10 Spaces that Support Your Zen While Traveling
May 7, 2015
Traveling induces all kinds of feelings in our brains and bodies.
Depending on what stage of your journey you are on those feelings could be blissful or downright exhausting. Lucky for us, airports around the United States are slowly picking up on the benefits of creating relaxation spaces for weary travelers. Yogis will OM in unison to know studios are available in five airports and many more have meditation/prayer rooms around the globe.
As they say, the best things in life are free and, in this case, these rooms follow suit. Some offer a range of equipment options where others simply provide a place to sit and find your Zen.
10 Spaces that Support Your Zen While Traveling
1. SFO – San Francisco International Airport
Opened in 2012, SFO was one of the first airports to create a place of Zen for travelers. The space is set up for relaxation, self-reflection and asana practice.
What: Yoga Room
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: 24 Hours
Equipment Available: Mats and Blocks
Terminal Location: Two Studios
- Terminal 2 – Boarding Area D
- Terminal 3 – Boarding Area E near Gate 69
2. DFW – Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
Right on San Francisco’s toes, Dallas also incorporated a yoga studio into their airport in 2012. A large mat covers the floor in addition to providing a fully equipped studio for frazzled vagabonds delayed by Dallas’ usually crazy weather patterns.
What: Yoga Room
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: 24 Hours
Equipment Available: Mats, Straps, Blocks
Terminal Location: Between Terminal B and D – Near Gate D40
3. BTV – Burlington International Airport
Opened in January 2013, Burlington International joined forces with Evolution Yoga to bring their wanderlust-filled travelers a quiet space before they begin their travels.
What: Yoga Room
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: 24 Hours
Equipment Available: Mats, Straps and Blocks
Terminal Location: Second Floor (Before you go through security)
4. ORD – Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Chicago O’Hare really stepped up its game when they made this amazing yoga space. The room itself measures 15×16 feet and includes frosted windows that allow natural light to bask over you ask you breathe and move through your asana or relaxation practice. For beginners or those needing guidance, a monitor presents nature sounds and yoga practice videos on loop.
What: Yoga Room
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Equipment Available: Mirrors, Mats, Personal Storage Areas
Terminal Location: Terminal 3, Rotunda Mezzanine
5. MDW – Chicago Midway International Airport
Modeled after Chicago O’Hare International airport, the yoga room here includes the same setup and comforts as its parent studio.
What: Yoga Room
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Equipment Available: Mirrors, Mats, Personal Storage Areas
Terminal Location: Main Terminal, Concourse C – next to the Mother’s Room
6. ALB – Albany International Airport
The Interfaith Prayer Room at Albany airport is anything but ordinary. Anyone can find a tranquil moment in this oasis environment by gazing at the etched art glass panels surrounded by water sculptures.
What: Meditation/Prayer Room
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: Open during airport hours
Equipment Available: Prayer rugs, tallit, kippot, rosary beads and other items that are important to the prayer practices of the various religious traditions. Spiritual books including Bhagavad Gita, the Tanach, the Koran, and the Old and New Testaments are available.
Terminal Location: Main Terminal, Concourse C
7. SIN – Changi Airport Singapore
A wonderful place to find your Zen is here in the Changi airport. Whether you need a quick nap or time for prayer and meditation you will find space for all your needs.
What: Meditation/Prayer Room
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: Open during airport hours
Equipment Available: Prayer Mats
Terminal Location: 3 Locations
- Terminal 1 – Below Gate Hold room C1 at Arrival Hall West
- Terminal 2 – Departure Transit Lounge North, Level 2, near Gate E, behind Aldo
- Terminal 3 – Departure Transit Lounge South, Level 2, behind Mont Blanc
8. SAN – San Diego International Airport
Designed by Seattle-based artist Norie Sato, The Spirit of Silence Prayer and Meditation Room boast beautiful panels that represent the “undefinable and changing edge between water and sky.” Benches are strategically placed throughout to allow visitors time and space to find their peace.
What: Meditation/Prayer Room
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: Open during airport hours
Equipment Available: Benches
Terminal Location: Terminal 2 – Post Security
A unique three-part nondenominational space awaits you at Schiphol airport. Three full-time chaplains are on staff her as well volunteers who staff the room on weekends and evenings. So whether you need some spiritual guidance in the meeting room or just a quiet space to pray, meditate, or read a spiritual text in the Quiet and Reading rooms, the Meditation Centre is fully equipped for all travelers.
What: Meditation/Prayer Room
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Equipment Available: Benches and books from different religions in various languages. Church services are held at 11 a.m. on Sundays.
Terminal Location: Level 2 – Post Security
10. HYD – Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
As a campaign against the effects of stress while traveling frequently or long distance, Hyderabad opened a mediation room complete with meditation chairs and 20-minute guided meditation sessions for travelers and airport crew alike. They even have caretakers to wake you in case you doze off after meditating. What service!
What: Meditation/Prayer Room
Cost: Free
Hours of Operation: Open during airport hours
Equipment Available: Holds 20 minute teacher-guided meditation sessions
Terminal Location: Post Security