ASHINGTON, ENGLAND, December 01, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Top ten tips for choosing your yoga retreat
1. Know what you want from your yoga holiday.
This may sound simple but knowing what you actually want to get out of your yoga holiday as opposed to what you think you should get out of your holiday are completely different. Remember it is a holiday, so a visit to India to spend two weeks at an Ashram in silence may sound a good idea on a hectic Monday morning and for a lot of people it is a great choice, but, if after three days you are longing for a glass of wine and a chat, then maybe a more relaxed yoga beach retreat is for you.
2. Understand the type or types of yoga being taught
There are many different type of yoga and it is important to understand what will be taught on the retreat you are attending. If you are particularly interested in the sport and physical side of yoga then Ashtanga or Power yoga maybe what you are looking for. If you prefer the meditation and relaxation, a Hatha yoga retreat could be your thing. Before booking any retreat, make sure you know what style is being taught as a week on the wrong retreat could be an expensive mistake.
3. Speak to the teacher
An important but often overlooked aspect of enjoying a yoga holiday is the rapport you have with the teacher. Before booking, why not give them a call and have a chat? You will find out the style of yoga, how they teach and what the teacher expects from people attending their retreat. Most often this is a great way of knowing what to expect, what to bring and who else is attending. At worst, you will find out that the retreat is not for you and you have saved yourself a lot of time and money.
4. Learn about the country you are visiting
If the yoga retreat you are attending is outside of your own country, do a bit of reading up before you leave on local culture and history. This will help you understand the etiquette at meal times, what you are expected or not expected to wear and help when speaking to your hosts about their country. Not only will this make things easier for you on arrival, it will show to your hosts that you have a respect and understanding of their ways.
5. Forget the mobile phone
This not only applies to yoga retreats but travel in general. The idea is to get away from the stress and strains of everyday life, so why are you packing them up to bring with you? Forget the mobile phone (and don't even consider the laptop!). People survived for thousands of years without them. If people really want to get in contact with you, they will. Leave the number of the place you are staying with a friend or relative in case of emergency. This is a retreat so do just that and retreat from the stress of everyday life.
6. Give yourself time
Your retreat should begin the moment you leave the house. Enjoy the journey. This means having travel arrangements with enough flexibility that you do not have to worry about delays, cancellations and detours. These things can and do happen so build time in to your travel plans. If it means a bit more time in an airport, then this is a great chance to read that book you keep meaning to. If you arrive at your destination early, then use that time to explore the area and meet the locals. Once again, enjoy the journey!
7. Check the room types
Yoga retreats vary in what room types they have on offer. Some only have shared rooms or dormitories, others can offer single rooms with en suite facilities. Make sure you know what room type you have booked and whether you will be sharing. Sharing a room is a great way to make new friends but is not for everyone. Most retreats offer the chance to pay a supplement for a guaranteed single room.
8. Location, location, location
On the beach, in the mountains or a village location? If self catering, a yoga retreat miles from anywhere may mean hiring a car and a lot of trips to the supermarket. A yoga retreat in the mountains may mean steep steps, while a beach retreat may be busy with holidaymakers. Think about where you are taking your yoga holiday and which will best suit your needs.
9. What's included in the price?
Yoga retreats range from self catering to all inclusive. Important things to know are;
What meals and drinks are included?
How many lessons are there each day?
Are transfers to the retreat included?
What toiletries and bed linen are needed?
If you don't know or are unsure if something is included, then ask. A yoga retreat or agent will be able to tell you everything you need to know.
10. Responsible Travel
All holidays, including yoga holidays and retreats have positive and negative impacts locally and globally. Responsible travel should maximise the benefits and minimises the negative effects of tourism.
The following are some tips on travelling responsibly:
Plan your route to minimise carbon emissions - travel by train and public transport where possible, and minimise internal flights
Minimise flying time and stopovers - the worst carbon emissions are emitted during take off and landing. For the flights that you cannot avoid, offset the carbon.
Remove all excess packaging before you leave and recycle whatever is possible - waste disposal is difficult in remote places and developing countries.
Buy local produce in preference to imported goods and when meals are not included, use local restaurants and cafes rather than large hotel restaurants.
Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artefacts.
Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places - if in doubt ask advice.
Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient - it's a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions.
Use water sparingly - its very precious in many countries and tourists tend to use far more than local people.
About Prana Holidays
Prana Holidays is a yoga holiday and adventure holiday operator. Based in Northumberland, they offer a wide range of holidays around the world, as well as being able to tailor-make trips. Full details are on the website, http://www.pranaholidays.com or they can be contacted on 01670 828521
---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com# # #
Read more Press Releases from Prana Holidays:Other Press Release Headlines:
