In short: YogaVacation is a free yoga library and worldwide retreat guide. It is part of the Staricon network of specialist websites, founded by Rafael. We research every guide from reliable sources, label what is tradition, what is history and what is evidence, and earn money through clearly disclosed affiliate links and retreat enquiries, never through paid rankings.
Why YogaVacation exists
Yoga reaches people in many ways: a first class at the gym, a breathing exercise before a big day, a book about the Yoga Sutras, a week of practice by the sea. We built YogaVacation to bring those pieces together in one calm, trustworthy place. You can start learning yoga from the very beginning, find a style that suits you, explore breathing, meditation and philosophy, and, when you are ready to travel, compare yoga retreats, destinations and teacher training around the world.
We write for beginners and experienced practitioners alike, for solo travelers, couples, families, teachers and retreat organizers. Our aim is simple: clear, welcoming guidance you can trust, with no hype and no promises a practice cannot keep.
Part of the Staricon network
YogaVacation is published by Staricon, a company that builds and runs specialist websites, each focused on one subject and its readers. Staricon was founded by Rafael, a traveler, sailor and entrepreneur with a background in hospitality and travel businesses. Our sister site TravelerCenter publishes country travel guides, and we link to it for visas, entry rules and other practical travel details rather than repeating them here.
How we research
- Reliable sources first. Classical texts in named translations, university and encyclopedia sources, health agencies such as the US National Institutes of Health, professional bodies, and official tourism and government sites for travel. Every guide lists its sources and the date we last checked the facts.
- Tradition, history and evidence kept apart. When we describe a spiritual teaching, we say it is a teaching within a tradition. When we mention research, we say what it found and where its limits are.
- No health promises. Yoga, breathing and meditation can be wonderful parts of life, but our guides are general information, not medical advice. Where health matters, we suggest checking with your doctor.
- Nothing invented. We never make up retreats, prices, dates, schools, reviews, ratings, testing or personal experiences. Retreat and training listings are published only after we have checked them with the organizer.
Who writes and reviews
Our guides are researched and written by the YogaVacation editorial team, using Staricon’s research and drafting tools, and every fact is checked against the sources listed on the page before it is published. Guides on specialist or health-related topics, such as yoga during pregnancy or forceful breathing practices, are reviewed by a qualified professional before they go live, and the reviewer’s name and credential appear on the page. Until a reviewer has signed off, those guides stay unpublished. Our editorial standards explain the whole process, including how we label content and correct mistakes.
How we make money
YogaVacation is free to read. We keep it that way through:
- Affiliate links. Some links to products, retreats and travel services earn us a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Pages with affiliate links say so.
- Retreat enquiries. When you ask us to help you find a retreat, we may pass your enquiry to suitable organizers, only with your consent, and organizers may pay us for that introduction.
- Featured listings and sponsored articles. If we ever publish them, they carry a visible “Featured” or “Sponsored” label.
Money never buys a recommendation, a ranking or a better description. Our gear picks are researched roundups, not tests, unless a page clearly says otherwise. See our yoga gear guides for how we present products.
Get in touch
Spotted a mistake, have a question, or run a retreat or training you would like us to know about? We would love to hear from you on our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs YogaVacation?
YogaVacation is published by Staricon, a company that runs a network of specialist websites. Staricon was founded by Rafael.
Is YogaVacation free?
Yes. The site is free to read. We earn money through clearly disclosed affiliate links, retreat enquiries made with your consent, and labeled featured or sponsored content.
Do retreats pay to be listed or ranked?
No retreat can pay for a better ranking or description. If we ever offer featured listings, they will carry a visible "Featured" label.
Is the information on YogaVacation medical advice?
No. Our guides are general information. Check with your doctor about anything that affects your health, especially during pregnancy, after an injury or with a medical condition.
Sources
- About Staricon, Staricon (accessed October 6, 2026)
- Associates Program Operating Agreement, Amazon (accessed October 6, 2026)
- FTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking, US Federal Trade Commission (accessed October 6, 2026)
Facts checked on October 6, 2026