, Citronella, Lavender, and Clove. From bug bites, sun burns, tooth aches and sore muscles, these 4 magical oils have got me covered. I also have a small roll-on perfume blend I made of lotus, lavender, ylang ylang, patchouli and sweet pea. Yum.
+Mala: Bring your altar and sadhana with you. My mala keeps me grounded, centred and aligned. I like my moonstone mala with me to help with jet lag, and it is a constant silent meditation when I wear it.
What are your travel essentials, yogis? Share it with everyone in the comment box below.
-Britney