The Benefits of Joining a Yoga Retreat as a Solo Traveller

Introduction

As a solo traveller keeping a routine and making time for my yoga practice can be difficult and at times solo travel can be super overwhelming. There have been a couple times while travelling I’ve needed a complete reset and yoga retreats have been my savior to help me feel grounded, present and grateful throughout my journey. Yoga retreats can feel intimidating at first, especially if you’re new to yoga but it can be such a rewarding experience for yoga practitioners at any level – especially as a solo traveller. In this post I’ll outline why you should consider a yoga retreat on your next solo adventure: to find connection, ease, routine and reflection into your travels.

1. Instant Community: Meet Like-Minded People

Yoga retreats attract like-minded people especially those interested in mindfulness, wellness, and travel. A big fear about solo travel is not meeting anyone you can connect with. Yoga retreats alleviate this fear by creating a safe space and community of people who share your common interests. Retreats are a great way to connect with others, meet new people and ease loneliness if you are travelling solo. I’ve met so many amazing people at every yoga retreat I’ve been to, and am still in contact with many of them. Being in a safe space like a yoga retreat can help you form bonds and deeply connect with people, even if you just met.

If you are sober or sober-curious yoga retreats are perfect for you. Most retreats are completely alcohol-free so it’s a great place to have guaranteed sober socialization. Even if the people you meet aren’t sober, the environment is so you can rest assured you’ll feel comfortable. As a sober backpacker, it makes me feel so good to be in a wellness-focused environment where I won’t be the odd one out because I don’t drink.

2. Space to Reflect and Be With Yourself

Yoga retreats are created for you to find stillness and inner reflection through yoga, meditation, journaling, being in nature or just simply being offline. If you’ve been on the go and want to prioritize yourself, retreats are the perfect way to tune back into your body and mind. Yoga retreats are typically a social environment but people are also super understanding if you want some space. It is a great balance of socializing and alone time, without the feelings of loneliness.

I spent a week at a yoga retreat in Cambodia in the middle of my four month South East Asia backpacking trip. The previous two months were full of non-stop planning, and moving around which left me feeling a bit burnt out. Throughout the week, I allowed myself to completely go offline which gave me time really reflect on all of the incredible things I had done in the past few months. After my time there I was feeling so much better and ready to begin my travels again with a new sense of gratitude.

3. No Decisions = Real Rest

Solo travel can be overwhelming from the sheer amount of decisions you have to make every day. Even something as simple as getting dinner can lead to so many micro-decisions like where to go, how to get there, what to order, what to drink… One of the biggest perks about a yoga retreat, no decision fatigue! Most things are already taken care of, your meals, daily schedule and your activities are all sorted for you. Meaning you can fully relax without constantly wondering ‘what next?’. 

This is one of my favourite things about a yoga retreat especially after I’ve been traveling on my own for a while. I can enjoy my free time fully, knowing I’m in good hands. Yoga Retreats minimize your need for tiny decisions, making it the perfect space to relax, enjoy the moment and give you space to think and reflect about the things that actually matter.

4. A Safe, Supportive Space to Grow

We can only thrive in environments where we feel safe and supported. Every retreat I’ve been to has been such a sacred space and has helped me improve not just my physical yoga practice but also deepened my understanding of the philosophy behind the practice. If you are new to yoga, it may seem intimidating to start with a retreat but, it’s great for total beginners because you’ll leave with such a deep understanding of why we practice vs just the physical postures. No matter how new you are to yoga or how experienced you are, you are always learning, which makes retreats a great place to grow and nurture your practice.

It can feel intimidating to speak up and ask questions to yoga teachers at studios. But, at yoga retreats it’s encouraged to engage in conversations and to be open to learning new things. The teachers are super supportive and are willing help you deepen your understanding. Being around supportive participants can also help you feel more confident asking questions and gaining clarity on things you have been confused about. 

5. A Reset for Body, Mind & Spirit

A new setting that is focused on wellness can help us do a total reset. Especially as solo travellers lacking routine in constantly changing environments. Yoga retreats combine mindful movement, nourishing food, sense of community and nature – helping us find a complete reset for the mind and body. Whether you’re starting your solo travels, in the middle of your journey or just about the head back home you’ll leave feeling more grounded, connected and inspired. Retreats are an ideal place to set intentions for the rest of your travels or for your life back home.

Tips for Choosing the Right Yoga Retreat as a Solo Traveller

• Look for retreats that are beginner-friendly or female-led if that makes you feel safer
• Check if meals, accommodation, and airport transfers are included
• If you have any dietary restrictions, check they can accommodate (food is usually a vegan or vegetarian diet in accordance with the yogic diet)
• Read reviews from other solo travellers
• Trust your gut when it comes to vibe—don’t choose just for the photos.
• Use BookYogaRetreats.com, this is where I’ve found all of yoga retreats and even my yoga teacher training. It is super easy to search based on retreat length, location, price, etc.

Conclusion

The past year I’ve enjoyed numerous yoga retreats both as a participant and as a teacher. I learned so much, met so many incredible people and truly reconnected with myself. Yoga retreats are so much more than a place to practice physical asanas. But a place to find community, connections, presence and rest. If you are feeling overwhelmed as a solo traveller I highly recommend looking for a yoga retreat to find some peace and stillness. If you have any questions about the retreats I’ve done or yoga retreats in general let me know in the comments and I’ll get back to you.