WHAT TO PACK FOR A HOLISTIC GETAWAY
So, you have decided to reward yourself with a holistic getaway to take some much-needed time for rest and rejuvenation. You have booked your epic retreat for your mind, body and soul. Travel is planned and you excitedly wait to unplug and recharge – your body and mind that is… First of all, good for YOU, choosing YOU! Start with mindfulness now and take a deep breath visualizing on the amazing experience you are about to embark on!
Dusting off your bags, you begin to wonder what to pack?! Careful packing will only add to the stress-free enjoyment of your time away – aim to plan a little ahead of time and pack light! Most holistic getaways that incorporate movement practices like yoga will provide the props you will need like straps, blocks, bolsters and most likely yoga mats too but before you go check what is and is not available or what is included in your package. If they are not providing yoga mats, any lightweight yoga mat that travels easy will work best.
Many factors will play into what your necessities are, is the holistic getaways in the wilderness, forest or nearby town? Is it a full week, weekend or just an overnight or day retreat? Is the accommodation in eco-friendly wood cabins, luxury lodge suites, or rustic yet refined tented units? Is the retreat mostly downtime or are there other adventurous activities or excursions on the itinerary?
No matter what the answers are, you are going to have THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE!
NOW LET’S PACK THOSE BAGS…
PREPARE FOR TRAVELING ABROAD
First things first when traveling abroad to your Holistic Getaway you need to make sure:
✈ Your passport is valid, with at least 6 months after you return date
🚙 If needed you have got the appropriate visa, or know that you can obtain one on arrival
🛺 Your credit or debit card (s) will work in your destination
🚑 You have taken out travel insurance that cover theft, cancellations, medical expenses in your destination country
Luggage to use for you holistic getaway:
You will know before you go whether a rolling suitcase is not going to be appropriate, for example if you are hiking into a retreat in a forest or escaping to the African wilderness. In this case a backpack duffle bag would be great or any bag that you can carry with ease in your hands and over the shoulder
A laundry or wet bag for clothes used and any that may have gotten wet in the river swim or last-minute cold plunge pool dip.
NOW, LET’S GET DOWN TO WHAT’S GOING IN YOUR BAG:
Most Holistic Getaways are over long weekends 5 days but upto 7 days, so I am going to base my recomendaitons on this:
Important to check the season and the general rainfall your getaway will be in during the time of your trip!
Let’s pack those bags and look at what to wear:
- Always a good idea to pack two or three pairs of yoga leggings, they are so versatile and can be worn more than once without anyone noticing
- Warmer climate areas you may even opt to take one pair of loose fitting harem or linen long pants
- A pair of yoga or running shorts for the peak of summer getaways
- Two or three pairs of sports bras so you can rotate washing them or double them up as swim wear whilst out and about
- Three or four tank tops opt for tight fitting aswell as loose fitting that can tuck in if needed
- A lightweight large scarf, throw or kikoi works well to shield you from the wind and as a cover up in you dreamy savasana relaxation or meditation sessions
- Comfy slip on shoes or sandals and a pair of decent walking or running shoes
- Three pairs of casual clothes to let loose and get comfy while journaling, reading or relaxing albeit a slip on dress, pants and top, or comf flowy shorts and a t-shirt – think comfort not style
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sun lotion, bug spray, swim suit and towel for those summer retreats and scarves, beanies and wooly slippers for the winter log cabin fire side mingles
- And ofcourse your PJ’s and necessary underwear and socks
- Toiletries we want to think carefully about what to bring. Many retreats take environmentally conscious approach, and preserve the environment as far as possible hence holistic, so leave behind any products containing harsh chemicals and opt for natural eco-freindly products that wont do any harm if they end up n the earth, sea or a river – they will be better for your body aswell!
Non-essentials but important for YOU!
- Water bottle
- A book or journal
- Anything that would bring you peace in your down time other than your phone and endless scrolling
What not to pack!!
Make-Up: let your skin breathe too, the whole idea is to bring wellness to the forefront of your body, mind and soul and why not let your skin feel the clean air too
Curling Irons or Straighteners, Hairdryers: unless you really really really need to, or again I recommend letting your hair dry in the wind, natural and free. Some accommodations may provide this for you, but I recommend letting your natural look glow with you
High heels and fancy tight fitted clothing: its wellness time, let your body feel free and your feet ground into mother earth.
Packing for a Holistic Getaway doesn’t have to be difficult; it takes some time and mindfulness and perhaps a lot more simplicity than you think. If you think you may have too much, put everything in your suitcase, if it is to tight take it out (yup take it out, your heard me) and relook what you can leave behind and what is more versatile than just one use. Who knows you may need room for souvenirs.
HAPPY PACKING AND HOPE TO SEE YOU AT ONE OF MY UPCOMING HOLISTIC GETAWAYS SOON!
Love & Light,
Lynnette