How to Travel Like a Yogi

Tree Pose in Saskatoon

Travel can be very disruptive to a yoga practice, however with a little flexibility it can also serve to deepen and expand yoga horizens. Letting go of the idea that yoga has to be on a mat in your home or a studio opens up the whole world as a practice space, which of course makes sense as practicing asana (yoga postures) is only a small part of living a yogic lifestyle. Because so many of our yogis take the summer months to get away from home we thought a few yoga travel tips would serve to optimize the fun factor of every moment of your summer get-aways. 

Tip 1: Packing

At first the idea of packing to accommodate a yoga practice can seem daunting however there are some compact options. Travel mats that are thinner and fold easily into suitcases are an option, as are toe socks and grip gloves that you can wear to practice on any surface without slipping. And conveniently, yoga clothing is travel clothing at it's best. Nothing would be more comfy on a long flight or car trip than your favourite yoga pants, so wear them to go.

Tip 2: Circulation

Fitting some yoga asana into the journey itself will not only help you enjoy the trip more but can help you avoid health problems associated with sitting for long periods, like deep vein thrombosis. The limited space associated with airplane travel can be challenging, but if you choose an aisle seat or an emergency exit more options open up. In your seat you can keep the blood flowing by doing neck rolls, eagle pose arms, shoulder stretches, camel pose (by lifting your arms over your head as you open your chest), cow pose arms (opposite arms clasped behind back), seated cat/cow spinal movements and gentle seated twists. Having chosen an aisle seat also allows you to take a regular walk up the aisle and maybe pause in an emergency exit area, or near a washroom space, to do a standing forward bend (you can add a spinal twist to this by lifting one arm to the sky) and maybe even a lunge or two. If you are in between flights in an airport there is always a wide open space tucked around a corner somewhere to do a full range of movements. Not that you need to hide away. People expect to see pretty much anything in an airport and it is a great conversation starter. 

Warrior 2 at the Arches Provincial Park

Tip 3: Plan to Breathe

The often sedentary down side of travel is more than made up for by the opportunites for breath awareness, meditation and sense of community. Stepping on a plane is a little like a mini version of the ancient yogic tradition of the Sanyasini , when a monk leaves his home, family and all that he owns to devote himself to his practice. For a few hours we are completely dissociated from everything we know. We don't know how smooth the flight will be, or who will be sitting beside us. We are no longer at our starting point and not yet at our destination.  Thich Nhat Hanh writes that this is a wonderful time to practice being in the moment by linking your breath to such phrases as "I have arrived, I am home. In the here, in the now."  rather than focusing on your destination throughout the flight. Why not use this time to practice your pranayama and your mindfulness meditation. After all what else is there to do? And how about doing alternate nostril breathing or Ujjai breath during turbulence, lost luggage, delays or any other travel related stress to calm and balance the nervous system.

Breath awareness can also bring you more in touch with your surroundings once you have arrived. Anytime you become aware that you are in the midst of a wonderful travel moment, you can commit yourself to pause and breathe for 5 long slow breathes and genuinely take it in.  

Tip 4: Make a Travel Journal

You can do this for any type of travel however road travel provides far more leniency in fitting in yogic moments. These can include stopping to get out and do an asana, breathing or meditation at any inspirational place you pass. The key is to tell yourself that this is part of the plan. Look for places to stop. Take pictures of your yogic moments to make a scrap book/journal memento of your yogic escapades. Journaling is a well studied stress management tool. It has been found to have a positive overall impact on health and to improve cognitive functioning. It gives you time to unwind, process and fully explore your experience, and it can be lots of fun as well. 

Headstand in Florida

Tip 5: Food

Food habits can be seriously disrupted with travel. It helps to leave with something packed that is healthy so that you don't succumb to the heavily processed snacks that get handed out on flights or being tempted to stop for fast food because you are too hungry to wait until a healthy option is available. Nuts, dried fruit, sandwiches, muffins, apples, boiled eggs are all easy to prepare and to eat on the move.

Tip 6: Salute the Sun

If you do not already have a home practice, suddenly being away from your studio practice can leave you a little adrift. One solution to this is to adapt the sun salutation to your time availability and mood. Do it slow for for calming, meditative effect, or add repetitions and do one breath per pose to get your heart pumping. Finish with a side bend to either side and a lying twist. If you are still learning this series ask your teacher for one of the business card sized Sun Salutation progression outlines that we have at the studios to use as a reminder.

Tip 7: Utilize Technology

Technology has dramatically expanded options for yoga on the go. You can download yoga apps for i-phone, most are basically an electronic version of yoga flash cards, though some also include narration and sequencing. Meditation apps are also available. The yoga journal website is a good source for sequences and free downloads. For a more authentic class experience you can also try sites such as yogaglo where you can pay a small monthly free and follow along in HD with those practicing any style of yoga classes in your living room or on the go. And finally, use the internet to check out the yoga at your destination.

Warrior 1 on the East Coast Trail

Tip 8: Take in Some Local Yoga

On arrival check out some local yoga classes or plan to do some yoga on your own where you can soak up your surroundings. This allows you to meet new people and to get your bearings as well. If you are not up to leaving your hotel room immediately after arrival try your legs against the wall to boost circulation and re-balance.

Remember that all the yoga you are doing now is keeping your joints, limbs and mind supple so that you are better able to handle the cramped conditions and stressful moments that often go along with the excitement of travel. Taking your yoga with you will also ensure that you are more energetic and open to all the wonderful travel experiences that happen along the way.