Yoga Anywhere: Tips for Traveling with a Yoga Mat, Traveling is a fantastic way to discover new locations, become fully immersed in other cultures, and refresh our bodies and minds. It is important for yogis to continue their yoga practice when they are traveling. That’s the reason a travel-sized yoga mat is useful.
We will look deeply into the topic of travel yoga mats in this comprehensive guide, including their advantages, things to think about while selecting one, and maintenance tips. This guide will provide you with all the advice you need to practice yoga anywhere, at any time, whether you are an experienced traveller or new to it.
Benefits of having a travel yoga mat
Yoga practitioners who are constantly on the go can greatly benefit from owning a mobile yoga mat. First of all, a travel yoga mat is small and light, which makes it simple to pack in your bag or backpack. Travel mats, as compared to standard yoga mats, are made with folding and portability in mind, so you can do yoga wherever your journeys take you.
Also, travel mats are made from robust components that can survive the stress of travel, ensuring the long life of your mat. Last but not least, bringing your own portable yoga mat with you gives you a sense of familiarity and comfort, helping you to continue practicing yoga and finding comfort in your routine wherever you are in every corner of the world.
Some considerations to make when choosing a travel yoga mat
There are a few things to take into consideration when selecting a travel yoga mat to make sure you get the perfect mat for your needs. First, think about the mat’s material. Look for mats made from non-toxic, ecological-safe materials like natural rubber. These materials offer greater grip and cushioning, as well as being recyclable.
Next, think about the yoga mat’s weight and thickness. Traveling with a lighter and thinner mat is beneficial because it saves room and doesn’t add much weight to your bags. Make sure the mat remains thick enough, however, so that you can exercise with proper support and comfort. Lastly, take note of the mat’s measurements when folded and unfolded. A mat that folds into a compact size is essential for easy packing and transportation.
The best travel yoga mats on the market
- Jade Yoga Travel Mat: A lot of yogis use the Jade Yoga Travel Mat. This mat, which is made of natural rubber, has great grip and traction, ensuring stability while you practice. It is ideal for traveling because it is lightweight and foldable.
- Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Mat for Travel: This mat is well-known for being long-lasting and durable. This mat is made of premium materials and offers superb support and cushioning. In addition, it is portable and readily folds for storage.
- Liforme Travel Yoga Mat: During your practice, the alignment marks on the Liforme Travel Yoga Mat will assist you in maintaining good posture and alignment. This travel-friendly mat is lightweight yet offers great grip due to its eco-friendly design.
Qualities to search for in a portable yoga mat
To ensure you are getting an excellent product, there are a few points you should look for when buying a portable yoga mat. Consider the mat’s grip first. For better traction, look for mats with a non-slip surface that holds up even in humid conditions. You won’t risk getting injured while practicing if you do this.
Second, consider the comfort and support given by the mat. A decent travel yoga mat should be small and lightweight and have enough cushioning to support your joints. Lastly, consider how strong and durable the mat is. Seek out travel-friendly matting made from robust supplies that cannot break easily.
How to fold and pack your travel yoga mat
To keep your travel yoga mat in good shape and take up a minimal amount of room in your luggage, fold and pack it properly. Here’s a detailed explanation of folding and packing your yoga mat for travel:
- Place your mat flat on the ground or another clean surface to begin.
- Bring one end of the mat to meet the other end as you fold it in half lengthwise.
- To create a smaller rectangle, fold the mat in half once more, this time width wise.
- Keep the mat as compact as you can as you roll it firmly from one end to the other.
- To prevent the curled mat from unravelling, attach it with a strap or rubber band.
- Make sure to load your backpack or suitcase in a way that protects the securely rolled mat from heavy objects and cutting edges.
Tips for traveling with a yoga mat
Traveling with a yoga mat can be hassle-free if you follow these helpful tips:
- Check into hotels that allow yoga. Before making a reservation, find out if the place has a designated yoga area or provides yoga mats. In this way, you can practice in comfort and protect space in your luggage.
- Investing in a mat bag or strap will help with the carrying of your yoga mat when traveling. Choose one that fits well and can be modified.
- Regularly clean your mat. Use water and a light detergent to keep your travel yoga mat hygienic. Roll it up and keep it after having it air dry completely.
- When practicing yoga in public areas, be aware of your surroundings and take part in meditation. Always clean your mat after using it, and pick an area where you won’t bother anyone else.
- Drink lots of water before and after your yoga practice to stay hydrated—traveling can be dehydrating. You can prevent cramps in your muscles and keep your energy levels constant by drinking enough water.
Maintaining and cleaning your travel yoga mat
Maintaining and cleaning your travel yoga mat on a regular basis will help keep it in good condition. This advice will help you keep and clean your portable yoga mat:
- Clean after every use: To get clear of any sweating or dirt, wipe down your mat with a fresh cloth or towel after every practice. To give it a thorough cleaning, you may also use a mat cleaner or a mixture of water and mild detergent.
- Air dry entirely: Before rolling and keeping your mat, let it air dry completely. By doing this, any stored moisture will be prevented from growing mold.
- Avoid direct sunlight. The material of your mat may fade or decay if it is left in the sun for a long period of time while drying.
- Keep clear of strong chemicals: toxic substances and abrasive materials might harm the surface of your mat when cleaning it. Use mild detergents or mat cleaners made specifically for yoga mats.
Reviews of popular travel yoga mats (Jade Yoga, Manduka Pro, etc.)
- Jade Yoga Travel Mat: Yogis laud the Jade Yoga Travel Mat for its superb grip, durability, and portability. Users adore how stable it is—even in humid environments—and how small it folds up.
- Manduka Pro Travel Yoga Mat: Because of its excellent support and cushioning, the Manduka Pro Travel Yoga Mat is well-liked. Yoga practitioners value its strength and longevity, as well as its light weight.
Where to buy travel yoga mats: Amazon, yoga specialty stores, etc.
When it comes to purchasing a travel yoga mat, there are several options available. Here are some places where you can buy travel yoga mats:
- Amazon: A wide range of travel yoga mats in various price points and brands are available on Amazon. To choose the ideal mat for your needs, you can compare costs and read customer reviews.
- Local yoga speciality stores: Travel yoga mats are often available in local yoga professionals stores. Before making a purchase, you can feel and view the mats in person by going to these stores.
Conclusion and final thoughts
Yogis who wish to continue their practice while traveling will find that just having a yoga mat with them changes everything. By selecting the ideal travel yoga mat and taking material, weight, and size into account, you can make sure you have a trustworthy and portable practice partner.
Recall to clean and store your travel yoga mat properly to ensure its good upkeep. No matter where your travels take you, you may get the benefits of yoga with the correct mat and mindset. Now prepare for your next yoga journey by rolling up your mat and packing your bags!
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FAQs
Can we carry yoga mat in flight?
Yes, you can bring a yoga mat on an aeroplane with you by hand, and it won’t make much of an impact. Due to their small size and light weight, yoga mats are easy to carry in backpacks.
How do you pack a thick yoga mat in a suitcase?
Yoga mats designed intended for travel can be rolled up or folded up. You can carry a folding yoga mat as you like, but a rolled mat should never be folded to prevent kinks and fold marks.
Does yoga mat count as hand luggage?
It can be counted as a carry-on if you fold it and place it in its own bag. It will also be considered a carry-on if you fold it up or place it inside another bag with belongings.