With summer break looming on the horizon, do you find yourself at a loss to choose a holiday destination? If you are the sort of person who wants to get away from all the usual tourist spots; who isn’t into shopping for curios; and who wants a holiday that is restful and therapeutic – maybe you should go on a yoga vacation.

Imagine coming back from a holiday rejuvenated and in the pink of health. Most people return from their holidays in need of another holiday! All the frantic junketing while sightseeing and shopping can be quite draining not to mention expensive. The travails of the air traveler are legend, what with delayed flights and lost luggage. But a yoga holiday ensures traveling light, physical rest and mental peace.

The other advantages of a yoga vacation include no smoking, no drinking and pure vegetarian cuisine. Your system will be cleansed of all toxins and will function far more smoothly. You will also be staying in a clean, pollution-free environment, away from the dense fumes of the city, which will be far more invigorating for you.

One of the most appealing things about a yoga vacation is that you will be in the company of like minded people, unlike a package tour to a tourist spot, where you could be grouped with people to whom you would normally never give the time of day. By and large, most people who would be interested in a yoga vacation are likely to be more spiritual in nature and crave peace and quiet.

The ideal place to visit on a yoga vacation would obviously be a yoga retreat. More often than not, a yoga retreat would be off the beaten path…some place nice and secluded. The facilities are usually simple, often spartan. However, the necessary infrastructure will be in place to cater to all your basic needs. The ambience will be designed to create a sense of peace and well being…surrounded by serenity. The lack of a modern day entertainment such as television will ensure lack of exposure to stress and strain; that you sleep early and rise early; and mental and physical alertness.

There are many resorts, spas and yoga camps that will provide you with the opportunity to learn yoga under a qualified yoga teacher. During a yoga course you will be taught all the yoga asanas (poses), Pranayama (breathing) and Dhyana (meditation). Learning and practicing yoga regularly will improve your mental and physical health. You will feel physically much fitter and mentally far more grounded and centered.

Attending a yoga course will ensure proper yogic training in order for you to derive the ultimate benefits. Correct yoga practice is essential if you really want it to make a difference in your life. Guided meditation, in particular, is necessary to learn how to master the mind. This will enable you to control your thoughts and discipline your mind, thereby harnessing your inner strength. This in turn will help you to expand your consciousness and extend the boundaries of your mind.