What if I have a question about a specific retreat that is not answered on the website?
Inquiring minds want to know! Send us an email, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions.
How do I know if an Explore & Expand retreat will be a good fit for me?
First, please take a look at Who We Are. If who we are and what we’re about resonates with you, you’re likely to have an amazing time on retreat with us.
Now, ask yourself the following questions. Am I interested in and excited about exploring new places and cultures? Do I enjoy being in community with a small group of people and creating connection together? Am I independent enough that given a curated itinerary for the majority of our retreat time, I am comfortable making decisions for myself about how to spend free time between planned group activities? Do I tend to enjoy myself, others, and new experiences? If the answer is a resounding YES, then we’re going to have an extraordinary experience together!
How do I know if Explore & Expand retreats are NOT a good fit for me?
If you have very specific dietary restrictions that limit your ability to maintain well-being then perhaps we are not the facilitators for you. Our travel experiences include local culture and cuisine and while we attempt to ensure that there are vegetarian options available we cannot guarantee the availability of gluten-free or vegan diets nor the elimination of certain ingredients that may be allergens.
If you have very specific physical, emotional or psychological needs of support we may not be the facilitators for you. We believe in radical self-reliance. We also believe in strong and stable support structures. We attempt to create an environment that fosters individual growth through personal challenge, this allows our participants to EXPAND their ideas and horizons as we EXPLORE the world. We both also believe that such expansion is more easily integrated into your being when there are support structures in place that offer you feelings of grounded presence. Kelly and Carrie offer each participant one on one time upon request as well as the opportunity to enjoy a coaching session in reference to what the trip may be pulling up. We are, however, mindful of the fact that we are guides for groups and as such cannot tend to the consistent or constant needs of a singular individual. If you feel more comfortable with a constant support presence we suggest that you invite a friend or relative to enjoy our travel experiences with OR look into a retreat that may be more suited to one on one or smaller group focuses.
If you need a solid itinerary that will be adhered to each hour of each day, then we may not be the facilitators for you. We have carefully created our daily events with our participants enjoyment in mind but we are first and foremost guests in another land and that land and her people may request or require for us to change our plans. We ask that our participants be open to possibility and fluid with our daily itinerary.
What makes Explore & Expand Retreats different from other yoga retreats?
Lots of things. Seriously. We’re the type of gals who encourage real, honest-to-goodness, soul-deep laughter, expression, and connection. That might include making a new friend who doesn’t speak your language in a bar on a side-street in Thailand. That might mean bursting into fits of laughter with other retreat participants over the spiciest meal you’ve ever experienced on a riverbank in Vietnam. That might mean dropping to your knees in awe at the sun setting over the mountains in Morocco. In short: we are definitely not your average yoga retreat.
What types of yoga and coaching are offered on Explore & Expand retreats?
Honestly, it depends on the retreat! It is important to us to craft experiences that are uniquely tailored to the specific group. And, just to provide some context, Carrie teaches yoga practices that emphasize intentional movement paired with breath, individual choice, and enjoying the body that you’re in. She is trained in a style of coaching based in ontology (the study of be-ing), and through coaching, calls her clients forth into a life that is aligned with their inherent power, possibility, and worth. One of her coaching superpowers is lovingly speaking truth to bullshit. Kelly facilitates intuitive movement practices that break the rules by honing in on the only “real” rule, which is to care for and nurture your body. She is trained in a style of coaching that emphasizes somatic experiencing and mindfulness techniques, within which she incorporates shamanic practices and ceremony.
What can I do to prepare for an Explore & Expand retreat?
Upon confirmation of your reservation and deposit, you will receive a detailed guide to support you in preparing for our time together, including packing list, recommended flight times, and books or movies to enhance your awareness of the culture and history of our retreat locale.
ARE YOUR RETREATS FAMILY FRIENDLY?
Minimum age to participate in Explore & Expand Retreats events is 18.
What if I have to cancel my reservation?
All deposits and payments to Explore & Expand Retreats are non-refundable. Because most preparations and reservations are made upfront, and because we primarily support locally-owned business, often in resource poor parts of the world, shifts in retreat participation create a substantial impact. We highly encourage all retreat participants to purchase travel insurance so that your investment is insured.
What is your favorite cocktail?
Ha! Well, Kelly says: Old Fashioned. Carrie says: Manhattan. But when we’re traveling the globe, we’ll happily and gratefully have whatever the locals are having. Cheers!
