Safe Travel With Yoga Trade
As a traveller, safety is always top of mind and a collective concern of friends, family and strangers who ask where I’m going or have been. I’m writing this from Brazil, in the small surf town of Itacaré in Bahia. A friend – and fellow travelling yoga instructor – and I, decided on a spontaneous trip chasing surf and sun. We received local recommendations, comidas, places to see and safety warnings as two females on a foreign land. Respecting the suggestions, we stay in reputable pousadas and guard our possessions, especially in big cities. Salty from a morning surf and sipping fresh cacao juice, I’m pondering our positive experience with gratitude.
Travel rewards take shape in establishing community and gradual familiarity with somewhere new and evolving through your chosen life. I’ve done so in many places viewed as ‘unsafe’ and have only positive memories. However, comfort and complacency are very different and even paradise is risky if you choose the latter. Yoga Trade safely connects travellers with legitimate employers. And while we do our part, we ask you to do yours to ensure holistic safety and the best situation. Read on for our safe travel tips and what to do if things go awry abroad.
Building Trust
Trust is the foundation for all human interaction and travel strengthens our self-trust or intuition and connection with others. To stay home for fear of undesirable ‘what if’ situations contradicts living. Instead, practising reflection and learning more about yourself equips you to act in your best interest. Yoga Trade works on trust and faith in humanity. Yoga teachers and wellness professionals must establish trust with the person they support, and likewise for hosts inviting someone to their space. Bear this in mind and try to see both perspectives.
We emphasize honesty, respect and integrity and establish trust by following ethical principles as a community built on yoga philosophy. The Yamas: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (non-excess) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness). And the Niyamas: Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (self-discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study) and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender).
Your Body Knows Before You Do
Yoga connects mind and body and teaches us to identify and harness our changing feelings and understand their meaning. ‘Trust your gut’ is common for a good reason. Your body knows if something feels right or wrong before your mind decides. First, rule out the fearful voice of racing, looping thoughts, likely influenced by others or the news, to hear the more subtle one that reflects your true nature. Let the quiet questioning voice be your guide.
Use intuition and communicate clearly when contacting or interviewing for a Yoga Trade opportunity.
- Don’t give personal contact details unless you are interested in the position
- Carefully review profiles and conduct independent research
- Meet your potential employer virtually before accepting an opportunity
- Ask and understand the job specifics, including compensation, daily schedule, and living arrangements
Communicate your boundaries and concerns for collaborative solutions and avoid profiles or experiences that feel incompatible or off. While Yoga Trade enables initial contact between seekers and hosts, your arrangement is your responsibility. Please review our terms and conditions.
Research Country and Culture
Know where you’re going and understand cultural, religious, gender and political differences to navigate new terrain respectfully and safely as these may vary wildly from what you’re accustomed to. Check travel alerts, advisories, immunizations and visa requirements, and purchase travel insurance. Find a balance that challenges your comfort zone and perspective where you still feel safe. Remember that as the visitor you should try to adapt to and appreciate the host country to initiate positive interactions, deeper connection and travel enrichment.
Protect Personal Information
Be mindful of what you share to avoid common scams. Never wire money to strangers or deposit checks from unknown sources. Use common sense and ensure total trust before sharing sensitive financial information.
Have a Backup Plan
Always have a plan b in case things don’t work out. Research the neighbourhood before you travel for alternate accommodation and transportation. If you arrive and are uncomfortable with the arrangement or conditions, remain calm and respectfully communicate concerns with your host. It’s important to understand if they stem from lifestyle/cultural differences or shock at the new place as these initial feelings may ease through familiarity and routine. Safety comes first; you may end any arrangement at any time.
As a yoga trade traveller, please take care, connect and remain curious. Follow the above precautions for a positive journey and maintain the integrity and community of all members by reporting any safety concerns to Yoga Trade at support@yogatrade.com.
