This post includes a packing list for a healing retreat at a hot springs resort in the fall in the mountains.
So you’ve decided to go on a healing retreat or, at the very least, are contemplating it. That’s very exciting. Healing retreats are some of my favorite ways to invest in myself.
First thing is first, how are you getting there? This determines what types of luggage you are taking. I decide this first. If I’m driving by car, I still keep it simple, but I can choose which size suitcase makes sense. If I fly, I take a carry-on and a personal bag. I would love to pack more things, but I don’t love having to check the bag, worry about the bag arriving, and then retrieve it at baggage claim. I like having a fixed variable more than taking more stuff. That’s just me. You do you. That’s the point. What variables do you value more? Go with that.
Investing In Yourself
Traveling is a fabulous way to invest in yourself. If you add the opportunity to do deep work while traveling, even better. If there are hot springs at the resort you are staying at, that’s the best. There is something that happens when we leave our normal routine. We are able to live life in a new setting, and it allows us to get out of our normal routine. Maybe it’s a much-needed break, or maybe we are able to find some of the clarity we have been longing for. At a healing retreat, hopefully you are being held in an emotionally safe container and leave feeling expanded.
Luggage & bags
First you have to decide if you are going to do carry-on only or check a bag. These days, I’ve been strictly carry-on while flying. It’s a little more difficult to decide how to narrow down what to take, but it also saves the additional stress of getting to the airport early, navigating either a human or a machine, long lines to check the bag. Also hopeing and wondering if I’m going to see my luggage again when I land. I’ve never actually had an issue, but air travel is typically not the smoothest method of travel these days. So I choose to carry-on with less variable stress with the trade-off of easier packing.
My carry-on is a hardshell from Ricardo Beverly Hills. I love it. It’s cute and has been with me on domestic and international trips. My personal bag switches up. The last couple of times, I’ve carried my large black Rowan from Coach, and the time before that, a backpack from Target. I also pack a bucket tote bag from Amazon to carry around my essentials during the trip.
Clothes
I am an emotional dresser. When travelling, I make an effort to look put together and comfortable. So my vibe is cute and comfy. I also like to have two travel outfits—one for going and one for coming home. It makes packing a little more strategic, but I always feel slightly gross in the clothes that I wear on plane travel days. On the way to my destination, I feel a little more anxiety about travel, but also excited for my adventure. On the way home, I feel a little anxious, but also more tired from the trip itself. And of course, there is the fact that many times during travel it ends up being that glorious lady time of the month. So I anticipate what I might need to adjust during my lady time.
Shoes
I wear the biggest shoes/boots on the plane to save room. I’ve been loving these combat boots from Born Concept. They elevate my look while being comfortable all day. I’m also bringing some hiking sandals on days when it’s not too cold, and to wear to the pool and hot springs. I might try to find some other cozy shoes to bring too.
Toiletries
Ahhhh, toiletries are a little tricky. For a while, I was bringing shampoo and conditioner in solid bars. I was obsessed with these bars and even used them at home. The place went out of business, and I haven’t even tried to replace them yet. The bars saved so much room in the liquids bag. Anything that you have as a solid is helpful: soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner. I just bought some rose-shaped containers for my shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer for my upcoming retreat. We shall see how it goes. The containers do fit nicely in my liquids bag.
Electronics
I always bring my Kindle. I read all the time. It’s easy to bring. It’s easy to read in low lighting. Sometimes I bring my iPad and download games that don’t need the internet. One of my favorites is Wingspan. It passes the time nicely, and the App is beautiful.
Personal Bag
Pack all the essential things here: wallet, medications/supplements. I need emotional support snacks. I will also pack my journal and pen. My journal is personal, and if I feel like writing or brainstorming, it’s easy to get to. I like to write about how I’m feeling or what my intention is for the retreat. I can also brainstorm blog posts or plan my content and business plans. Lastly, I pack my eyeglasses and sunglasses in my personal bag to help keep them safe.
Emotional Support Items
Sprinkling my emotional support items throughout each packing category wasn’t something I realized I had been doing. Making an effort to bring things that give me joy and pleasure helps me stay regulated. It’s so simple and subtle, yet profound. Having textures, colors, and specific items that I love helps connect me to pleasure and joy while traveling. Whenever I can, I bring my Coach Rowan with me. I love the handles and the sound the handle makes when it drops onto the bag. She fits a lot while also helping me feel elevated. Cozy and cute clothes that bring comfort while also making me feel put together.
I’ve also discovered that having a tangible activity for the trip, not necessarily for the plane, can provide a meditative outlet I didn’t even know I was missing. It started when I bought an impromptu variety puzzle magazine at the airport before boarding the plane a couple of years ago. It’s simple and doesn’t take up much space. This magazine kept me completely preoccupied on the flight. What surprised me more was that I continued to work on the puzzles throughout my entire trip during downtime. Of course your phone can keep you busy, but don’t we all have a doom-scrolling issue? Bringing a hobby that literally gets me out of my mind and into my body is extraordinarily helpful for keeping me emotionally regulated and refreshed on the trip.
People take needlepoint on planes, which is allowed. On my last trip to this same retreat, I brought my coloring books and a pack of my Ohuhu Markers. I did not color on the plane to be mindful of the strong alcohol odor, as I try to be mindful of others on the plane with fragrance or certain foods. But I colored at the airport and in my room at the resort. Depending on how many markers I bring, they do take up some space, but the meditation and joy that they provide me are worth the effort. Especially since waiting around at airports can be so draining.
The Retreat Packing List
Luggage & bags
- personal bag/purse
- carry-on
- tote bag
- small purse (optional)
- packing cubes
- cosmetic bag
- laundry bag
- liquids bag
Clothes
- Travel outfit
- Going-home outfit
- 4-5 bottoms
- 5-7 tops
- 2-3 swimsuits
Bottoms
- black leggings
- jeans
- white sweatpants
- black sweatpants
- grey sweatpants
- comfy shorts
Tops
- 1-2 oversized sweatshirts
- fitted sweatshirt
- thin black zip-up hoodie
- black crop top long sleeve
- oversized-button up
More clothing Items
- underwear
- socks
- dress
- 3-4 white tank tops
Shoes
- combat boots
- hiking sandals
- additional pair – dressier or casual
Toiletries
- face wash/scrub
- face cream with SPF
- night face cream
- bar soap
- shampoo
- conditioner
- leave-in conditioner
- contact solution
- contacts case
- extra contacts
- tooth brush
- tooth paste
- floss
- body cream
- eye cream
- lipstick
- deodorant
- feminine products
Other Items
- hair brush
- curling iron/straightener
- insulated pom hat
- cute baseball hat
- gloves
- hair clips
- bobbypins
- scrunchies
- packable towel (optional)
Electronics
- chargers
- kindle
- chargable battery (optional)
- iPad (optional)
Personal Bag
- journal
- pens
- book
- wallet
- meds/supplements
- hand cream
- sanitizer
- lip balm
- snacks
- emotional support beverage (usually Diet Coke for me)
- bottle of water
- sunglasses
- eyeglasses
- ID/Passport
Emotional Support Item Options
- needlepoint
- coloring book
- markers/pencils/pens
- puzzle books
I love a good packing list. Hopefully, this provides some inspiration for your next trip and your packing list for a healing retreat.
Happy packing!
Stephanie
Leave a Reply