You’re headed out for a meditation and yoga retreat, excited about the possibilities and open to new experiences. You’ve been looking forward to it for months, but now that it’s almost time to leave, you have no idea what to pack.
There’s a fine line between over-packing and under-packing. You want to make sure you have what you need without lugging around stuff you have no use for while you’re away. The location and length of the retreat will be important to keep in mind when you pack your bags. This article is specifically geared towards folks coming to a Chopra Center retreat, so you can make sure you have everything you need to feel comfortable and prepared during your stay.
Yoga Mat
We highly recommend bringing your mat. Yoga mats are not provided at most of our events—the exception is Perfect Health, where mats will be available to borrow. Travel yoga mats are a great space-saving solution to purchase before your trip and available at several online retailers.
Comfortable Clothes
Comfortable clothes means something different to everyone. Our retreats are a casual environment, so bring the type of clothing you feel most comfortable in. That ranges from yoga or workout clothing, to slacks and skirts, and everything in-between. Make sure to bring yoga clothes if you intend to participate in yoga classes. We always provide chairs and supported floor seats, so choose a wardrobe you feel most comfortable sitting in.
Layers, Layers, Layers
During our sessions indoors, we do our best to regulate the temperature, but sometimes the thermometer doesn’t always cooperate with us. Packing layers ensures you are comfortable regardless of the weather outside and inside
Comfortable Shoes
Our retreats are located on the grounds of beautiful resorts and spas. If you’re someone who is a walker and likes to explore on foot, bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes so that you can enjoy the grounds.
Bathing Suit
If you plan to enjoy the spa facilities, you should absolutely pack your bathing suit. If the sun is shining, you can soak in your vitamin D and all of the amenities the retreat experience has to offer.
Hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses
Speaking of the sun, if you’re planning to spend some time in the sun, bring anything you may want to have on-hand to protect yourself from overexposure, such as SPF, a hat, and sunglasses.
Water Bottle
We will provide a plastic water bottle for you, but if you prefer to use glass or your own bottle, make sure to bring it along.
Your Favorite Journal
When you arrive at registration, you will receive a canvas Chopra bag, journal, pen, water bottle, and course material. If you have a special journal or something you often write in, bring it on your retreat so you can add your new experiences and thoughts.
A Book
Books can be great tools for inspiration and to make notes in. The books we reference the most at our retreats are the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, so having one of those with you for the retreat would be beneficial. If you’re looking for a new book to dive into, find one in our online bookstore.
Healthy Snacks for Travel
If you’re flying or driving a distance to the retreat, remember to stock up on healthy snacks, as it can be tough to find healthy options in airports or on the road. Fruit, nuts, granola bars, and trail mix are great options that travel well. Snacks may come in handy if you get hungry between meals during your retreat as well.
An Open Mind
Even if you forget everything on this list, if you show up with nothing but yourself and an open mind, you’ll have truly all you need to receive all of the benefits the retreat.
X - Hair dryer/hairspray
X - Perfume
X - High heels
X - Your venti latte or 5-Hour Energy Drink
X - Your own agenda or schedule
X - Inhibitions
There’s a fine line between over-packing and under-packing. You want to make sure you have what you need without lugging around stuff you have no use for while you’re away. The location and length of the retreat will be important to keep in mind when you pack your bags. This article is specifically geared towards folks coming to a Chopra Center retreat, so you can make sure you have everything you need to feel comfortable and prepared during your stay.
Packing Checklist
Download this checklist here >>Yoga Mat
We highly recommend bringing your mat. Yoga mats are not provided at most of our events—the exception is Perfect Health, where mats will be available to borrow. Travel yoga mats are a great space-saving solution to purchase before your trip and available at several online retailers.
Comfortable Clothes
Comfortable clothes means something different to everyone. Our retreats are a casual environment, so bring the type of clothing you feel most comfortable in. That ranges from yoga or workout clothing, to slacks and skirts, and everything in-between. Make sure to bring yoga clothes if you intend to participate in yoga classes. We always provide chairs and supported floor seats, so choose a wardrobe you feel most comfortable sitting in.
Layers, Layers, Layers
During our sessions indoors, we do our best to regulate the temperature, but sometimes the thermometer doesn’t always cooperate with us. Packing layers ensures you are comfortable regardless of the weather outside and inside
Comfortable Shoes
Our retreats are located on the grounds of beautiful resorts and spas. If you’re someone who is a walker and likes to explore on foot, bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes so that you can enjoy the grounds.
Bathing Suit
If you plan to enjoy the spa facilities, you should absolutely pack your bathing suit. If the sun is shining, you can soak in your vitamin D and all of the amenities the retreat experience has to offer.
Hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses
Speaking of the sun, if you’re planning to spend some time in the sun, bring anything you may want to have on-hand to protect yourself from overexposure, such as SPF, a hat, and sunglasses.
Water Bottle
We will provide a plastic water bottle for you, but if you prefer to use glass or your own bottle, make sure to bring it along.
Your Favorite Journal
When you arrive at registration, you will receive a canvas Chopra bag, journal, pen, water bottle, and course material. If you have a special journal or something you often write in, bring it on your retreat so you can add your new experiences and thoughts.
A Book
Books can be great tools for inspiration and to make notes in. The books we reference the most at our retreats are the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, so having one of those with you for the retreat would be beneficial. If you’re looking for a new book to dive into, find one in our online bookstore.
Healthy Snacks for Travel
If you’re flying or driving a distance to the retreat, remember to stock up on healthy snacks, as it can be tough to find healthy options in airports or on the road. Fruit, nuts, granola bars, and trail mix are great options that travel well. Snacks may come in handy if you get hungry between meals during your retreat as well.
An Open Mind
Even if you forget everything on this list, if you show up with nothing but yourself and an open mind, you’ll have truly all you need to receive all of the benefits the retreat.
What You Won’t Need on a Retreat
X - Fancy clothing or jewelryX - Hair dryer/hairspray
X - Perfume
X - High heels
X - Your venti latte or 5-Hour Energy Drink
X - Your own agenda or schedule
X - Inhibitions
