7 Essentials for the Traveling Yogi

Whether it’s your first trip out of the country or your 100th I think we all figure out what our “must have” items are pretty quickly. I thought I would share some of mine with you. Here is a curated lists of my favorite travel essentials for the traveling yogi. Combining all of these into a sweet little gift bag would be an awesome gift for a friend or partner heading off to go on a yoga retreat or yoga teacher training.

Essential Oil(s)

I bring essential oils with me every time that I travel… seriously! Here are some of my faves:

Lavender- calming and relaxing, antiseptic properties
Lemongrass- repels bugs & helps relieve gas
Grapefruit or Bergamot- uplifting and energizing
Tea Tree- antibacterial & antifungal
Clary Sage- balancing & helps relieve gas
Peppermint- Helps an upset stomach
Favorite pre-blended oils like Doterra OnGuard (keep those nasty germs away!)

I’m not a Doterra rep, but they make awesome therapeutic grade essential oils. Contact Toni at BarefootBlissYoga.com if you’d like to place an order.

Traveling Yoga Mat

I use a Manduka Travel Mat . It has been a wonderful investment. Since I’m always on the go I love that it packs down small. It’s perfect for a home practice or to provide a barrier between me and a yoga studio rental mat.

Body Spray/ Mat Spray

Long travel days sometimes mean not having time to freshen up. I like to create a custom blend of essential oils in water in a little bottle. I can spritz it on my face, my underarms, my yoga mat for a quick freshen up. It’s not perfect, but it always makes me feel a bit more human. If you’d prefer to purchase a pre-made spray I’ve enjoyed this one by Buddha Nose .

Neem Face Mask

I live in the high desert of Oregon where it is dry all year round, but my traveling often brings me to hot humid destinations and my skin hates the transition going back and forth between ultra dry and humid. If I’m leading a retreat I need simple and effective skincare. I have no time for frivolous things. I bring a little mini pot of my Theraneem neem face mask with me always!

Calendula Face Cream or Balm

Calendula is wonderful for combatting inflammation. When I was dealing with perioral dermatitis I used it religiously day and night. Calendula is nice and gentle for sensitive skin (which I have) and can be used on your face and even on sunburns if you’re in a bind and forgot aloe. I’m currently using a homemade calendula balm similar to this product by MJ’s Herbals . When I’m at home I use Weleda’s Baby Calendula Face Cream . It’s a bit richer and perfect for the super dry air here.

Spotify

Playlists, radio, all your favorites and tons of music to discover and it works outside of the U.S. too. And you can follow your favorite teachers and their playlists. Music for the beach, for lounging by the pool, for relaxing, and for your yoga practice all in one. I’ve been using Spotify for two years now…. and I haven’t gone back to Pandora (at least not regularly). Follow me on Spotify .

Smartphone stocked up with Podcasts

Over the past year or so I have really gotten into Podcasts, particularly for long haul flights and long distance drives. I like that they’re more than just entertainment, they’re educational too. Interested in checking out a new podcast? Take a peek around our blog in the next couple of days. I will be posting my faves shortly.

Yogis what would you add to this list? I’d love to hear it!

Love and Light,

Autumn