To feel guilty about every action or purchase… to feel like there’s nothing we can do to actually solve the massive problems that have befallen us. 

It is easy to feel all that. I know. The harder choice is to take action. To start from our own daily lives, with steps that may seem small, but can snowball into a massive consumer culture shift. 

Travel is one of those things that many of us feel like it is an undeniable part of a fulfilled life. Exploring new cultures, places, meeting new people. But how do we keep traveling without contributing excessively to carbon emissions and pollution? 

Well, first of all, we can start by choosing trips and destinations that we know are not suffering from over-tourism. 

You know, the places where you literally can’t escape travelers, where the local people are suffering from massive price increases, loss of land, property, etc. 

Spend some time investigating and learning a little more about the destination. 

• Is tourism supporting the economy sustainably? 
• Are the local people treated fairly in their own home? 
• Is nature protected and preserved? 

Once you’ve chosen your destination, the next thing you can do is to offset your carbon footprint (flights, rent-a-car, etc.). 

You can easily calculate it on sites like this: https://climatecare.org/calculator/

You can also choose to support some of the vital organizations that fight climate change (one-time or regular donations). Some of them:

• Avaaz.org 
• b1g1.com 
• rainforesttrust.org
• amazonwatch.org 
• ran.org

You can also educate yourself more about the processes that are happening and what can be done to fight them. Some useful resources:

https://www.conservation.org/priorities/climate-change

https://www.who.int/health-topics/climate-change#tab=tab_1

https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/effects-of/climate-change

And of course, you can make a change with how you spend your money and what products do you buy. 

Once you’re done with your old travel products – switch to the sustainable ones. 

The items you can choose as an environmentally friendly option:

• Razor – switch to a safety razor, the only thing you need to change is the blade, and you can use it for many years.
• Sunscreen – make sure your sunscreen is natural and does not damage coral reefs.
• Shampoo – we buy new shampoo relatively often. In doing so, we not only add to the plastic packaging problem but – if it’s not natural – polluting our waters. Choose a solid natural shampoo or bring your own bottle to fill in the zero waste shops in your area.
• Scrunchies – so lucky they’re back! Not only better for our hair, but they also last longer and do not snap (or get lost!) as often as the elastic bands. 
• Reusable shopping bag – we tend to forget about it, but we often shop at the local markets and end up with many plastic bags since we simply forgot to bring a reusable one from home!
• Diva cup – yes, it’s not for everyone, but if it works for you – it’s a fantastic way to substitute to very polluting feminine products. 

Looking for ways to travel more sustainably and responsibly? Here are some of our suggestions!

The post How to travel AND still care for the planet? appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

By Jade McSorley for Summersalt Yoga 

Walking around the narrow streets of Vis Island, through alleyways and stone arches, signs of botanical and human life seep through the nooks and iron gates, reminding me nostalgically of my favorite childhood novel, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Washing lines hang amongst palm trees, disrupted dining areas and abandoned chairs leave trances of recent commotion. Cats laze amongst the bracken, tired from the heavy heat of the Mediterranean climate. Gardens grow in and amongst the stone walls, never knowing which came first – the ancient buildings or the creeping vegetation? An endless plant palette paints the island, and as you wander throughout the small town, you unearth gardens around every corner, like a childhood game of hide and seek or discovering a secret place found across the Adriatic sea.

The post The Secret Gardens of Vis Island appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

By Milda Urban, Summersalt Yoga founder

Responsible travel – the topic that gains more and more attention in the world. We are implementing and promoting responsible travel and tourism in our Summersalt Yoga Retreats and we also want to help you take the simplest necessary steps to start doing so too.

Here are 8 tips on how to start travelling responsibly wherever you go.

1. Pack light. Do not take loads of stuff in order “just to have a better choice”. Not only you will save money by not paying baggage fees and so help increase plane fuel-efficiency, but you will also need to wash less and so save water too.

2. Take fewer fuel flights and rent hybrid cars. If possible choose Boeing 777 or Airbus 345 as it is a way to reduce your carbon footprint. Soon Boeing 787 planes will be available as the best option to reduce fuel consumption by 27 percent compared to other similarly sized aircraft. When renting a car do not go with the biggest and most fuel-consuming one. Hybrid will not only save you money but will also help with minimizing emissions and carbon footprint.

3. Buy and eat local. When you need to buy food, souvenirs and other goods look for local shops and markets this way supporting local communities and economies. Even if you love the world-wide chain fast food place, when travelling eat at local restaurants and bistros – you will learn and experience the local cuisine and support the village or town you’re visiting.

4. Shop smart. It is easy to get carried away when shopping exotic items in faraway countries, but make sure that what you’re buying is not illegal, endangered or otherwise not responsible (local artefacts, endangered plants, even stolen goods..)

5. Save energy and water. Do you really need to take 3 showers per day and get your sheets changed every day of the week? Do you also need to leave your AC running while you’re out exploring? Use “Do not disturb” signs to show that you do not need washing, cleaning and a new change of towels and contribute to saving water, energy and limit the use of cleaning chemicals.

6. Recycle and reuse. Do not buy a new bottle of water every time you’re thirsty – get a reusable one and just fill it up! Do not gather multiple maps and brochures and then throw them out around the corner. If you really used them and need to get rid of at the end of the trip – find a place to recycle.

7. Respect local nature and culture. Walk only on the indicated trails in the parks and reserves, do not litter (have a trash bag with you), do not pick plants, feed animals or anyway harm the surroundings. Be respectful of local traditions (even if you do not understand/agree with them) – wear covers if asked in churches or temples, do not take photos if asked etc.

8. Be a traveller, not just a tourist. Yes, visiting the most famous landmarks is fun, but try to not only put a “check” on your list, but get into the local culture and lifestyle. Allow yourself a cultural shock, meet some locals and do not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. That’s the only way to REALLY travel.

The post Responsible travel – here’s how you can contribute appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

By Nika Bosnic for Summersalt Yoga

I did my first solo travel one year ago. One week in Bali was long enough to get the first taste of how it feels to travel solo but definitely too short to consider me a well-experienced solo traveller. Yet, I gained some valuable experience I’d like to share with you – not to teach but hopefully to inspire you to do the same.

First things first: I think it was Rachel Wolchin who once said that “if we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots”.

I’ve always loved travelling, especially the absolute freedom it gives you to do what you want and when you want. I believe that the happiest moments of my life are all somehow related to my travels and one of my earliest childhood memories is our family journey to Greece. So travelling has become an intrinsic part of my lifestyle or even existence if that is what you wish to call it, and it is no surprise that at some point solo travelling crossed my mind. Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with travelling with your best friends, your better half, siblings or family. I’ve tried all variations so far and cannot say (and will not say) which one is the best. Despite my urge to discover the world, it was only in my late twenties that I felt “ready” to go for the “solo” option. I remember when I first shared this idea with my family and friends and their reactions were, well…let’s just say I wasn’t mad about them

“Young and a blond woman travelling alone – are you crazy!”

“You sure you wanna do this?”

“Why, won’t you get bored?”

Sure, I was scared as I was travelling outside the EU for the first time totally alone. I would lie to say I didn’t have any doubts as to how will I manage to do everything on my own as disoriented as I am. Questions like “how will I know where to go”, “what if I get ill all of a sudden”  and “where am I going to meet new people” crossed my mind at least a hundred times a day before my solo journey actually started.

On the other hand, I knew myself a bit too well to give up when I hit the first obstacle. It’s probably got to do with my stubborn nature which finally came in handy.

And so I did it. And survived. Here’s what I learned about solo travelling.

It helps you grow mentally

This one is obvious. You cannot avoid it. I remember my close friend once said to me that I will never be the same after my solo travel. As cliche as it might sound, she was right. Solo travel changes you, it defines you. You learn how to negotiate, organize your day, master more or less pleasant tasks on the way, stand up for yourself and yes, manage your thoughts which can be challenging sometimes. It takes some time to start enjoying it, but once you do you’ll never look back.

Solo travel for creativity

If I expected no. 1 to happen sooner or later, I surely did not expect that my solo journey would boost my creativity so much. I guess solo travelling gives you the opportunity to step away from the daily routine and habits and forces you to try new things that you normally wouldn’t dare to do or try. The new events, cultures, and people you meet along the way encourage you to get creative. I did karaoke (and believe me, I’m tone-deaf but it’s much easier far from home), started writing a  diary and got the whole bunch of new ideas.

Out of your comfort zone

This one doesn’t need much explanation. Facing difficulties in an unfamiliar environment, among new people, forces you to learn and adapt to a life that’s out of your comfort zone. As a result, you become more flexible, patient and emotionally strong.

Meeting new friends

You don’t need to be a talkative extrovert to meet new friends during your solo travel. In my experience, you meet even more people when you travel solo as you don’t have a constant travel buddy to stick with. When in doubt, try hostels which are the best resource for meeting people.   Remember, you are all in the same boat, struggling with similar difficulties on the way and sharing advice is more than welcome. Also, if you prefer to take it slow you can start with retreats (like yoga retreats or surf camps) which are a great combination of solo travelling, maintaining an active lifestyle and meeting new people.

Go with the flow

Last but not least, apart from the obvious fact that you don’t have to go to work (and can legit eat chocolate for breakfast), travelling learns you the beauty of spontaneity. This lesson was the hardest one for me as I am so used to plan everything, from my career to everyday activities. When (solo) travelling, I learned that you cannot predict everything (like a boat to one of Bali Islands to break down which made me change my plans immediately, at midnight!). What’s my advice in situations like that? Take a deep breath and simply go with the flow. Just like I was surprised to learn that there is suddenly one more boat going to another island (where I’ve had the craziest days so far) so you might be surprised to find out what is waiting for you if you just surrender to follow the flow of life.

The post Why solo travel is a must appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

I’ve never been to the U.S. before, but it felt like I was going to a place I know very well. It’s because so many movies are filmed in the States. Though it also felt like I wasn’t sure what should I expect.

We’ve started our trip to New York – the city that never sleeps. Though we found out that it actually sleeps if you’re not in Manhattan, and it’s actually quite quiet during the night! Though during the days it’s hectic and full of sounds. People rushing through you, there’s not enough space to move, you can’t keep a normal conversation due to all people chattering, the beeping, and the sirens. But all this is somehow mesmerizing and it makes you feel like you’re a part of a big organism that makes this city what it is.

I didn’t understand how big the NYC before we got here. It seemed like we should have reached the end of the city, but we would look at the map and see that it’s even hard to tell if we actually moved. After almost a month in NYC, we both fell in love with the city and agreed that we’re definitely coming back.

After leaving the NYC we toured a bit around the East Coast and made our way to the West Coast. Where people say the most beautiful nature is. One of the most highlights on the East Coast was…tailgating! We’ve heard so many songs about it and got an opportunity to try it ourselves. What a liberating and fun feeling it is to sit in the tailgate and just feel the breeze!

Before going to Utah (that’ where we’ve spent most of our time), we’ve spent a few days in Oakland and visited San Francisco from there. Both cities are beautiful and you can spend hours just walking around and enjoying the San Francisco hills!

After a bit more than a month, we’ve finally rented out a car and started our road trip around the land of the beautiful nature.

We visited Lake Tahoe, the place with a name difficult to pronounce for a foreigner, and a place of total relaxation. It’s the place to be if you want to immerse with nature and just enjoy the big trees, big lake, and cute cabins.

Afterward, we spent 10 days in Salt Lake City – a city that surprisingly has a lot of beer breweries! If you don’t know, Utah’s alcohol laws are pretty strict, but that doesn’t stop people from producing very good quality beer.

Our first get to know with Utah’s nature was Arches National park. We’ve been to a lot of beautiful places before, bet oh what a beautiful place this is. When we were entering the park, we got surrounded by breathtaking canyons that you wouldn’t dream such a place could exist.

Our first hike in the U.S. was to the Delicate Arch. Since I haven’t been working out much lately, uhm, I had a hard time getting there and needed to stop quite a few times just to catch my breath. Yes, I know, that’s when I understood I’m not in my best shape since the trek wasn’t that difficult and I have to do something about it. But the view we got to finally see when we reached our point was absolutely worth it! It’s just amazing how nature can sculpt such beautiful things.

Our next stop was Canyonlands park. After visiting Arches National park, it seemed like we already saw the most beautiful one and we will not get impressed so much anymore. But oh how wrong we were.

We didn’t do much hiking in Canyonlands since we didn’t have much time (as we also had to work at the same time, we’re freelancers), but the overlooks there are breathtaking. The canyons are so grand, my brain had difficulty processing what I see and understanding that’s not a picture, but the real deal I’m seeing! We also visited the Grand Canyon later, though I’m not sure which place impressed me more.

After being blown away by the views, we continued our trip to Brice Canyon and on our way there we drove through the Capitol Reef Park. It was my favorite drive so far. The sun was at the point where everything was so enlightened it felt we were in a fairytale.

The hike at the Brice Canyon was a bit longer and steeper than I expected. After realizing that I’m weaker than I wanted to be, I did actually start doing a workout routine, but I wasn’t strong enough yet. But after we finished our hike it felt so good to realize I made it. And I got to see so many beautiful things otherwise I wasn’t able to.

Though this was not the hardest hike during our road trip. The one that struck me unprepared was when we went to see the Wave. We thought it was going to be a 5km hike that I know I can manage. So we didn’t take any snacks and took only one small bottle of water for both of us (oh boy, what a mistake). It ended up being a 15km hike with very steep hills. Very steep. But the views here in Utah, they never disappoint. The waves were so picturesque and relaxing to look at, I felt more energized and was ready for our way back.

Our last stop was Zion National Park. It’s among the most popular ones on West Coast due to its proximity to Las Vegas. We didn’t think we will see something much different from what we’ve already seen but we were again so wrong. It’s incredible to see how nature can be so different even just a few kilometers away. Zion National Park also made me feel like I’m in a beautiful painting with lots of Bambis just a few meters away from you. I was very satisfied with the amount of deer I saw during this trip.

Our trip back to the civilization was a bit stressful since we mixed up our dates and when we came back to our host’s place, we were told they had to move our things from the room since other guests were about to arrive. It was already a late evening, so that meant we very late to check out. We double-checked our calendar and realized we really had to move out that day. So we quickly packed everything up, apologized a few times, and left Utah.

We’re now in Los Angeles, the city of wonderful weather and movies. We haven’t seen much yet, but I already love the vibe here. And +20 Celsius is always a good thing.

Our trip is going to an end and I already have that strange feeling when I understand I will be home soon. It’s a mix of excitement and unknown, as another chapter in our lives will start (we don’t have a permanent place to live since we travel a lot). But it’s exciting.

It’s also amazing how many things we’ve seen and got to experience. It’s already changed my perspective of the world again and how I see myself and everything that surrounds me. I’m also happy that I managed to find the strength in me to start my trip to my stronger-self version.

It’s been wonderful 3 months, every day was inspiring and made me feel grateful for the life I have. I’m already starting to think about our next trip…

The post USA: The Land of Canyons, Arches & Tailgating appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

What’s there to do on a dark and gloomy winter day? Look for a place to escape the approaching cold winter.

Since I’ve already eaten my way through Southeast Asia twice and Latin America was still a little out of my budget, Sri Lanka ended up on the top of my list.

I’ve always seen Sri Lanka as some kind of utopia as so many religions and cultures – Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus – are coexisting relatively peacefully in such a small space (recently there was some conflict).

Life here and now

I realize that you do not need any meditations or consciousness training if you have access to tuk-tuk rides. It takes only 5 minutes in this bad boy driving through the chaotic streets of Colombo to be fully living IN THE MOMENT and to cherish that moment with all my heart.

Colombo is not a place you’d want to spend too much time. It’s not bad, but it’s also not really good. It’s enough to spend a day sightseeing a few temples, never-ending construction sites and trying your first curry (mine was a little watery). After that – go to the train station and grab your ticket further along.

A tip for technology and convenience lovers – install PickMe app to your phone, it’s like Uber for tuk-tuks and is great for those who do not want to negotiate with a driver too much (you will get the cost estimate on the app).  I strongly recommend getting a local SIM card at the airport as it will come in handy for the app, the maps and check your email.

Kandy in the middle

Even though the backpack is rubbing my shoulders and my head under the hat is completely sweaty, I can’t wait to hop on the train and travel to Kandy – a city in the middle of the country. It is supposed to be the “real Sri Lanka” and after about 3-hour train ride from Colombo we are there! Once again – we take a stressful tuk-tuk ride and are finally at our rental place. It has a wonderful view of the mountain and a 27-meter-tall Buddha statue. So far, so good.

Kandy is a blend of curry, dumpster, durian smells as well as touristy spots that offer cappuccinos, fries and avocado toasts. The tired locals share the streets with gap-year blonde travelers in elephant pants and large backpacks.

It is enough to spend here 2-3 days, including the visit to the famous Sigiriya rock where one needs to climb 1200 scary/hard steps and sometimes share those steps with local monkeys (uhh..). It’s fascinating how I and other tourists can’t seem to catch a breath, but local guides walk the path multiple times a day!

It is easiest to reach this destination by hiring a car, this will cost you about 60 dollars, but you will have an AC, will be able to dictate the schedule and have pit stops whenever you want.

A beautiful place to visit when in Kandy is the Royal Botanical gardens. The bright colors, orchids, and gorgeous paths are worth the smog-filled tuk-tuk ride here.

Train to Nuwara Eliya 

I was very much looking forward to the train ride to Nuwara Eliya – the tea fields and greenery was supposed to be one of the highlights of the trip. However, since we were not allowed to purchase the tickets in advance we did not see that much as we had to spend the ride on our feet and not unlike sardines in a can. The train was PACKED! I am kind of proud that I managed to survive those 4 hot sweaty hours. The yoga experience helped a little – it is what it is, just accept it.

Maybe I look a little too distressed or tired, but a 80-year-old grandma signals me to sit on her lap! It’s very tempting, but she’s about 3 times smaller than I am so I politely refuse.

PYYYNATS, DELISUS PYYYNATS. The train salesmen offer everything from peanuts, chips, drinks and more. They do not seem to care about squeezing through the fully packed train every 15-20 minutes and the local couple near us buys basically everything and once offer me some crisps too. Do I really look so exhausted? Well, it is what it is, right?

Tea plantations

Once in Nuwara Eliya it feels so much calmer. Even the tuk-tuk ride to our stay was quite alright. It is also much cooler than everywhere else and it is so welcome. Our tuk-tuk driver Nagesh tells us he does tea plantation tours and since we like him we schedule a tour the next day.  We obviously (duhh) communicate via Whatsapp later to set the time etc.

About 50% inhabitants in Nuwara Eliya are Tamils with the origin in India. They work in tea plantations, speak their own dialect, however they make up only about 4% of entire Sri Lanka’s population. Do not confuse them with the northern and eastern Sri Lanka Tamils who make up about 11% of the country’s population.

Even if it sounds a little corny or stereotyped I feel like this place is the real Sri Lanka. I love the amazing green colors of the tea plantations and the colorful saris of the local women. I love visiting the plantations and drinking the tea (black tea is my all-time favorite).  The highest quality tea from Sri Lanka comes from Nuwara Eliya. The set up of the plantations and the entire experience reminds me a little of visiting vineyards and wineries.   Nagesh is a great guide, he tells us about the history and the area, but is not prying and is giving us the space we need.

I love it here also because the place brings back the emotions of my early youth when I’d go through the National Geographic magazines and see the far-away exotic lands, dreaming of visiting them one day. I believe that day has come and it’s magical.

Going to the ocean

Again in a packed train, this time – traveling to Galle in the South which is famous for its Portuguese fort, Dutch, British and Portuguese streets and architecture. From there we’re going to reach a couple of seaside towns as well.

One of them is Unawatuna – a lovely, small place with semi-empty beaches which come as so needed paradise after days in a train and tuk-tuk chaos.

Sri Lanka has 1300 kilometers of coast, there are many gorgeous beaches, we also visit the famous Mirisa and it’s gangs of dogs and iguanas, we surf in Weligama and come back to explore the beautiful Galle. It’s touristy and crazy hot, but we take comfort in familiar cafes and stylish boutiques.

We spend the rest of our time living the slow life, eating pineapples, mangoes, coconuts and drinking local “Lion” beer. How is this not a perfect life? It definitely is.

The post Tuk-Tuk meditations in Sri Lanka appeared first on Summersalt Yoga Retreats.

Although quite small, South Korea packs a powerful punch. Its rich history, diverse culture and delicious cuisine create a wonderful experience for anyone willing to step inside. It’s the perfect gateway to Asia – modern and convenient, yet charmingly chaotic.

The land of convenience

My plane lands at Incheon International Airport early in the morning. I’m jet lagged and sleep deprived, but the beautiful weather keeps my spirits high – as it turns out, it’s the first warm and sunny day of spring in Seoul. It’s only when I’m finally in the airport train, heading to central Seoul that I realize I still haven’t experienced any of the cultural shock Westerners so often mention when they step out of their comfortable and predictable bubbles. And after a few days another realization strikes – maybe it’s impossible to feel lost or shaken in a land that is so convenient and efficient? The streets are clean and well maintained, the Seoul metro – fast, reliable and extensive, train and bus schedules so well-matched it made my inner control freak squeal with delight. But I guess these things are necessary in a country of 50 million people. Everything has to be fast and efficient, otherwise it would all just collapse. Besides, the Koreans are quick by nature. They live by “bbali, bbali” (faster, faster). They walk fast, they consume fast and they even eat fast – there’s no idling in restaurants. The only places where it’s acceptable to sit and chat are numerous coffee shops. And when I say numerous, I mean death-by-caffeine-numerous. Meanwhile convenience stores in South Korea are the epitome of the word “convenience” – they’re everywhere, they’re always open and ready to satisfy your midnight cravings. And don’t get me started on street vendors! They always have their carts right where you want them to. Going to a picnic in the Han River Park? You can skip grocery stores, because there will be plenty of street food along the way. Not really in the mood for street food? That’s okay, you can order restaurant food delivered to practically anywhere – that’s how convenient South Korea is!

The magical sense of freedom

And still, despite all the efficiency, South Korea is surprisingly chill. Underneath all the bustle and hustle there’s this wonderful magical freedom. For Koreans, rules are there just to make life easier (e. g. lining up to board trains and busses, extensively recycling), but if something isn’t explicitly forbidden, it is considered allowed. But don’t misunderstand – the Koreans, though charmingly chaotic and somewhat dramatic, are in no way careless or lazy. They work hard and they play hard, they don’t do anything halfheartedly and this is perhaps the main reason why South Korea’s economy exploded in the past 30 years or so. Everything’s full throttle there – from business to crazy karaoke parties. The people are full of life and it is highly infectious. After living for 50+ years next to a volatile neighbor, they probably learned to just enjoy the moment. A short visit to Jeonju, the so-called food capital of South Korea, proves this point. I happen to go there right when the Western media escalates the tension between North and South Koreas (April 2017). I don’t read papers and don’t watch news, so panic-filled texts and calls from friends and family members back home catch me by surprise. “Is everything well?”, they ask. “Has the war already started?”. I look around, taking in all the happy people sightseeing, taking selfies and riding bikes in Jeonju’s famous historical center, and have no idea what they’re talking about. All I see are people enjoying themselves and living their life to the fullest. This total sense of chill, of knowing not to fret over something you can’t really control, is everywhere you go in South Korea, probably fueled by the country’s Buddhist background.

Temples and palaces

South Korea hasn’t forgotten its royal past and locals are proud of their country’s history and culture, never missing a chance to don traditional hanboks and pretend to be nobles or scholars from the Joseon era. And nowhere else is that pride more evident than in the colorful temples, shrines, palaces and imposing gates, dotting various cities in South Korea. Indeed, traditional Korean architecture is wonderfully colorful, with greens, reds and blues creating intricate mesmerizing patterns. Even the Buddhist temples look vivid and cheerful, especially around Buddha’s birthday when they’re adorned with brightly colored lanterns. The Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, perched on a rocky outcrop, provided a spectacular view and was perhaps the most impressive temple I’d seen in South Korea. The only solemn historical buildings are the Confucian Shrines. The 14^th century Jongmyo Royal Shrine in Seoul is sleek, monochromatic and somehow very majestic.

Seoul has several royal palaces, the biggest and most lavish being the Gyeongbokgung. Next to it lies Bukchon Hanok Village – a cluster of traditional Korean villas. In the past they used to house the most prominent and affluent families. Now some of them operate as cafes or guest houses, while others are still inhabited by rich and poor alike. The neighborhood is quaint and charming, transporting you 600 years into the past, when Korea (then Joseon) was a powerful kingdom. Among Seoul’s palaces, the Changdeokgung is the most well preserved. And although it is beautiful and elegant, what captures my heart there is Huwon – the Secret Garden. It is a lush garden full of breath-catching vistas and picture-perfect pavilions. During the Japanese occupation, the garden was turned into a zoo, but later reclaimed for its original purpose.

Away from the city

When city life proves to be too much, South Korea offers some amazing getaway locations – from picturesque mountains to small cozy seaside villages. When I first see rolling green hills, I’m on a bus heading to Jeonju and I’m instantly mesmerized. The hills seem soft and mysterious, as if they’ve just appeared out of nowhere. And they’re not just pretty to look at – South Korean hills and mountains are full of well maintained hiking paths, some of them just outside of Seoul. Hiking seems to be a national past time, especially among seniors. Since Koreans don’t do anything halfheartedly, all the hikers I meet wear special boots, clothes and equipment, looking very much like pro mountaineers. But it’s not only mountains that the locals take seriously – similar approach applies to the seaside. They walk, explore, eat seafood to their heart’s content and when the night falls, they light up some fireworks. It instantly feels like vacation – sitting on the sand, listening to the whoosh of the waves… and watching sparkles and fireworks light up the night sky. I feel the freedom, the joy to be alive and silently thank Korean convenience stores for stocking up on fireworks and lighters.

Kimchi with everything

Food – cooking and eating it – is an important part of Korean culture. Korean cuisine is spicy, flavorful and ancient. Some dishes go centuries back! Kimchi, pickled Nappa cabbage, is probably the most iconic Korean food. And it really does go with everything. During my trip I tried kimchi in dozens of places – from supermarkets to street markets, from simple joints to fancy restaurants. Each time kimchi was different – sometimes very sour, sometimes very peppery – and each time I wanted more. Other dishes I couldn’t get enough of included various dumplings (mandu in Korean), bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables and spicy sauce) and rice porridge called juk. Taste wise, Korean dishes are very complex. They’re never just salty or just sweet, there’s always a bit of everything, which is why I loved them so much.

I liked the eating culture, too. The Koreans eat a lot and enjoy doing it. There’s no nibbling – they eat with gusto and I was quick to learn by observation. Soon I was stuffing my face with delicious stews and banchans (various side dishes), smacking my lips, slurping and openly expressing how much I love the food! Yes, the locals are loud and expressive when eating – not quite the table manners that we’ve been taught!

Street food should also be mentioned – comforting and indulgent, it’s every foodie’s dream. Thanks to the diligent (and business-savvy) vendors, food stalls are located at the most convenient locations, inviting to at least grab a small bite before heading home. The food is fresh and often made before your own eyes, so the temptation to eat something is even bigger.

My month in South Korea ends before I know it. The last evening there I eat some kimchi stew, get (once again) complimented on my tolerance for spicy food – the lady working at the restaurant beams at me – and I get the distinct feeling that I have found home away from home. South Korea welcomed me with open arms, fed my body and soul and even taught a couple of things about living in the moment. And once the plane takes off, I feel compelled to come back – to eat, discover and shoot some more fireworks at the beach.

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By Milda Urban,

Australia is fascinating! And traveling in Australia is so inspiring. However, it’s so big that it can get a little bit overwhelming choosing where to go and what to see. I think it goes without saying that unless you have months or you love changing locations every other day it is impossible to visit everything during one trip.

After a month on this incredible continent, I realized how much I still have left undiscovered, but instead of thinking of what I DIDN’T see or DIDN’T do I want to shed some light on the places I have visited – and boy am I, one lucky girl, to have discovered some special places down under (no pun intended).

I want to share a few of them with you and I hope that you too get a chance to visit this magical place called Australia.

Melbourne and the area

I have spent more than 2 weeks in Melbourne which is the mecca of good food, coffee and street art. Don’t only stay there. Go see the beautiful Philip island as well as taste some great Australian wines in the Yara valley. Explore the incredible animal sanctuaries as well, because who doesn’t want to see a koala?!

Byron Bay and the bohemian lifestyle

What kind of yogi and spiritual junkie would I be if I didn’t visit the iconic Byron Bay? This small bohemian town is perfect to just chill, surf, have amazing food and observe all the colorful locals and visitors.

Sydney and the Blue Mountains

To skip Sydney during your trip to Australia just doesn’t make sense. The city manages to breathe the electric energy of a metropolis, but at the same time keeps the laid-back vibe that makes you feel at ease.  Do a day trip to the Blue Mountains to immerse yourself in the incredible nature of this country.

The Great Ocean Road

This beautiful stretch of land in the Victoria state has so many magnificent beauties, starting with various nature parks, animal sanctuaries, mountains, waterfalls, gorgeous sandy beaches and of course the iconic 12 apostles. If you’re feeling adventures (or are on a budget), try to travel as a bohemian and stay at the campsites which brings you back to the simpler times and childhood

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By Igne Aleliunas for Summersalt Yoga

Kyoto welcomes us with blistering heat. After a full day of walking, our feet are covered with dust and the sun ruthlessly shines in the vast blue sky. Later, when asked, if such weather is the norm in May, a local just laughs at our bewilderment, “Why, yes, it gets even hotter!”. Two days in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, leave us in awe not only because of the heat. It’s a bustling city full of energy, a place where freedom and old traditions go hand in hand.

The ancient capital

Kyoto lies in the central part of Honshu island, in a valley surrounded by low mountains. Compared to Tokyo, it’s a small city with barely 1.5 million inhabitants, but together with Osaka and Kobe it forms a seemingly unending urban landscape. This flat city is full of historically and culturally important places for more than a thousand years it was the capital of the empire of Japan. This ancient splendor is still alive in palaces, shrines, and temples, the latter two numbering in thousands. They’re everywhere in the city – dotting remote green hills and occupying space in central markets, right there between food stalls. The people of Kyoto, too, have not forgotten their heritage. The streets are full of people wearing kimonos and geta – traditional wooden sandals. There are martial arts centers and even a geisha school in the city. Kyoto, contrary than, say, Tokyo or Osaka, often feels like a small town, with quaint and quiet alleyways intersecting busier streets. However, the rich history and cultural heritage that attract so many tourists don’t make the city and its people dull or, heaven forbid, boring. On the contrary – Kyoto is full of joie de vivre, it is a mecca for pleasure-seeking hedonists.

Pleasure town

Once the sun sets, people flock to the old center of Kyoto – the Gion district and Pontocho street. It’s a place that barely sleeps, a place for tourists and locals to wash away the dust and languor, to stuff their bellies and feast their eyes. Ordinary people find their way too cramped izakayas, full of cigarette smoke, laughter, and short-lived friendships fueled by snacks and sake, or, as they call it in Japan, nihonshu. The rich and powerful choose kaiseki restaurants and high-end tea houses called ochaya, where they’re entertained by geishas – professional entertainers, trained in conversation, music, and dance. Before the sun sets, geishas and maiko – apprentice geishas – can be spotted in the Gion district on their way to such banquets. The modern equivalent of a geisha is called hostess. There are dozens of establishments in Kyoto where one can spend some time in a paid pleasant company. Women and men alike offer their services, so anyone can buy a couple of hours of personal attention. We, on the other hand, did not lack attention from the locals. The people of Kyoto are very friendly and sincere, hurrying to chat up a foreigner whenever they see one. Not everyone responds kindly to such attention – one especially chatty man even drives away a Korean traveler from an okonomiyaki restaurant, after suggesting she joined their mixed party of three for dinner…

The sake district

Water is definitely one of the most charming aspects of Kyoto. A network of rivers and channels crisscrossing the city provides a much-needed reprieve from the heat and instantly attracts people. In ancient times it was an important transportation grid that connected all corners of the old capital. Nowadays it is an attraction for dogs and kids, tourists, and locals. And after dark the channels create a stunning backdrop to buskers, crooning away their melancholic songs. The southern part of Kyoto, where the Horikawa river flows, is called the Fushimi Sake District. Since ancient times, it has been known for soft and clean water, perfect for brewing sake. It is home to several dozens sake breweries. Some of them welcome visitors wishing to know more about the sake brewing process and taste some limited edition brews. Visiting the Fushimi Sake District can easily take a whole day – from sake tasting and sightseeing to taking a boat ride along the channels. Besides the largest and most popular brewery “Gekkeikan”, which houses a small sake museum, it is also worth visiting “Kizakura Kappa Country” – his brewery features a restaurant offering dishes made with sake.

The city of palaces, temples, and shrines

For architecture and history buffs, Kyoto is a real treasure trove. Anywhere you turn, you end up at a temple, shrine, palace, or other historical building that has survived the tumultuous 20^th century. The city emerged from World War 2 unscathed, mainly, it seems, because of the rich historical and cultural heritage – the Allies could not make themselves to bomb such beauty. So now travelers can visit the impressive imperial palace of Kyoto (free of charge). Its minimalist design and an elegant garden, once created for the emperor, completely mesmerizes and leaves us in awe. A few blocks from the imperial palace stands Nijo Castle, built in the 17^th century under shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu’s orders. The ensemble, now part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list, is amazingly decorative and luxurious, boasting intricate gold plated ornament. Inside wooden floors squeak and chirp whenever a foot touches them – it’s the so-called nightingale floor, built to alert about unwanted intruders.

And the Buddhist temples in Kyoto are equally spectacular, especially Kinkakuji – a pavilion located in the northern part of the city. Its walls are covered in gold leaf. It used to be a palace but the son of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu turned it into a Zen Buddhism temple according to his father’s will. The pavilion has been neglected and at one time completely burned down, but it has since been restored to its full glory. Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, there’s Ginkakkuji. It was supposed to be a silver twin to Kinkakuji, but, according to locals, the person who ordered it built ran out of money, so the walls were covered in lacquer finish.

And no trip to Kyoto would be complete without visiting the iconic Shintoist shrine Fushimi Inari-taisha. Every day hundreds of tourists flock there to admire thousands of bright red gates, called tori. They stretch along a winding path for 4 km, although not everyone is inclined to finish the whole route. A lot of them give up after the first section, so if you want to experience the peace and quiet, all you have to do is walk an additional couple of hundred of meters… and you’re left alone with numerous gates, dedicated to small and big dreams.

Delicious Kyoto

After feeding the soul, it’s time to feed the body. Luckily, Kyoto is ready to feed all the hungry travelers. From fresh sushi and sashimi to Kobe beef and simple, yet filling street food – foodies will definitely find something to satisfy their cravings. Perhaps the biggest variety of dishes awaits in the Nishikawa Street Market. This roofed passage is full of sellers offering various delicacies. Rice cakes, fermented and marinated vegetables, called tsukemono, deep-fried snacks, and fresh seafood that can be eaten right there, on the street – the variety is dizzying and mouth-watering. There’s also something for the adventurous eaters, for example, fried sparrows. After stuffing our bellies full of local fare, we go in search of something to drink. It turned out that on a hot and humid May’s afternoon the best choice was cold and refreshing shougayu – a traditional ginger drink.

In the evening, after the heat has subsided, we sit on a riverbank and listen to songs. City lights dance in the water, somewhere behind us people rush about, looking for fun on a Monday night. It occurs to me that Kyoto is a city that never rests since it constantly bustles and hustles. But once you step away from the busy streets, you see a quieter, cozier, and simpler life unravels on the banks of shallow channels. Preparing to depart, we say a silent ookini to Kyoto – thanks for the warm welcome and for the generosity!

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Interview by Jade McSorley

There is one person who makes these important decisions and proves significant in establishing that perfect yogic balance between restoration and exploration, and that is the Host. After staying at Summersalt Yoga on Vis Island, one of Croatia’s beautiful islands, we chatted with Founder and the perfect hostess, Milda Urban, who manages the retreat along with her partner, Mario Tomasovic. We discovered her ethos on running her own yoga retreat, her views on sustainability not only within the healthy meals she cooks herself but also in her mindful regard to the community around her.

Tell us about Summersalt Yoga on Vis Island, How did it begin? What are your hopes from guests when they attend one of your retreats?

I’ve started Summersalt Yoga right before the wave of retreats had taken over the world. I wanted to put together three of my passions – travel, the Mediterranean and my new found passion of yoga. Living in Croatia, I had a perfect spot for all that, especially on the peaceful island of Vis that’s so beautiful; it offers so much to discover and at the same time is a perfect setting for a serene holiday, self-reflection and of course, yoga. That’s my hope for all of the guests – for them to experience both the balance and wholeness of the yoga and meditation practice, as well as to awaken the explorers within them.

Why Croatia as a destination? What is so special about Vis, in particular?

I’ve been living in Croatia for years now, so it was only natural to choose it as a starting ground. It is also an up and coming travel destination for people from all over the world and we love to show them around! Vis is special because of its laid-back vibe, serenity, unbelievably beautiful nature and views, and just that little something that you can’t put your finger on. It is also one of the less busy islands here, which we absolutely love!

What is your ethos on sustainability and do you think it can be achieved within luxury travel?

I have been personally interested and invested in exploring sustainable business for years now. I think it is possible to achieve it in luxury travel if you educate yourself, and inform and educate your customers. It is a process and we are walking this path – there are always areas to improve, but we are aiming to be respectful to our environment, to our community and how we do things: from basics such as the food, using local ingredients and hiring local partners to worldwide giving back projects. Giving back is so natural to me and within our business and, I think, in this day and age all businesses should find their ways to contribute.

As well as the yoga and SUP sessions, food is always a key part for guests. What do you usually cater for your yogis, and do you maintain your sustainable efforts when it comes to the cuisine?

First and most importantly, we try to use as much local produce as possible. Secondly, we are the opposite of the “all-inclusive” style establishments with limitless options and over-flowing quantities that are to be tossed away. We provide healthy and balanced meals and try to keep our waste to a minimum. All our meals are vegetarian or vegan, we offer a few dish options and combinations for breakfasts and dinners (smoothies, porridges, fruit, salads, main veggie meals and some sides). We try to always keep it fresh, interesting, healthy and inspiring!

You offer an Artist in Residency program. Tell us a little more about this program and how you hope this will enhance Summersalt Yoga?

We’ve had artists stay with us already before we officially named it “Artist in residency” and we found that both their contribution to the group and the workshops they offered, as well as the art they’ve created, has definitely left an impact on our guests and us. Art workshops complement yoga and meditation classes with another angle of mindfulness, creativity and freedom of expression. For example, painting a person taps into their inner-selves and can result in an experience of emotions, reaching creativity levels they thought they’ve lost or never had! We’ve done water color, life drawing classes, as well as sound-scaping workshop, which were very unique! The artists also leave some of their work for us – we use the paintings and photographs both as art to inspire our guests, as well as part of our marketing materials (e.g. using a watercolour to create postcards etc).This year we are also going to use the watercolour paintings in an online auction and raise money for our B1G1 business project.

As part of your Giving Back initiative, you are part of the B1G1 business for good community. What are the goals of B1G1 and how does Summersalt Yoga support these projects?

B1G1 is a social enterprise and non-profit organization with a mission to create a world full of giving. How it works is that each enterprise chooses the issues and causes closest to them and can directly contribute to their improvement. Our current focus is on women empowerment and environmental issues. With our contributions we help to provide business training to women in communities in need in Africa. Other projects include providing water, hygiene kits for girls, as well as social worker support.

Lastly, what has been your most rewarding feedback offered by past guest(s) about their stay with Summersalt Yoga retreats?

Getting positive feedback in general is one of the best rewards we can get! Some of the more common ones are from guests who say that after the week they been enabled to make a long-needed change in their lives or they have been inspired to shift their perspective on something they’ve been stuck on for a long time. But any positive experience is important – even if it is a simple beautiful, relaxing and long-needed holiday!

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