Yoga retreats are all the rage right now, but what if you don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on one week of rest and relaxation? A yoga retreat doesn’t have to break the bank to be beneficial. There are affordable yoga retreats out there, it just may take a bit more effort to find them. Here are four things you should be looking for when searching out an affordable yoga retreat.
Tips For Finding an Affordable Yoga Retreat:
1. Try a Less Popular Destination
Everyone knows that Bali and Costa Rica are popular yoga retreat destinations. While it is possible to find more affordable retreats in these locations, they will be more rare to come across. Try looking at retreats in less popular yoga destinations. Hint: They may be closer to the popular destinations than you would think. For instance, a yoga retreat in Costa Rica may be more than you can afford, but try looking at neighboring Nicaragua. Retreats can often be found there for half the price. Travel in the “off-season.” Yoga retreats in the fall and spring months are often less expensive. It’s harder for people to take time off of school and work in the middle of a season. Retreats over holidays and during the summer are likely to be much more expensive.
2. Find an ‘All Inclusive’ Yoga Retreat
Yoga retreats can get expensive very fast if you don’t factor in the cost of any extras that aren’t included. Obviously there is the airfare to get to your location, which is rarely, if ever, included. On top of that, many retreats don’t include all meals, airport transfers, extra activities, etc. in the base rate. If the rest of your group is going on all the added excursions, you’re not going to want to be left out. Even if you say you won’t do any of the add on activities to save money, once you’re there it might be hard to resist. Some retreats even charge more for yoga classes over once per day. There are, however, many yoga retreats that are all inclusive, meaning everything you will need during your stay is included. You may still have to pay for an airport transfer, or tips for the hospitality staff at the end of your stay, but it will be considerably less than an ‘a la carte’ yoga retreat.
3. Share a Room to Cut Costs
It may be tempting to really treat yourself and get a private room or cabana on your yoga retreat. After all, you’re already taking the leap to care for yourself in a big way. Why not go full out and live in the lap of luxury for a week? If the big private room is worth it to you, by all means, go for it. If you are looking to cut costs, though, a shared room is the better option. Most yoga retreat centers charge a base rate by calculating the cost of whichever size room you choose plus anything that’s included, like meals. Sharing a room, or even staying in a dormitory style room, is often the cheapest option on a yoga retreat. This can actually be a major benefit in the long run, though! Not only do you save money, but you have the opportunity to really get to know your fellow retreat goers.
4. Book Far in Advance
Not every yoga retreat will have a special ‘early bird’ price, but many will. Yoga retreat leaders want to get people to their retreats, and having an early promotion is a great way to start signing people up and getting the word out there. If you’re willing to commit a year in advance, this is an excellent way to find an affordable yoga retreat. By booking far in advance, you are also able to get the best flight deals to wherever your yoga retreat is located. Check out websites like Skyscanner and Kayak to find the best airline deals and track when the lowest prices will be available to purchase.
There you have it, 4 tips to help you find an affordable yoga retreat. There are many options out there for budget friendly retreats, it may just take a bit more time and effort to find them. Once you do, you are well on your way to having the experience of a lifetime. The things you learn, and the connections you form on a yoga retreat are truly priceless. Whatever you spend on your yoga retreat will pay you back tenfold in experience.
Eva Casey is a writer who travels around the world. She is editor-in-chief for WeTravel, a free group trip planning tool that makes finding or planning a yoga retreat anywhere around the world a breeze.
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