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After two years of restricted travel, you may have an extensive list of destinations. This summer is a great time to book flights and plan a trip, and you should consider a yoga retreat as a worthy adventure. Yoga retreats can be part of a certification process or for any yoga-lover, and they often take place in stunning locations like Santorini, Tulum, and Bali, as well as US-locations like Maui and several national parks.  Although the location is a priority, your yoga essentials are, too!

If you’re planning to go to a yoga retreat, there are several things you’ll want to plan ahead of time. First, make sure you have enough vacation time to account for travel, yoga days, and adjusting once you get home. Many retreats include food, props, and sleeping accommodations but don’t include flight costs.

I’m joining a retreat in Florence, Italy, later this summer, so I’m sharing the items I have on my packing list. You won’t be lost when it comes to what to pack for a yoga retreat of your own!

Clothing

Image: Athleta

Elation Bra A-C

Athleta

Price: $

You’ll want several sports bras for low/medium-impact activities, especially if the retreat you’re attending will hold practices outside or in a hot location. If you plan to sweat a lot, be prepared with enough yoga outfits to support you throughout your stay. 

Image: Lululemon

Ebb to Street Tank Top

Lululemon

Price: $$

Just like bras, you’ll want lightweight tops that keep you cool. Tank tops are some of the best yoga tops because they won’t be too hot if you’re practicing in the sun, and they allow your shoulders more range of motion for positions, like downward facing dog. This street tank top from Lululemon is soft, seamless, and supportive. 

Image: Girlfriend Collective

Dune Cupro Crop Tee

Girlfriend Collective

Price: $

Whether your retreat is 4 days or more than a week, t-shirts are some of the best yoga tops. You can wear them for travel, during practices, and while exploring your destination. Some cities and cultures require your shoulders (and maybe knees, as well) to be covered when visiting holy locations, so having a t-shirt on hand is convenient.

Image: Amazon

Buttery Soft Leggings

Colorfulkoala

Price: $

Many people prefer to practice in yoga leggings as opposed to shorts. For one, leggings help wick sweat from the body so you don’t slip or slide on your mat. They also keep you warm, which may be useful if you are practicing indoors with air conditioning. I recommend buying a color you can match with several different tops. These Amazon yoga leggings are highly rated and will arrive quickly if your trip is coming up soon.

Image: Alo Yoga

Goddess Ribbed High-Waist Hot Short

Alo Yoga

Price: $$

Alo Yoga has buttery soft shorts that are perfect for a hot practice. From hot yoga to practicing by the beach, these shorts will help you stay cool. The shorts are made from a ribbed performance fabric and have a seamless look that will pair well with any tops you packed. Alo has plenty of other shorts and styles if you want pockets or a longer, biker-short style. 

Image: Lululemon

Seamless Thong Underwear 3 Pack

Lululemon

Price: $$

Don’t forget underwear when packing! If you have access to laundry, you won’t need to bring as many pairs, but you certainly don’t want to run out of clean undergarments at a retreat. This 3-pack of mid-rise thongs is seamless, lightweight, and has three colors for pairing with different yoga leggings and shorts. Lululemon also has packs to save a few bucks. 

Image: Girlfriend Collective

Marina Tahoe Scoop Bikini Top and High Rise Bikini Bottom

Girlfriend Collective

Price: $$

Your trip will surely include plenty of yoga, but that’s not all you’ll do. Most yoga retreats are in gorgeous locations, either by the ocean or with resort pools. When you’re not practicing, you’ll be able to lounge by the water or try water sports. A swimsuit is a must-have, and I recommend packing several if you can. Pack one swimsuit for lounging and another for water activities.

Image: Aerie

Beach Weekend Oversized Hoodie

Aerie

Price: $

Even though it’s summertime and you’re likely traveling to warm locations, a pullover is still a yoga essential. Think of cool morning meditations, air conditioned bedrooms, rainy days, and unpredictable airport temperatures. An oversized hoodie like this quarter-button-up from Aerie is easy to throw on over a yoga outfit or tie around your waist when the sun comes out. 

Image: Madewell

Waffle Knit Short Pajama Set

Madewell

Price: $$

Not everyone likes pajama sets, so if you’d rather wear your already-packed t-shirt and shorts to bed then go for it (especially since that means less to pack). But for those who like dedicated pajama sets, this waffle knit set is breathable and lightweight. It’ll feel soft and plush after your busy days. 

Image: Amazon

Beach Sun Straw Hat 

Amazon

Price: $

If you’re traveling somewhere that’s hot or where the sun is more direct than you’re used to, pack a hat. A sunhat will keep the UV rays off your face and ears, shielding your face from the sun. This hat has thousands of reviews raving about how easy it is to pack and wear, even with curly hair. 

Image: Cariuma

Sand Knit Ibi Sneaker

Cariuma

Price: $$

Plan to walk a lot when you’re at a yoga retreat. Many trips include lake days, urban exploring, and hiking. Bring comfortable shoes that you can walk several miles in—and remember to break them in ahead of time! The Ibi sneaker from Cariuma doesn’t need much break-in time and is breathable. Cariuma’s shoes are sustainably made from plant materials, including bamboo and sugarcane. Plus, the shoe’s minimal design means they won’t take up much space in your luggage. 

Image: Nordstrom

Arizona Waterproof Slide Sandal

Birkenstock

Price: $$

Sandals are great if you’re going to be near water, and a waterproof pair of slides are as easy as it gets. Birkenstocks are tried and true, and this style is easy to slip on and off by the water. Like other Birkenstock styles, these have good traction and adjustable straps on the top of the foot. Slides are also a welcome swap after a long day of walking!

Image: Amazon

Classic Notebook

Paperage

Price: $

If you’re a yoga beginner, you may not expect the stop-and-go nature of workshops and meditations. There are constant moments for reflection, sketching, and note-taking. A notebook is necessary—often required—by the retreat leaders, so you can make note of poses, sequences, and anything you want to remember after the trip ends. 

Image: Manduka

Eko® Superlite Travel Yoga Mat

Manduka

Price: $$

Most retreat locations are stocked with props and supplies, but you can unroll your mat for a stretch or nap. A travel mat may also make you feel more comfortable when you’re practicing, since traveling and sweating with others during a pandemic can cause added stress. Manduka’s travel yoga mat is 1.5mm thick, foldable, grippy, and sustainably made.

Image: Manduka

Yogitoes® Yoga Mat Towel

Manduka

Price: $$

Between hot days and long practices—sometimes several a day—you’re going to get sweaty. But, you don’t want to lose your grip on a yoga mat. A yoga towel—like this fan-favorite one from Manduka—is easy to pack and will allow you to practice safely. Plus, you can use the mat after your retreat in hot yoga classes or while practicing outdoors. 

Image: Amazon

Quick Release Yoga Strap

Hugger Mugger

Price: $

Though your retreat will have props, having a yoga strap while traveling can be lovely. A strap allows you to stretch more deeply as well as make poses more accessible, perfect for layovers. I recommend a quick-release buckle strap because it’s easier to clip and won’t slip when you apply pressure. My favorite strap from Katonah Yoga is sold out, but this Hugger Mugger strap is a close second. (I own 2 of each myself!)

Travel Essentials

Image: Amazon

Wide Mouth Bottle 

Hydro Flask

Price: $

A water bottle should be on your list for any kind of travel. You can refill the bottle throughout your trip in airports, cafes, and hotels, eliminating the need to buy plastic water bottles. And most important: you’ll stay hydrated and energized. I recommend a Hydro Flask that will keep your water cold for hours on end. 

Image: Sephora

PLAY Antioxidant Body Sunscreen

Supergoop

Price: $

Sunscreen is an essential in your skincare routine and your suitcase. Days spent sweating in the sun are especially important for reapplying sunscreen and protecting your skin. If you have a favorite sunscreen, pack it! If you’re searching for a lightweight, easy to apply, water-resistant, and “clean” sunscreen, I recommend SPF 50 PLAY spray from Supergoop. 

Image: Amazon

Lemon & Sage Refreshing Body Wipes

Bliss

Price: $

Body wipes can replace a shower on the go, saving you time and water.  They can help cleanse the skin of sweat, saltwater, or dirt, and many body wipes have a cooling effect and an uplifting scent. I recently bought these lemon and sage scented wipes from Bliss (a Certified B-Corporation) and they leave me feeling cleaner and smelling better in seconds.

Image: Serene Cannabis

CBD Cream & Tincture Wellness Bundle

Serene CBD

Price: $$$

Traveling can cause anxiety, stress, pain, and sleep troubles. CBD can help all of those ailments, which is what makes it worth packing. (Of course, you’ll first want to check that it’s legal where you are traveling.) I recommend two types of CBD products for a retreat. First, a topical cream to rub on sore muscles after a long flight or long practice. Second, pack a CBD tincture or gummy for internal use. CBD can help you sleep better, especially in new time zones, as well as combat anxiety and promote feelings of calm.

Image: Amazon

Advil Liqui-Gels

Pfizer

Price: $

Packing medicine is a traveling hack. You may be attending a retreat in a remote location, so buying medicine could be difficult. And, in other countries, it can be expensive to buy what are over-the-counter drugs here in the United States. Pack some Advil to be on the safe side and, if you are checking a bag, I suggest keeping a few doses in your carry-on bag as well.  

Always consult a doctor before taking any medication.

Image: Amazon

Funsaver One Time Use Film Camera

Kodak

Price: $$

You’re going to want to remember your trip, so bring a camera! You’ll probably have your phone with you most of the time, but there’s something special about a film camera. Once you click the shutter, you have to wait until you use all the exposures and develop the film to see each shot, and that wait makes the memories fonder.

Image: Amazon

Passport Holder

Melsbrinna

Price: $

If your retreat is abroad, you’re going to need your passport. A dedicated passport wallet is easy to locate in your carry on. The wallet also has slots for credit cards, identification cards, and important documents, like your vaccination card. This passport wallet has a snap closure and RFID protection to keep your information safe and private. 

Image: Amazon

International Travel Power Outlet Adaptor

ESSAN

Price: $

An adaptor is useful if you’re traveling to specific countries, especially in Europe. The US has different wall plug-ins, so you’ll want an adaptor to make charging your electronics accessible. It’s best to have at least one on you at all times to charge your phone while in airports, cafes, and train stations. 

Image: Baggu

Fabric Mask Set 

Price: $

Even if you are vaccinated or feel healthy, it’s best to wear a mask while traveling. It’ll keep you from spreading germs and provide protection for those around you. Many people get sick from traveling, and that problem is only exacerbated when you spend time in other regions. Having a mask on hand will also prepare you for mask mandates you may encounter. 

Whether this is your first yoga retreat or another one on your bucket list, spend time preparing all of your yoga essentials so you can enjoy everything in the moment. From yoga outfits to props to medicine, you’ll be ready to enjoy your yoga practices and still unwind at the end of the day.