Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean your yoga practice has to go on vacation too. Sure, a perfectly serene studio with mood lighting and calming music might not fit in your carry-on, but yoga is all about flexibility—literally and figuratively. Whether you’re jetting off for work, leisure, or some combination of the two, keeping your practice alive on the road is easier (and more fun) than you think.

Here’s how to flow with the travel vibes and keep your inner yogi happy.

1. Pack Your Portable Zen Kit

First things first: pack the essentials. A travel yoga mat (lightweight and foldable) is your best friend. Throw in a yoga strap, resistance bands, or even a collapsible foam block if you’ve got the space.

And don’t forget your mental tools! Download some yoga apps or classes in case you’re stuck in a hotel room during a monsoon—or worse, after a particularly long work meeting. Yoga With Adriene, Glo, or Down Dog are great for quick flows on the go.

2. Find Your Happy Space

The beauty of yoga is you can do it anywhere. A beach? Perfect. A mountaintop? Insta-worthy. But let’s be real—you’ll probably be in a hotel room, airport lounge, or park with curious squirrels. That’s where extended stay hotels come in clutch.

With more space than a standard hotel room, an extended stay hotel gives you enough floor space to unroll your mat without knocking over a lamp. Plus, the kitchenette is a bonus for post-flow smoothies.

3. Get Creative with Your Practice

Travel yoga doesn’t have to look like your usual hour-long class. A quick sun salutation in your PJs or a 10-minute meditation while waiting for your flight counts too.

Use your surroundings to your advantage:

• A sturdy chair for seated stretches.

• A rolled-up towel as a yoga bolster.

• The wall for balance poses (without falling into the minibar).

Adapt your practice to fit your environment and schedule—it’s about progress, not perfection.

4. Seek Out Local Studios

If you’re feeling adventurous, check out local yoga studios at your destination. Many offer drop-in classes, and it’s a fun way to experience new styles and meet other yogis.

Pro tip: Look for outdoor yoga classes if you’re in a warm, sunny spot. Nothing beats savasana under a clear blue sky to make you feel relaxed and well.

5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Right

Yoga on the road isn’t just about those poses—it’s also about fueling your body right so you can feel your best. So, be sure to drink plenty of water (especially if you’re flying) and eat nourishing meals. If you’re staying in one of those fancy extended stay hotels in Maryland or Madison or wherever, you can even whip up your own healthy breakfasts or snack on fresh fruit.

6. Don’t Forget to Breathe

Travel can be chaotic, and that’s exactly when your yoga practice is most important. Take a moment to center yourself with some deep breathing, even if it’s just while waiting for your Uber, and you will feel all the better for it, for sure!

Namaste and travel on!