Travelling with a yoga mat essential


Discover essential tips for travelling with a yoga mat and other must-haves. Ensure a comfortable and immersive yoga journey!

Are you envisioning yourself unwinding in a tranquil yoga retreat in the lush landscapes of Bali, or perhaps embarking on an adventurous exploration of the historic yoga ashrams in India?

travelling with a yoga mat

Whatever your yoga travel dreams may involve, equipping yourself appropriately and having a well-thought-out plan are crucial elements that can significantly enhance your journey. This comprehensive guide is designed to ensure that you not only travel with comfort and convenience but also deeply immerse yourself in the local yoga culture.

10 Important things every traveling yogi should bring

From selecting the right travel essentials to engaging meaningfully with local traditions and yogic practices, we’ll provide you with all the travelling with a yoga mat information needed to make your trip both enriching and unforgettable.

Whether you are a novice to the world of yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this guide will help you tailor your adventure to your personal interests and yoga aspirations, ensuring that your experience is as rejuvenating as it is inspiring.

1. A lightweight scarf

If you’re traveling to a conservative country such as Thailand, Bali, or India, it’s well worth packing or purchasing an inexpensive one when travelling with a yoga mat, or lightweight scarf that you can use as a fuss-free cover-up. As a bonus, you can also use your scarf as a blanket, when you’re traveling from A to B.

people doing yoga in the park

2. Multiple pairs of comfortable yoga leggings

Whilst it’s a no-brainier that leggings are the perfect choice for a yoga session, yoga leggings are also ideal for sightseeing and hiking. They’re also a great option for long-haul plane flights and overnight train journeys.

If you’re planning to pack lightly when travelling with a yoga mat, it’s well worth opting for leggings that feature odor-minimizing technology.

Alternatively, if you plan on vacationing in a picturesque seaside destination, you may want to purchase a pair of surf leggings. Which can double as yoga leggings.

3. A thin, portable yoga mat

If you’re headed on a yoga-focused getaway, it pays to leave your tried and tested yoga mat at home in favor of a thin, portable yoga mat.

If possible opt for a yoga mat that boasts a strap, which allows you to carry your yoga mat like a cross-body purse.

5 people doing yoga in the beach

4. A microfiber towel

Microfiber towels are a godsend as they can be folded into a tiny pouch and take up little room in your suitcase. A small microfiber towel is incredibly handy as it can absorb twice as much water as a regular towel. Better yet, they also dry out in half the time.

So, if you foresee yourself working up a sweat whilst you’re on vacation, it’s well worth having a small microfiber towel on standby. Especially for your yoga workouts.

5. A cozy sweatshirt or hoodie

Even if you’re planning a trip to a tropical paradise, it’s still worth packing a cozy sweatshirt or hoodie as you may be surprised at how cool it can get in the evenings. You can also pop a hoodie over your yoga gear, to turn your yoga look from sporty to casual.

Better yet, hoodies are also a great layer to pack in your carry-on bag. Most planes keep air-conditioning on full blast.

6. Coconut oil

Coconut oil can be used for a myriad of purposes when travelling with a yoga mat. As examples, it can be used to moisturize your face, after a day spent on the beach or as a leave-in moisturizer for dry hair.

7. A cross-body bag

It’s well worth purchasing a cross-body bag that you can sling across your body when you’re exploring a bustling marketplace or riding public transportation. Better yet you can also use your cross-body bag to store your yoga gear such as bottled water, workout clothes, and hair ties.

In some ways, cross-body bags are a safer option than backpacks, which are prime targets for pickpockets.

8. A travel journal

After completing a rejuvenating yoga workout in a picturesque location you may be tempted to write down your travel experiences in a travel journal.

hands adding pictures on the travel journal

9. Your favorite yoga workouts

It’s well worth downloading your favorite yoga workouts and meditation music to your smartphone. That way, if you can’t find a local yoga class to join, you’ll still be able to complete your own guided yoga session.

10. Multiple tank tops

Trust us, if you head on a yoga-focused adventure, you’ll spend half your vacation living in tank tops, as they are multi-purpose and can be used for yoga or sightseeing. Make sure to choose sports-specific tank tops that are breathable and sweat-resistant. As you don’t want to head out to dinner smelling like you’ve just run 10 miles.

a woman meditating during sunset

There’s no better time than the present, to pack your bag for a yoga-focused holiday in the sun.

As you prepare for your yoga-centered journey, remember that each item you pack serves not just a practical function but also enhances your experience, allowing you to fully engage with each moment.

From the versatility of a lightweight scarf to the convenience of a portable yoga mat, these essentials ensure that you travel comfortably and remain connected to your practice. Welcome the adventure ahead with your yoga mat in tow, ready to explore new landscapes and deepen your yoga practice in some of the world’s most inspiring settings.

Happy travels and namaste!