Yoga is an ancient practice that has managed to stretch and om into modern society quite elegantly. The word “yoga” is Sanskrit for “yoking”, which represents the idea of union, as in the union of body and mind. If you’re looking for a chance to expand your mind, challenge your body, or just to wear those cute new yoga pants, yoga adventure trips are for you!
At GoAbroad, we want to fill the needs of all meaningful travelers—not just the ones seeking far-out, thrilling, and high-adrenaline type of adventures. There's something to be said about adventures of the soul, of the mind, of your overall well being. Slow travel is where it's at, and if you're anything like us, you know that participating in yoga adventures abroad this coming year is high on our to-do list!
Yoga adventure trips are ideal for experiencing truly meaningful travel. Here's what you need to know to find the right yoga retreat abroad for YOU.
What to think about before choosing yoga retreats
Do you even lift, brah? What color are your yoga pants? Do they match your heart chakra? Even if you’re flexible, there are some things you should consider when choosing the perfect adventure yoga retreat.
How experienced are you? Some yoga retreats abroad cater specifically to beginners, while others turn up the heat for hardcore yogis. Make sure to check out the details in the programs to see if it’s an appropriate level for you.
You should also think about the style of yoga offered. If you’re looking for yoga retreats for beginners, Hatha is a great choice, because it focuses on the basics. Vinyasa is all about the flow, and things tend to get hot. Yin is super chill and all about finding your zen. It’s perfect for someone looking to lean deep into the meditative aspect of yoga.
And of course, where in the world do you wanna be? If you’re already into the idea of international yoga retreats, you’re obvs into yoga + travel. But under what conditions? It’s your adventure, so you should be picky! Want to be secluded? Or do you want access to other activities and culture? Do you need all inclusive yoga retreats, or are you willing to go out on your own for meals? All of these culminate into making the best decision for your dream yogi retreat.
Work out, chill out, get in touch with your inner self. No matter which destination you choose, you’re going to have the time of your life. So grab your mat and light some incense, because we’re about to breakdown five of the best yoga retreat destinations abroad.
5 best destinations for yoga retreat vacations
1. Costa Rica
International yoga retreats are perfect for people who want to explore another culture while doing something meaningful for themselves. If you’re looking for the best yoga retreat destinations out there, Costa Rica may be just the spot. You’ll find the perfect balance of vibrance and tranquility. You can spend time in a secluded yogi haven to connect with some serenity, than take a trip to the bustling streets in the city to experience culture, people, and some amazing food.
Costa Rica has affordable yoga retreats, and is ideal for the adventurous yogis out there that want to try something a little outside typical yoga retreats abroad. With access to the beach and the jungle, you can spend your time off the mat exploring the country. Or, you can sign up for language classes to practice your Spanish. When you sign up for the yoga travel duo in Costa Rica, it’ll be nothing but buena onda (good vibes).
2. India
How can you have a yoga travel list without India, the birthplace of yoga? Find your peace and heighten senses with an authentic adventure yoga retreat in the jungles of India. Take a breath and give yourself a chance to truly look inward by adding meditation, or learn Ayurvedic cooking and massage therapy to build on your yoga practice.
India is overflowing with off the mat opportunities that will add to the experience of mindful adventuring. Explore the jungles and colorful Indian culture, or volunteer in sustainability or education. You’ll get more from the experience if you have a chance to give back. If you end up choosing India for your
3. Argentina
South American countries are popular destinations for yoga. Travel to Argentina for a chance to explore the world and your mind. Yoga adventure trips in Argentina are unique because you can balance the calming practice on the mat with a spicy off the mat adventure. Try countering the cool, quiet mental state of your yogi mind with a fiery tango lesson. It’s not a stretch to say Argentina is the perfect place for an amazing yoga adventure. Travel never felt so good! Yoganna love Argentina for the variety it has to offer. It has some of the most diverse landscapes in the world (lookin’ at you, Patagonia), so if you plan to stick around post-savasana, you’ll have plenty of extreme exploring options.
4. Thailand
Yoga is pretty magical: it helps people find themselves, and connect with their emotional, physical, and mental state. The only thing that can make the practice more special is by doing it in another country, and Thailand provides the whole package. International yoga retreats in Thailand open up the door to yourself. And yes, we know that sounds cheesy, because it is, in the best ways possible. Challenge yourself off the mat by signing up for a Thai kickboxing class, or explore the jungle on multi-day trek. Volunteering with elephants will cure any emotional ailment, but you better ground your practice with with guided meditation by Buddhist monks for good measure. It’s really the ultimate adventure yoga retreat.
5. Indonesia
Indonesia is another hot spot for yoga retreats abroad and for good reason. It’s ridiculously picturesque, with glowing beaches and lush jungles, the food is to die for, and the sun seems to be smiling down on the country. Just stepping off the plane guarantees you will be feeling 90% zen. But if you want to do a little more than lie on the beach for days (although, that would be pretty fantastic), yoga adventure trips in Indonesia are a great option. Go suring, do some yoga, explore Bali, and let the zen wash over you like waves. Let go of all your worries and stress, and just breathe.
- Recommended yoga travel program in Indonesia: Solid Surf & Yoga House
None quite right? Browse ALL Adventure Yoga Travel Retreats
Next steps to finding & booking yoga retreats abroad
Now that you have the inside scoop and know where to have the most epic yoga adventure programs abroad, it's time to choose who you want to travel with! Choosing an adventure tour program isn't as hard as it sounds, especially if you follow these steps:
- Decide where to go. Figuring out where YOU want to stretch, move, balance, and bend abroad is paramount. Have a short list of locations that sound ideal for your goals—mountains? Safari? The bush?. Don't let your the smell of bare feet hold you back—choose a place that's right for you (and ideally doubles as one of the best places for yoga retreats abroad!).
- Choose from the best adventure travel abroad programs in the world. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program reputation, and how the adventure at stake matches your preferences. Some programs may even share contact info for ambassadors or past participants if you want the REAL dirt. Here are more considerations to make as you figure out how to choose the right adventure tour for you. Pro tip: You can use MyGoAbroad to compare programs side-by-side.
- Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge on unplanned travel (in addition to tour costs and airfare). Be sure to raise a little extra money to donate to the organization that you'll be working with. Learning how to raise money for a trip fast will serve you (and your wallet) well!
- Get prepared! Preparing for backpacking and adventure travel abroad is as fun as it sounds (eight essential to do's here!). With the days til departure number dwindling and your excitement boiling, it can be easy to overlook the details. Lean on us to help guide you through your pre-departure process—that's what we're here for.
Time for this article’s savasana
The great thing about yoga is that it’s all about you. You set the intentions, you set the limit, you set the pace. If you need to stay in savasana a little longer one day, that’s alright! No judgment in yoga-land, whatever country you choose. International yoga retreats give you the tools to cultivate mindfulness and balance, a chance to take a mental and physical journey. And even if you’re a beginner, you’re not a poser! Yoga is for everyone. If you want to participate in an adventure yoga retreat to heat things up or cool things down, there’s an experience out there just for you. Once you go abroad for some adventure yoga, you’ll likely be saying, “nama-stay abroad, thanks.”
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