mini-muse

I'm beyond excited for my upcoming trip and have spent heaps of time scouring the internet for fun things to do while there. I've inundated hubby p with emails scattered with links to interesting things I've found. That's the best part of going somewhere new - getting to experience new things. Now, since this trip is both business and pleasure, we won't have that much downtime so planning ahead is a must as time is scarce, but I'm sure we'll find ways to make the most of it.

I spent today prepping and made trips to the drugstore for carry-on friendly essentials, the mall for a last minute mini-shopping spree and the bookstore for some in-flight entertainment. I adore reading when I'm away because I truly have nothing else to do and can literally get lost in a book for hours on end sans the guilt that comes from neglecting what needs to get done.

The one thing that's a bummer is that I haven't been able to get in any yoga classes and probably won't until we get back. But one thing is for sure... I'm unrolling my mat the second we're settled in the hotel and rocking out some sun salutations to energize me for the fun days ahead.

If you find yourself traveling anytime soon, here's some great yoga-friendly tips that I came across that every traveling yogini should know:

How to Take Yoga on Vacation

Take Your Practice With You When You Travel
By Ann Pizer, About.com
Updated: February 3, 2009

When you go on vacation or travel for business, you can easily take your yoga practice with you. It only takes a little planning to find local yoga studios at your destination or bring the items you need.

Go Local: Whenever I travel, I love to check out local yoga scenes. It’s surprising and refreshing to see how differently classes are taught around the country and the world. This is a great way to maintain and even reinvigorate your practice.

• Pack quick-drying yoga clothes.
  
• Do a little research before you go. Luckily, you can use the web to find classes all over the world. When you arrive at your destination, seek out local alternative newspapers or wellness magazines (often found in locations also serving coffee), which often carry listings for yoga studios.
  
• Brush up your Sanskrit. Classes conducted in Asia, or Europe may be conducted in foreign language, which poses an added challenge. But knowing the Sanskrit names of basic poses will help immensely.

Pack for Practice: If you prefer to practice in your hotel room, pack the necessities.

You Will Need To:

• Pack quick-drying yoga clothes.
  
• Pack a yoga mat. You can get a travel mat, which is a little thinner than a regular one. Bonus: You can use the mat to cushion any fragile items you decide to bring home from your trip.
  
• Plan a yoga session. Yoga audio downloads are a great travel companion. Remember your MP3 player. Doing yoga with headphones on is a little awkward, but it will do in a pinch. Get a long cord, or try wireless headphones to make it easier. Or bring your favorite yoga DVD and a portable player.
  
• If you do vinyasa yoga, print out this Sun Salutation Sequence. You can run through this a few times. The Daily Stretches sequence is also a good way to start your day.

Check into a Yoga Hotel: Does your trip include a resort or spa visit? If so, yoga will certainly be on the menu and you should take advantage of it. Or, plan your vacation around yoga by going on an intensive yoga retreat.

One of the best options to is go on a retreat with a teacher you know so you can be sure you will get great classes. Many teachers lead yoga-intensive trips to fabulous locations, so ask around at your yoga studio.