A New Look for a New Year

For those who practice yoga, booking a getaway at a retreat is ideal, as it combines the relaxation of a vacation with the benefits of physical exercise and spiritual awareness. If you have decided to indulge in a yoga holiday, choosing the perfect retreat to maximize your experience will take a little forethought. In order to reap the full benefit, you'll want to consider where to venture to and which teacher to be your guide. Equally important, you should consider what's included in the deal, so there are no surprises later, no unexpected decisions to be made during your stay and no additional expenses to incur. To help you choose the perfect retreat for your yoga excursion, consider the following do's and don'ts:

1. DO Consider How the Locale May Affect Your Daily Activities

When you consider that yoga retreat getaways are offered at worldwide locations, your destination should be a top consideration. Most packages offer more than daily instruction classes and yoga coaching. In addition, you may have the opportunity to go hiking and exploring, surfing, sailing and beach-combing, or sample new varieties of wine, all of which may be influenced by the locale.

While deciding on a specific yoga retreat, consider your personal preferences. Do you enjoy the ocean or the mountains? Are you an outdoorsy person, or is your goal simply to practice yoga and enjoy a daily spa? Your options are many, and the location of the retreat will often dictate the type of activities that may be enjoyed during your stay.

2. DON'T Forget to Pack Accordingly

It sounds like a no-brainer, but it is easy to neglect a few important details when packing for your trip. For instance, will you need to bring exercise mats and equipment with you, or will the tools and props be provided for you? Do you need comfortable walking shoes, sandals, hiking boots or all three choices? Also, you might want to pack yoga cleaning wipes to remove sweat and grime caused by bare feet, as well as toiletries such as soap, shampoo and deodorant, as these may not be provided. Also, don't forget to take along your yoga study materials or journals.

3. DO Obtain Insight Into the Philosophies and Teaching Style of Your Instructor

Does the instructor favor the intense Ashtanga style, or does he or she take a more relaxed approach? You will want to be certain the personal teachings of your yoga instructor match your own ideas and style. After all, your yoga holiday will probably last for several days; therefore, you and your guide should have a solid working relationship with similar views and goals.

One good way to note whether your coach will be the right fit is to do some research prior to booking your vacation. Check out the teacher's personal online blog or web page. Find him or her on social media. You should be able to get a feel for the teacher's style and determine the goals and objectives intended for the students.

4. DON'T Be Tied to Technology

Although in this day and age it's a given to be influenced by technology, you might want to ditch your cell phone and the Internet for the duration of your stay. If you can't do without technology altogether, limit your cell phone usage or time spent on the Internet. While most luxury yoga retreats will offer WIFI, it's best to curtail your online activities during your holiday, and focus on the healing aspect of yoga, both spiritually and physically.

5. DO Consider an All-Inclusive Package

Take the stress out of your retreat planning by selecting a package deal with all the amenities included. This may include spa treatment, meals, lodging accommodations and even airfare. By doing so, you can enjoy it all, without having to make further plans during your stay. It's easier to tally your expenses as well, as you won't incur any "surprise" add-on costs.

Remember, you don't have to be a yoga expert or advanced student to enjoy a yoga-themed vacation. If you're a novice, there are many yoga retreat holidays designed for beginners that are worth looking into, and these may also be offered as an all-inclusive deal. You can read more about yoga retreats by following the link.