Few things are better in life than traveling. First, traveling helps us learn about others’ cultures, habits, and reasons why they behave the way they do. Second, traveling is also a journey of self-discovery. When you visit other cities and nations, you slowly begin to understand yourself and how your own culture has influenced your behavior and perspectives in life. Finally, traveling is fun and exciting. We get to plan, go shopping, buy our tickets, and look forward to spending a few days away from the stresses of the daily grind.
But even better than going somewhere else on vacation is living overseas for a year or two. For employees, this means taking some time off to explore, recharge their batteries, and come back to work stronger and more rejuvenated. For students, it is a wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in a different environment and make a bit of money before heading for college or joining the workforce. A good example of this could be getting a gap-year student job in Australia, The United States, or England.
So, what does all this have to do with yoga? Well, as many yogis across the globe will tell you, yoga is one of the best, most effective ways to lengthen and strengthen your body and heal your mind. It also allows you to concentrate and focus on the priorities in your life. And what better way to do it than in an exotic, far-flung locale where you can fully engage in a spiritual journey of relaxation and recovery?
As we keep that in mind, let us look at four amazing yoga destinations for all people to enjoy.
Indonesia
No decent yoga list should be without Indonesia. This small island nation boasts some of the most exotic natural landscapes the earth has to offer, friendly people, and cuisine to rival the best French, Italian, and Japanese restaurants.
If a retreat is what you are looking for, the best place to start is Bali. Aside from its iconic rice paddies, beaches, coral reefs, and forested volcanic mountains, Bali is also home to more than a few religious sites, including the Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, and Ulun Danu Temples. Whether you believe in Jesus Christ, Buddha, Mohammed, or Braham, you are sure to find a place to practice your worship, and of course, do yoga.
Greece
When people think about embarking on an overseas yoga retreat, few consider going to Europe. Perhaps one of the main reasons for this is that many yoga globetrotters are Europeans themselves. As such, they would much rather fly out of the continent than drive for a few hours into the nations of their neighbors.
Still, whether you are from the Old Continent or somewhere else, one cannot deny that some of the best and most captivating yoga destinations in the world are in Europe. And there is no better one than Greece.
Imagine practicing your downward dog or mountain pose among a beautiful array of white houses in Santorini or Mykonos? How about a meditation session under the breathtaking sunset overlooking the Aegean Sea?
Mexico
Like European nations like Germany, the United Kingdom, or Holland, Mexico is not the first place that comes to mind when you think about doing yoga. Most people don’t know that among the 35 countries found in the Americas, many consider the land of tequila, tacos, and mariachi bands to be the top locale for this ancient Hindu practice.
And if you are interested in doing more than meditating, sitting down for hours thinking about the meaning of life, and elongating the limbs in your body, there is a long list of other activities to engage in and places to see. Along with exquisite cuisine and never-ending entertainment, most also offer physical and spiritual healing and rest.
Rwanda
We have looked at one location in Asia, one in Europe, and one in the Americas. The next logical step would be to travel to Africa and explore one more yoga destination and begin a journey of hope, self-esteem, and social justice.
We all know yoga has the power to heal. But one thing is recovering from a nagging ache in your lower back, and quite another is to find solace in a life ravaged by war, violence, and maltreatment. For Rwandans, yoga is much more than a physical exercise to enjoy with your friends and family. It is a chance to let go of trauma, forgive oneself and others, and move on towards a better life.
Four incredible yoga destinations are Indonesia, Greece, Mexico, and Rwanda. No matter which one you choose, you are sure to leave with an ever-lasting, unforgettable experience.
