“If you practice yoga once a week, you will change your mind. If you practice yoga twice a week, you will change your body. If you practice yoga daily, you will change your life.”
This quote beautifully encapsulates the transformative power of yoga. For those of us who cherish our daily practice, the thought of disrupting it while traveling can be unsettling. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or embarking on a well-deserved vacation, knowing how to Travel With A Yoga Mat is essential for maintaining your routine and well-being on the road. Long flights, unfamiliar environments, and the general stresses of travel can create the perfect storm, making yoga not just a preference, but a necessity. Bringing your mat allows you to tap into instant stress relief and maintain physical and mental balance wherever your adventures take you.
One of the greatest joys of traveling with a yoga mat is the sheer freedom it offers. Imagine being able to unroll your mat and practice anywhere, anytime. From bustling airports to compact hotel rooms, or even a quiet spot in nature, your yoga practice becomes instantly accessible. You can literally stop, drop, and yoga, transforming any space into your personal studio.
But first, you need a mat that travels with you! Navigating the world of travel yoga mats can seem daunting, but finding the right one for your needs is simpler than you might think.
Why Travel with a Yoga Mat?
Beyond just maintaining your workout routine, traveling with a yoga mat offers a multitude of benefits that directly address the challenges of being on the move.
- Consistency in Your Practice: Travel can easily disrupt routines. Having your mat ensures you can continue your yoga practice, no matter where you are, fostering consistency and helping you stay grounded.
- Stress Reduction and Well-being: Travel, while exciting, can be stressful. Yoga is a proven stress reliever. A quick yoga session can alleviate travel-induced anxiety, tension, and fatigue, promoting overall well-being during your journey.
- Combat Travel Discomfort: Long flights and unfamiliar beds can lead to stiffness and discomfort. Yoga helps improve circulation, flexibility, and posture, counteracting the negative physical effects of travel.
- Practice Anywhere, Anytime: As mentioned, the beauty of a travel yoga mat lies in its portability. You’re not confined to studios or gyms. Your practice can happen in hotel rooms, parks, beaches, airports – practically anywhere you find a space to unroll.
- Personal Space in Public: In crowded airports or busy public areas, your yoga mat can create a small sanctuary, a personal space for mindfulness and movement amidst the chaos.
Choosing the Right Travel Yoga Mat
The ideal travel yoga mat is a personal choice, dependent on your individual needs and travel style. The good news is that the market offers a diverse range of options to suit every yogi.
Types of Travel Yoga Mats
- Standard Mats (Travel-Friendly): Some regular yoga mats, while not specifically designed for travel, are durable enough to withstand being carried around. These often provide excellent cushioning and grip but can be bulkier and heavier. Think of mats like the Jade Yoga Harmony Mat – beloved for its quality and eco-friendliness, yet a bit weightier for travel.
- Dedicated Travel Mats: These mats are specifically engineered for portability. They are typically lighter, thinner, and designed to fold or roll into a compact size. While they may offer slightly less cushioning than standard mats, the convenience they provide is invaluable for travelers.
Brand Recommendations for Travel Yoga Mats
-
Jade Yoga: Renowned for their eco-conscious approach, Jade Yoga mats are made with natural rubber and a commitment to the environment. For every mat purchased, they plant a tree through their partnership with Trees for the Future.
- Harmony Mat: The standard mat, offering excellent non-slip grip and durability. While not a dedicated travel mat, its robustness makes it suitable for yogis who prioritize performance and don’t mind a bit more weight.
- Travel Mat: A lighter version of the Harmony, providing a good balance of portability and cushioning. It rolls up easily and weighs just over 3 lbs.
- Voyager Mat: The ultimate travel companion, weighing a mere 1.5 pounds and folding down small enough to fit in a backpack. Ideal for those who prioritize ultra-portability and need a mat that packs away effortlessly.
-
Manduka: Another premium brand known for high-quality, durable mats.
- eKO Lite Mat: A travel-friendly option made from natural rubber, offering good grip and durability at around 3.5 lbs.
- Superlite Mat (Foldable Travel Mat): Similar to Jade’s Voyager, Manduka’s Superlite is a foldable mat weighing just 2.2 lbs, prioritizing lightweight portability.
-
Lululemon: A popular brand in the yoga and fitness world.
- (Un) Mat: Lululemon’s travel mat option. While some yogis find them slippery, others appreciate the brand’s quality and style. Personal preference plays a big role here.
-
Gaiam: A budget-friendly brand offering a wide variety of yoga mats.
- Foldable Travel Mat: Gaiam’s foldable travel mat is an excellent, affordable option, weighing around 1 lb and costing significantly less than name-brand alternatives. A great choice for beginners or budget-conscious travelers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Travel Mat
- Weight and Portability: If you’re backpacking or flying carry-on only, weight and packed size are crucial. Foldable mats and lighter materials are your best bet.
- Thickness and Cushioning: Thinner travel mats are more portable but offer less cushioning. Consider your comfort needs, especially if you have sensitive joints. If you need more support, a slightly thicker, rollable travel mat might be preferable.
- Material and Durability: Think about where you’ll be practicing. If you plan on outdoor yoga in varied terrains, durability is key. Natural rubber mats offer good grip but might be heavier.
- Budget: Travel yoga mats range in price. Determine your budget and explore options within that range. Budget-friendly brands like Gaiam offer great value.
Tips for Traveling with Your Yoga Mat
Once you’ve chosen your perfect travel companion, here are some tips for making your journey smooth:
Carrying Your Mat
-
As a Carry-On: For standard or heavier travel mats, carrying it separately is often easiest. Use yoga mat straps or a dedicated yoga mat bag. Most airlines are accustomed to seeing yoga mats as carry-ons and you likely won’t encounter any issues at security or boarding, both domestically and internationally.
-
Foldable Mats in Luggage: Foldable travel mats are designed to fit neatly into suitcases or backpacks, saving you the hassle of carrying an extra item.
Maximize Your Mat at the Airport
Airports can be stressful environments. Utilize layovers or waiting times to your advantage by practicing yoga. Find a quiet corner and unroll your mat for some stretches. This can significantly reduce travel fatigue and anxiety, especially on long international journeys. Don’t worry about curious glances – your body will thank you for arriving at your destination feeling refreshed and limber.
Alternatives to Bringing Your Own Mat
If you truly want to travel mat-free, there are alternatives:
- Studio Rentals: Many yoga studios worldwide offer mat rentals for a small fee. This is a viable option if you plan to attend studio classes regularly.
- Hotel Mats: Some hotels, especially those with gyms or wellness centers, provide yoga mats for guest use. However, availability and quality can vary.
- Risk vs. Reward: Relying on rentals or hotel mats means taking a chance on availability and hygiene. Bringing your own mat guarantees you have a familiar, clean, and reliable surface for your practice.
Embrace On-the-Go Yoga
Ultimately, the decision to travel with a yoga mat is a personal one. However, for dedicated yogis, the benefits of maintaining a consistent practice while traveling far outweigh any minor inconveniences. Having your mat empowers you to prioritize your well-being, reduce travel stress, and find moments of peace and mindfulness wherever your adventures lead. So, choose a mat that suits your needs, embrace the freedom of practicing anywhere, and enjoy the journey, both on and off your mat.
Do you travel with your mat? What kind of mat do you prefer, and what travel tips can you share? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
Namaste.
SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST:
