What to Pack for a Yoga Retreat
You have signed up for a yoga retreat (or are considering it) and now you don’t know exactly what to bring? Let my years of hosting (and attending) retreats help you forgo the mistakes of over or under packing! Let’s dig into what to pack for a yoga retreat!
First, the most essential, absolute, must have, no if’s/and’s/but’s about it to bring is YOU. All of you. As you are.
Many times I get these questions or statements from women considering a retreat:
“I can’t go on a yoga retreat because I don’t really do yoga and need to get flexible first”. Or, “I need to get in shape before I can sign up for a retreat”.
Wrong sister. Come as you are. You absolutely do not need to be flexible, bendy, tall, short, small, big- you just need to be you.
After you bring yourself, just as you are, here is a guide to what to bring in your suitcase and carry on. This, of course, will vary a tad based on where you are going (international, domestic) and what type of retreat (nature camping-style or luxury hotel) and of course how many days you are going. But you can adjust as needed and as directed by the organizer of the retreat. I have also included links to some of my own favorite products too!
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS:
- Passport for any international travel (works for any travel) – is it up to date by the way?
- Ticket – print that boarding pass AND add it to your phone!
- Visa – not the plastic kind (though that is fine to bring) but if you are traveling international – check with your destination to see if you need one.
CLOTHING:
Less is more! You won’t need as much as you think, so ditch the ‘just in case’ mentality on this one:
- Undies – Pack a pair of undies for each day, plus a spare just in case your flight gets delayed.
- Bras – Unless you’re practicing bikram yoga or going somewhere particularly hot, one sports bra for every two days will be ample. As you’ll mostly be hanging out in your workout gear, you can probably get away with packing just one ‘regular’ bra also (if that is how you roll).
- Socks – Pack one pair of socks per day for walking, and to keep your toes toasty if visiting a cooler area. However if you will be in warmer climates (such as beaches)- you may only need one or two pairs for the whole trip as you may be in sandal/open toe shoes most of the time.
- Yoga Pants – One pair of yoga pants for every two days is sufficient.
- Lightweight Tops – Bring one per day. They’re small and weigh barely anything, so you can get away with packing more tops than pants.
- Waterproof Pants – Yoga pants are usually sufficient for walking, but if you’re doing a lot of hiking and/or depending on the season, waterproof pants can be handy!
- Layering Tops – Bring one or two for downtime and cooler days. Cardigan, hoodie, or jumper for layering over your lightweight yoga tops works nicely.
- Shawl – A shawl serves a triple purpose as you can use it to keep warm at the beginning and end of your yoga practice, a handy extra layer while out walking, or at dinner and you can use it during your flights (those planes are always so cold!).
- Swimsuit – Obviously you’re only going to need this if your accommodation has a pool, hot tub, spa or you’ll be staying near the water.
- Lightweight Rain Jacket – Some destinations are a no-brainer to take a rain jacket – but you would be surprised at how many times we are surprised by rain.
- A heads up on clothing – Many of us pack way more than we need. You’ll find most people are happy to hang around in their yoga wear all day – layering up as needed and if you need anything outside of this list, your guide will usually let you know ahead of time (doesn’t hurt to ask!).
FOOTWEAR:
A yoga retreat is not the time to bring your stilettos! Even the fanciest of retreats have a laid-back attitude towards attire. Comfort takes priority when on a retreat.
- Walking Shoes – Most yoga retreats also offer walks or hikes in the surrounding areas. Even if they don’t, it’s a good way to explore. Sturdy and waterproof is best.
- Flip Flops/Sandals – For downtime and/or relaxing by the pool, or at the beach (or, as most of us find…all the time shoes)
- Casual Day Shoes – Whether these are your walking shoes or sandals depends on where you are going, but I’m talking about shoes you can wear on the plane and for exploring when you get to your destination.
TOILETRIES:
It’s best to check with your retreat about what they provide their guests. In very remote areas, the retreat may even recycle the water and therefore require you to use the toiletries they provide.
- The Basics – If not provided, take your own shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Remember to keep bottles less than 100ml so you can pack them safely in your carry-on!
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste – Take a mini toothpaste to avoid clogging up your luggage.
- Deodorant – here is a total kit that many have found beneficial
- Minimal Makeup – This is the time to embrace ‘au naturel’ by ditching the major make up routine. If you can’t bear to be bare, then a BB Cream (with SPF) and lip balm should do the trick.
- Sanitary Items – Even if you’re not expecting ‘aunt flow’ to pay a visit, there’s nothing worse than being caught out in a foreign country.
OTHER HANDY ITEMS:
Most yoga retreats will offer some downtime to explore the local area, or just relax by the pool. Here are a few handy extras you may need to make the most of your retreat.
- Local currency for incidentals/optional extras like a massage, treatment and/or gifts (consider having lot’s of ones or low denomination for tips).
- Mobile phone charger.
- A good book.
- Journal, pen, paper.
- Sunhat/Sunglasses.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Hair ties.
- Contact lenses/glasses.
- Bug repellant/sunscreen.
- Tylenol/Advil/Tums/band-aids/antihistamines/prescribed medications.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
- Traveling Towel – Many retreats will only allocate you one towel for your stay, so it’s handy to have a spare quick-dry traveling towel on hand.
- Yoga mat– Check with your retreat to find out if they provide these first, and if not, one that travels well is a must.
- Small reading light – Rooms are commonly shared occupancy on yoga retreats, so pack a reading light so you can still read your book even if your roommate is an early bird!
- Healthy snacks – If you’re used to grazing during the day it would be wise to bring something with you (check what you can bring into the country first if it is international).
WHAT NOT TO PACK:
Forgo the skinny jeans and high heels, leave behind the hair straighteners, and brush aside any self-consciousness. Try to switch off from what’s going on at home so you can make the most of your retreat. This is a time to leave behind the to-do lists, deadlines, chores and closed hearts.
In over six years of hosting retreats around the world, I haven’t met a person yet who regretted going, only those who stayed behind.
Grab yourself, just as you are, pack a bag, and come find connection, joy and rejuvenation on a yoga retreat.
*I am an affiliate for amazon and some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. Please know that you never pay more for affiliate products and I never recommend a product I don’t have/use myself.
