10 Truths and Myths Regarding the Life of a Traveling Yoga Teacher

What can be better than earning a living out of something you love and traveling at the same time? Undoubtedly, traveling yoga teachers lead an awesome life. And you can follow the same path if you are passionate about yoga. Just get skilled up and fund your travels while introducing yoga to everyone that you meet!

Photo by Anupam Mahapatra

It is a fantastic lifestyle. Apart from growing your own personal yoga practice, you lead other people into nourishing themselves, too. What is more, the options for where to take your classes are endless! Certainly, anywhere you go, there will be individuals interested in yoga. Teach, teach, teach!



In this article, we discuss everything you need to know, from taking your first yoga teacher training program to ensuring every student gets the most out of your classes. Soak everything in and make this world a better place while seeing every inch of it!

What it is Like to be a Traveling Yoga Teacher

1. Life downsizes drastically.

Apart from a millimeter-thin yoga mat, there is not much that you need to teach yoga. Your entire life fits inside a backpack. The longer you travel as a yoga teacher, the more you appreciate the beauty of minimizing life. So many things suddenly become unnecessary. Your focus shifts and the more important things in life take center stage.

2. To survive is enough.

Obviously, a yoga teaching job pays less than your old traditional job. Sometimes you will have to do volunteer classes in hostels or resorts for free accommodation or conduct donation-only classes in certain spots. There will not be a flood of money, usually, there will only be enough to pay off your living expenses and sustain your traveling. But that is fine. Remember that freedom is more valuable than anything else and leading a life that you choose is beyond compare.

3. It hardly feels like a job.

Every day feels like a holiday for traveling yoga teachers. One time, the office can be by the beach while the next can be set in the jungle. The locations alone make everything worth it. But more important, it is so rewarding to see students harness the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga. In them, you see your energy in full action and that experience is priceless!

4. The whole world is your playground.

A lot of freedom comes in teaching yoga classes. There is really no strict schedule. You can teach a few classes a day and do whatever you fancy for the rest of the hours. See the local sights, learn the local language, explore the culinary wonders, and pursue other passions. The number of people you meet proves endless, too! Indeed, this is an awesome way to grow and expand as a person.

5. Still, it takes a lot of dedication.

While teaching yoga is a fun job, do not get distracted. Balance work and play. Take your teaching seriously and always give your best effort to students. Interact and connect deeply. Share your energy and benefit from the energy of others, too. There will be a lot of distractions - students will invite you to hang out and there are numerous activities to do in a new destination. Have fun but never neglect your yoga practice.

Common Myths About Traveling Yoga Teachers

When you see photos of traveling yoga teachers, it seems they have it all: a new place to do yoga every time, glowing sunsets and organic food, and the time to pursue any other interests they have.

Photo by Simon Rae

Photo by Simon Rae

Yes, the job has its perks but it is not a dream without challenges. Before you set off on your own journey, it is important that you prepare for the reality of it. This lessens the disappointments and hassles and encourages you to keep moving forward. Below are the common myths about traveling yoga teachers and the truth behind all the incredible photos you see on social media.

Myth #1: Every day is living the high life.

As a long-term traveler, you know that this is false, and it is not any different when you are a traveling yoga teacher. Yes, seeing new destinations is great. But before you get to take photos of yourself doing a handstand by the beach, there is the jet lag to deal with, the hassles of figuring out the time zone and even the date, the dehydration and bloating that comes from a lack of routine and the difficulty of finding accommodation or work to sustain your stay. The usual battles associated with exhaustion, depletion, and frustration stay the same.

Myth #2: You get to practice yoga worldwide.

There is a big difference when you are traveling as a yoga practitioner and as a teacher. Sometimes, all you do is teach that there is no time to practice for yourself - or even rest. Students are all over you asking questions and when you practice in a studio, all eyes are on you! On the road, prepare yourself because your personal practice will suffer. You will have to give and give that it will take an effort to keep some of your energy and recharge.

Myth #3: This is the road to fame!

Certain yoga teachers become celebrities but fame is a poor driving factor. The most successful yoga teachers chose this path because of a deep desire to share the practice. Any fame that may come with it, mostly from social media following, is only a bonus. Teach yoga because you love to do it and more important because it keeps you traveling. Be humble and continue to work on your practice. Give your students out of a genuine desire to help them and not for personal gain.

Myth #4: There is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Yes, there are ways for you to monetize your yoga practice. Maybe you can teach a lot of classes, start a blog that you can monetize, or become a celebrity with endorsements and adoring fans on social media. Reality check: these things can happen but it takes time and it is not for everyone. Most of the time, traveling yoga teachers live a humble life, moving from one couch or studio to the next and volunteering or doing donation-only classes. Set your priorities straight. If you want to get rich, maybe this is not the right path for you.

Myth #5: You will never want to go home ever again.

Anyone that has left eventually finds a way home. It may not be for a long time or for good, but there is a certain comfort about being home. The world is fantastic and incredible in so many ways but exploring it and traveling all the time makes you appreciate home even more: unlocking your front door, seeing your family, a comfortable bed, and living out of a backpack. Everyone can use the comfort of home every once in a while.

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!

READ OUR OTHER ARTICLES: