The view from the yoga shala during our February Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua.

Before you start packing for your yoga retreat make sure to consider the following:

• What time of year is the yoga retreat? Is it the dry season or the rainy season? Winter or summer?
• Where is my yoga retreat located? In the mountains? In the jungle? By the ocean?
• What extra activities are in the itinerary? Wine tasting? Snorkeling? Surfing? Hiking? Canoeing?
• Do I need to travel light or can I pack whatever I’d like?
• How many yoga practices will we do per day?
• Is laundry service available?
• Is it easy to buy essentials/extras that I forgot at home?
• Is the yoga retreat luxury, budget, adventure, etc?
• What is the climate like? Tropical, temperate, rain forest, desert, etc.
• Are mats, blocks, straps provided?

Here is an example Nicaragua Yoga Retreat Packing List for our Yoga in the Clouds: Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua.

To answer the previous questions.

The Nicaragua yoga retreat is in the highlands of Nicaragua in the cloud forest. February is the dry season in Nicaragua, but since the retreat takes place in the mountains it is a bit cooler and there could be a chance of rain. Extra activities include hiking, birding, visiting a local school and a women’s collective. Attendees are encouraged to bring what they need for two practices per day and clothing for additional activities and lounging. Laundry service isn’t available and it isn’t “easy” to purchase things left at home since the eco-lodge is located in a remote section of the Nicaraguan highlands. The retreat is casual. No makeup or hairdryers necessary. Climate is tropical and lush with moderate humidity.

Nicaragua Yoga Retreat Packing List for Yoga in the Clouds

• Yoga Stuff
  • Yoga mat
  • Mat towel (if you tend to get sweaty like me)
• Yoga Clothing
  • Yoga pants (4-7 pairs)
  • Yoga shorts (1-2 pairs)
  • Yoga tops (tanks/t-shirts) (5-7)
  • Long Sleeve Tops for layering (1-2)
  • Underwear and Sports Bras
• Regular Clothing
  • Shorts for hiking (1-2)
  • Pants for hiking (1)
  • Tanks and T-shirts (4-6)
  • Shorts/Pants for lounging (2-3)
  • Pajamas (1)
  • Undergarments
  • Rain jacket (1)
  • Socks (2-3)
  • Swimsuit
• Shoes
  • Hiking shoes
  • Sandals
• Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Soap
  • Anti-itch creme
  • Medication (prescriptions, antihistamine, ibuprofen, pepto/imodium, etc.)
  • Eye drops/contacts/contacts solution
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Essential oil (?)
• Other
  • Journal/Pen
  • Book/Kindle
  • Ipod/Headphones
  • Earplugs
  • Spending money for additional trips/excursions/gratuities/alcohol, souvenirs
  • Cash to tip tour guides, drivers, etc.
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Passport
  • Debit/credit card (make sure to let your bank know you’ll be in Nicaragua)
  • ID card
  • Sunglasses
  • Flashlight or headlamp *don’t forget*
  • Camera or cellphone with a good camera
  • A packet of laundry detergent if you need to wash anything mid-week

Did I forget anything? Shoot me a message and I will add it to the yoga retreat packing list.

Love and Light,

Autumn

The post Nicaragua Yoga Retreat Packing List appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.

Happy Tuesday yogis and yoginis. I’ve just made it home from an incredible trip to Nicaragua where I had the opportunity to host my second annual yoga and surf retreat at Costa Dulce and explored Finca Esperanza Verde in the high country above Matagalpa. I feel truly blessed.

I’m constantly traveling and I thought that it’s about time I share my must have carry on items. These are the items that are always in my carry on bag.

1. My phone. I load my phone up with music, guided meditations and podcasts. I also transfer off old photos and videos to clear space for new memories. My phone also has Duolingo (a language app) and XE (a conversion app).
2. Journal and pen. I love writing lists and flying is the perfect time to write lists, to-do lists, goals, business plans, brainstorm ideas, etc. Your journal and pen can also help you de-stress (get those thoughts out of your head on paper) and connect with your seat-mate (tic-tac-toe, hangman, etc.). Also, nice to collect other people’s contact info, etc (make sure to write a note or two about them, so you’ll remember them later).
3. Toiletry kit. I occasionally overdue the toiletry kit ie. I stuff as much possible into that little bag. Here is my loot: Alaffia Purely Coconut Fair Trade Lip Balm or ALL Good Lips Coconut Lip Balm with SPF 20, Weleda Calendula Baby Face Cream, ALBA Pineapple Enzyme Face Wipes, Crystal travel size deodorant, toothbrush and paste, and doTerra OnGuard or Wyndmere Immune Support Essential Oil.
4. Tea and Emergen-C. When traveling we’re not sleeping well and we’re continually being bombarded by germs. I pack a couple of packs of Emergen-C and a couple of different teas (Peppermint for digestion, Lavender Honey for relaxation, and Green Tea for an energy boost)
5. Comfort Kit. My manduka travel yoga mat (awesome for long layovers and in-seat lumbar support), inflatable neck pillow, eye cover, ear plugs and ear buds.

I know I said 5, but I also ALWAYS pack a destination appropriate change of clothes. Fresh clothes and a few minutes in the bathroom freshening up can make a world of difference… trust me.

What are your favorite carry-on items?

Safe travels yogis!

Love and Light,

Autumn

The post Top Five Carry On Necessities appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.