There are several good reasons to experience a retreat alone; it can offer you an opportunity to recharge your energy, help deepen your spirituality, and allow you to elevate your level of practice. 

And there are a few things which might be keeping you from simply taking off for a weekend and going on that life-changing experience – cost being one them. With a tight budget, how can you afford a three-day mind, body and spirit immersion somewhere tropical?

What you might be surprised to know is yoga retreats have come a long way since the days of their ultra-luxe price points. There are now many options available online, and narrowing them down can be far more challenging than finding the money for your trip.

To help you select the right retreat, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Set your budget and work towards it

If you were heading to Disney World with your family or going on your first-ever cruise in the Caribbean, you would spend the months leading up to it saving. Treat your yoga retreat no differently. Plan for it, decide how much money you intend to spend on it, and set a timeline for how you are going to achieve this.

A quick search online will reveal what you get at which price point -accommodations, daily lunches and breakfast, daily yoga classes, massages, group meditations, facilities access…..

Define your goals

What do you want to get out of this retreat? Do you want to kickstart for a new, yoga-focused lifestyle? Or are you looking for an experience which will help you delve deeper into your meditation technique?

Different packages offer different programs and levels of practice. By defining your goals before you start searching, you’ll be able to eliminate packages which don’t suit your needs and better focus your search towards those that offer what you really want.

Customize your activities

Some places allow guests to customize their experience based on what may fit their budget and activity preferences. For example, adding a few other frills to the retreat may be just what you are looking for, such as nutrition and cooking classes, trail biking, hiking and so forth. If a package includes activities you feel like you may not want, don’t hesitate to ask if they can customize your plan. 

Decide your destination

The further you intend to travel, the more expensive your trip will be, as you’ll have to purchase a plane ticket or spend on petrol money for an out-of-state trip. 

Shop around

Do your due diligence by researching retreat programs, costs, teachers and accommodation online. The most convenient and less time-consuming way to compare-and-contrast retreats is by using a site that provides multiple retreat choices.

Don’t skip verified reviews from previous guests, as they can provide a first-hand account on what to expect, as well as help you decide which package suits your needs best.

In the end, it’s important to put into perspective that a retreat can be a priceless experience that deeply renews the spirit whilst recharging the mind and body.

One more friendly tip; be ready to empty your heart of any worldly cares the moment you begin your time so there’s room for increased self-awareness, a more grounded perspective on life and personal growth.