Travel has a way of shifting our routines, changing our rhythms, and pulling us out of the familiar. Whether it’s navigating time zones, long flights, changing environments, or simply moving through busy seasons of life, staying connected to yourself can become its own kind of practice.
We spoke with three teachers from the community about how they stay grounded while traveling, the rituals they return to, and the small practices that help them feel at home wherever they are.
Kathrine MacLeod from London, United Kingdom
For Kathrine, grounding begins with slowing down and creating moments of stillness, even while moving through unfamiliar places.
How do you create a sense of stability when your environment is constantly changing?
Slow mornings and meditation. Wherever I can I like to sit in silence, with a cup of coffee each morning and just let life catch up with me.
Are there any rituals you return to when you need to reset on the go?
Rest. I rest whenever I can because traveling and constantly absorbing new environments and energies can be really exhausting. So I take every opportunity I have to close my eyes and just feel my breath. I give myself a lot of space and time to feel into everything that’s happening around me and how I’m responding to it.
What is one simple practice that helps you feel grounded while traveling?
Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed.
Before a day of traveling, or any big event, take a second to drop an anchor. Make a commitment to yourself to become unshakeable.
When things get shaky, you can take a breath and remind yourself of the promise you made to not let anything steal your peace today.
Travel with Kathrine
Join one of her upcoming retreats in Kenya, the Maldives, and Rwanda.
Follow along on Instagram @that_wild_kat
Emily Williams from Fernie, British Columbia
For Emily, movement and preparation are essential tools for navigating long travel days and shifting time zones.
How do you support your body and mind through long travel days, time changes, and jet lag?
When I’m travelling from Canada to Europe for retreats, it’s mainly overnight flights, and I really try to get myself set up to ideally sleep for the whole 8 hours.
I try to exercise well in the days leading up to travelling, getting out on my bike, running, hiking, as well as moving on my mat. I’m definitely a planner most of the time, so I try to prepare for everything before the flight. That way I feel steady and grounded going into it.
And then it’s game time. Comfy clothes, eye mask, or sometimes I just wear a beanie and pull it down over my eyes, headphones, and my travel playlist downloaded (Ben Howard features heavily).
Knowing I’m going to be in an incredibly uncomfortable position, because sleeping sitting up isn’t my favourite, I stretch and move right up until the last minute at the gate. It’s like I’m warming up for an event, which in a sense I guess I am. The event is beating jet lag.
What rituals help you land and feel at home in a new place?
I love the feeling of arriving and just breathing in the air. I feel like every country has a different smell, which sounds kind of crazy, but I’m sure some people will know what I mean.
Getting a coffee or a cup of tea from a local spot is always a nice way to arrive too. Giving yourself a moment to land and savour your first sip, with your feet (literally) back on the ground.
What is one thing you never travel without?
My yoga mat, for sure, and my headphones. Especially for online practices, I find plugging my headphones in and letting myself be guided completely is such a treat.
How does your practice help you adjust to a new rhythm?
It’s such a great way to move after a flight, bringing blood flow back into your tissues, moving your joints that have been cramped up and stuck in one position, activating muscles that have fallen asleep. So physically, it’s a no brainer.
I also find if I’m jet lagged and finding it hard to sleep, a yoga nidra practice or meditation can help send me off.
Honestly, movement and mindfulness are staples of living well and feeling good. So when I put my body through stress, long haul flights, road trips, travelling, changing time zones, keeping my practice is one of the best things I can do.
Travel with Emily
Join one of her upcoming retreats in the French Alps, British Columbia, and Scotland.
Follow along on Instagram @emilyruthyoga
Sydney Young from Miami, Florida
For Sydney Young, grounding on the go begins with something simple and always available: the breath.
What is your go-to tool when traveling?
I think it is super easy to get out of routine and feel ungrounded. My go-to tool to reground myself is to simply breathe. No matter where you are, your breath is always with you. I close my eyes, take long inhales through my nose and longer exhales through my mouth. I often use box breath as a tool to ground myself also… breathing in for a count of 4, hold at the top for 4, exhale for 4, hold at the bottom for 4. Just a few rounds does the trick every time.
How do you create a sense of stability when on the go?
I think anyone can create a sense of stability without a fixed routine by just slowing down and trying to be present. Whether you are on the go or very busy, the act of slowing down and noticing what is going on externally and internally is so important.
How do you support your practice on the go?
My class can help support practice on the go because it shows we don’t need much. Maybe you don’t even have time for a 10-15 minute practice. I still encourage you to find a moment of stillness, whether it is in a seated mediation or maybe even a child’s pose. This can change your whole day.
Travel with Sydney
Join one of her upcoming retreats in Brazil, Costa Rica and Jamaica.
Follow along on Instagram @syddyoung @caribbeanescapeyoga
Returning to Yourself Through Practice
Whether it’s meditation in the morning, movement after a long flight, or simply taking a conscious breath in a new environment, these small rituals can become anchors while traveling.
A practice doesn’t have to look perfect or consistent to support you. Sometimes, simply returning to yourself in small ways is enough.
Explore more travel inspiration here.
