01

Why DDY Travels

Sacred travel with a pulse.

DDY Travels group smiling together on a Galápagos yoga retreat
Why travel with DDY Travels?

Because you want more than a pretty view. Our retreats pair bucket-list places with real depth: daily yoga and ritual, local guides who know the history, honest conversation, and a crew that feels like family by day three. I’ve taught yoga since 2010 on six continents, and I build every trip the way I’d want to travel: everything handled, a pace that lets you breathe, and room to be fully yourself.

Why a retreat company for progressive people?

Because for me, yoga and justice live in the same room. I spent years coordinating legal observers for the ACLU of Georgia, and I’ve always taught yoga as a practice of liberation. Our retreats hold space for the whole you, your rest and your fire. We learn whose land we’re on, who built the temples and whose stories got left out, and we come home rested and ready to keep showing up.

What does “yoga for the resistance” look like on a trip?

Mostly, it looks like joy with your eyes open. Practice that builds strength and calm. History told honestly by people who live it. Deep respect for the communities who host us. And long-table conversations about power, culture and how we want to live once we’re home. Come as you are and bring your curiosity.

Will I make friends?

Almost certainly. Small groups, shared meals and ceremony do something to people. Guests regularly tell us they arrived solo and left with forever friends, and many of our travelers come back trip after trip.

Who leads the retreats?

I do. I’m Shelley Carroll, founder of DDY Travels and Dancing Dogs Yoga in Atlanta. Many trips also include co-teachers from our DDY family, so you get a beautiful mix of styles and voices.

How big are the groups?

Small by design, so you’ll know everyone’s name by the first dinner. Each retreat’s WeTravel listing shows what’s still available.

02

Is this for me?

Spoiler: probably yes.

Retreat travelers resting together on the Sahara dunes on a Morocco yoga retreat
Do I need to be good at yoga?

Come exactly as you are. Our travelers include seasoned yogis, yoga teachers, total beginners, and people who are just tagging along with their yoga-loving friend. We teach a mix of classes, from energizing flows to restorative yoga, yin, yoga nidra, meditation and sound healing, so there’s always something for you. Every class is an invitation. Even if you’ve told your friends you hate yoga, there’s a mat (and a bolster) with your name on it.

Who comes on these trips?

Solo travelers, best friends, couples, family members and whole friend groups. People of every race, background, body, age and gender identity. Our crew leans progressive and curious: people who care about justice and love a good adventure. We’re unapologetically pro-women, and the circle is wide open to feminist men, queer folx, and anyone who believes we all rise together.

I’m traveling solo. Is that okay?

More than okay. Many of our people travel solo. Book a shared room and I’ll match you with a roommate. If a match doesn’t come together, I work it out with the venue so your price stays the same.

Can I come with my partner or friends?

Yes! Couples and friends book together all the time. Choose a shared room and room together, or spread out if your trip offers private rooms.

Can I get my own room?

Many retreats offer private rooms at a higher rate. Check the WeTravel listing for room options, or email me and I’ll tell you what’s open.

I’m an introvert. Will I be okay?

Absolutely. Free time is built into every day, and every activity is an invitation. Join what lights you up, rest when you need to, and know that sharing in circle is always optional.

How active do I need to be?

It depends on the trip. Some are slow and restorative; others include hikes, boat days or long temple walks. Each itinerary lists the activities, and I’m happy to talk through what’s involved before you book. If you have mobility needs or an injury, tell me early so I can plan with you and the venue.

Do I have to drink?

Drinking is always your call. Some dinners come with local wine, and plenty of our travelers are sober or sober-curious. Mocktails, tea and sparkling water are always welcome at our table.

03

The experience

Days that feel like a deep exhale.

Yoga retreat group gathered around a fire circle at dusk in Peru's Sacred Valley
What does a typical day look like?

Every trip has its own rhythm, but most days flow something like this: morning practice, a nourishing breakfast, an adventure or cultural excursion with an expert local guide, a long lunch, free time to swim, nap or explore, and an evening ritual, practice or dinner together. The full day-by-day itinerary is on each retreat page.

Do I have to do every activity?

Every class, excursion and ritual is an invitation. Skip whatever you like and spend the time however feeds you. Your trip is yours.

What kind of yoga do you teach?

A mix: vinyasa flows, restorative yoga, yin, yoga nidra, breathwork, meditation and sound healing. My teaching weaves in yoga philosophy and the five elements, so practice connects to the places we visit.

Will I have free time?

Yes, every day. Some of the best memories happen in the in-between: a swim, a nap, a wander through the market, a late talk over dessert.

Is there WiFi?

Usually at our accommodations, though signal can be spotty on boats, in deserts and deep in the jungle. Many travelers treat the retreat as a chance to unplug.

04

Booking + money

The fine print, in plain English.

Retreat guests browsing a colorful market stall in the Fez medina on a Morocco yoga retreat
How do I book?

Click any Reserve button on a retreat page and you’ll land on our booking page with WeTravel, where you choose your room and pay your deposit. You’ll get a confirmation right away, and a welcome email from me soon after.

What’s included?

It’s different for each trip, and every retreat page and WeTravel listing spells it out. Most include your room, most meals, daily yoga and ceremony, guided excursions and entrance fees, and ground transfers.

Are flights included?

You book your own flights, so you can use your miles, your favorite airline and your own schedule. I send recommended arrival and departure times and help you plan the route.

How do payments work?

A deposit holds your spot, then you pay the balance in installments before the final due date. Each trip’s WeTravel listing has its own deposit, plan and deadlines. For a longer runway, buy now, pay later is available through a third-party provider with its own terms.

Are tips included?

It depends on the trip. Some retreats fold gratuities for crew and guides into the price; others list them under what to plan for. Each retreat page spells it out.

What’s your cancellation policy?

All retreat payments are non-refundable, because rooms, boats and guides are booked and paid for far in advance. If you cancel more than 60 days before departure and we fill your spot from the waitlist, you may be offered a travel credit toward another DDY Travels retreat, or occasionally a refund. Either one is at our discretion. Credits must be used within 12 months and are non-transferable. Within 60 days of departure, your reservation is final. That’s exactly why travel insurance is required.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, it’s required for every retreat. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is your best protection. Buy it the same day you book, because most CFAR policies have to be added within a short window after your first payment.

What if a trip is sold out?

Join the waitlist. Spots do open up, and waitlisted travelers get the first call.

Can you plan a private trip for my group?

Yes. I also curate custom trips for groups who want the DDY experience on their own dates. Email hello@ddytravels.com and tell me what you’re dreaming of.

05

Getting ready

Pack light. Arrive open.

Dancer pose on the deck of a boat during a Galápagos yoga retreat
Do I need a passport or visa?

Yes for every international trip. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the trip ends. Visa rules change by country, and I send step-by-step instructions for each destination.

Is it safe?

Safety is part of how I plan every trip. I work with trusted local partners and guides, follow local guidance, and brief you before we go on customs, laws and anything you should know. If you have specific concerns, including as a queer traveler or a traveler of color, email me and we’ll talk it through honestly.

I’ve never traveled internationally. Can I still come?

Yes, and you’ll be in good hands. I send step-by-step prep, flight and arrival details, and a packing list, and I’m just an email away the whole time.

Can you handle my dietary needs?

Usually, yes. Most venues handle vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and most allergies beautifully. Tell me before you book so I can confirm with the venue.

Can I arrive early or stay late?

Absolutely, and I recommend it. I’m happy to help you add nights before or after the retreat.

What should I pack?

I send a full packing list and prep guide about three weeks before you leave. Always bring your passport, any medications, some spending money and your sense of adventure.

What are the community agreements?

We travel as guests in other people’s homes and cultures, and we show up with respect for the places, the people and each other. Every traveler signs a participation agreement before the trip.

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Still have a question?

Show up curious. Leave changed.

Email hello@ddytravels.com. A real human answers, and it's usually me.

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