So you're off!  Visiting family, adventuring, getting some time away, exploring a new place, or just gone for the weekend.  After settling in, you realize that you're going to miss yoga class on Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Whatever-day, and you pull out your phone or laptop and google "yoga near me". 

You find a studio - "Yay, yoga!" - check their schedule, prices, location.  Everything looks good!  You put it in your schedule or sign up on its MindBody page.  Soon you're walking into the studio, water bottle in hand. 

... and then it happens. 

You look around.  Should you sign in?  Where's the sheet?  Is there a classroom down the hall, or...?  Wait, where're the bathrooms?  Should you take off your shoes?  

For a lot of us, yoga is about a routine.  Things happen in an order, and we settle in to knowing that order and find comfort in it.  Going to a new yoga studio is, well... uncomfortable. 

Like many uncomfortable changes, though, it can be useful.  

Don't Be Afraid of Questions
Studio staff know that new students aren't used to their setup yet, and are used to helping newbies.  If you don't ask, you can't know, so feel free to ask where you can put your things and whether you need to rent a mat or if they're free.

Find the Paperwork
All studios have insurance policies, and you'll need to find their waivers and sign them.  This is usually pretty easy, and just ensures that the studio is protected in the event of injury.  If you don't sign it, you can't practice!

Communicate with the Teacher
At your yoga studio, your teacher knows what is and is not ok for you - tight hips, knee operations, weak wrists.  The teacher you're visiting doesn't have this information, so if you have health concerns, be sure to share them.  This especially applies to those things that can affect your whole practice - recent injuries, low blood pressure, relevant medical issues. 

Respect the Routine
At Yoga South Bend, we chant a single "Ohm" before and after we practice.  Other studios might chant three, or none.  Routines for opening and closing practices vary between studios and teachers.  Follow along with what you are comfortable, and for what isn't, simply sit quietly.  Do not get up and leave in the middle of chants, breathing, or shavasana unless absolutely necessary, as it disrupts others in the class.

Say Thank You
When class finishes, take the time to thank the teacher.  It's difficult to take a class in an unfamiliar place with new people, and it's equally difficult to teach unfamiliar people and bodies.  Thank the teacher for their time and give them some feedback on their class if you have a few minutes afterward. 

Wherever you end up, finding a yoga class to take during your time away from home can be a very worthy experience.  New ways of practicing, new poses and new places all add to the richness of the experience.  So the next time you're out of town, find yourself a yoga class and don't worry about that awkward moment.  We're all here for the yoga, no matter where we put our shoes.