Blog Posts

15 Years of Traveling the World: From backpacking to guiding global retreats

We kicked off our blogging journey back in 2011, before YouTube was a big deal, before Instagram had influencers, and way before TikTok had us all doing dance challenges. Our travels took off soon after we met, and we’ve pretty much been on the move ever since! Our first big adventure together? South America—for nearly eight months! The earliest posts on this site date back to the planning stages of that epic trip. Back then, we were called La Aventura Project. It wasn’t until 2018 that we rebranded into what you now know as Bigger Life Adventures, reflecting how our travels—and our lives—had grown and evolved. We’re super proud of all the places we've been and the unique ways we’ve gotten there. Our goal has always been to travel as sustainably as possible, with a style that’s cheap, light, and keeps us on the road for as long as we can swing it. Sure, we might not be the hardcore dirtbags we once were (hey, we like a little comfort now-a-days), but we’re still obsessed with travel hacking, diving into new languages and cultures, and chasing down unforgettable experiences. These days, we spend more of our time guiding others, leading tours and retreats to some of our favorite spots around the world. We do our best to keep things sustainable, but we know that any form of travel leaves an environmental footprint. That said, we truly believe the personal growth and transformation that happens on these journeys—whether it’s a retreat or a wild adventure—is often worth the cost, both financially and environmentally. Our blog is packed with stories, tips, and info from nearly 40 countries around the globe. Dive in and get inspired for your own Bigger Life Adventures!

yoga on dock at yoga teacher training lake atitlan

Yoga Teacher Training at Lake Atitlán: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

September 8, 2026 | Guatemala, Teacher Training, Yoga

Yoga Teacher Training at Lake Atitlán: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go By Carrie Hoffman · Founder, Bigger Life Adventures · 100+ retreats in 7 countries · Lead teacher, Bigger Life YTT 2027 If you’re weighing a yoga teacher training at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala this is everything I wish someone had told me […]

The Cacao Ceremony – Sacred Origins, Mayans, Lake Atitlán, & Yoga

July 3, 2026 | Guatemala, Plant Medicine, Retreats

The Cacao Ceremony – Sacred Origins, Mayans, Lake Atitlán, and Yoga It is hard to imagine a life that hasn’t at some point been touched by chocolate. Cacao, the raw form of chocolate, comes originally from the Central American highlands of Guatemala and Mexico. Before being turned into the ultra-processed chocolates that are most common […]

Why We’re Offering a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training in Guatemala

May 14, 2026 | Guatemala, Teacher Training, Yoga

Why We’re Offering a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training in Guatemala (And Why It’s Different From Every Other YTT Out There) By Carrie Hoffman, Founder of Bigger Life Adventures · Bigger Life Adventures 200-Hour YTT · March 1–22, 2027 · Mystical Yoga Farm, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala I’ve been teaching yoga for 8 years. I’ve co-taught two […]

trans-catalina trail tct group guided hike

Alcohol Free Vacations: What They Are, Who They’re For, and How to Choose

April 17, 2026 | Advice, Recovery, Retreats

Alcohol Free Vacations: What They Are, Who They’re For, and How to Choose Alcohol-free vacations are quickly becoming one of the most meaningful ways to travel — especially for people seeking clarity, connection, and wellness. Whether you’re sober, sober curious, in recovery, or simply tired of party-focused trips, this style of travel offers something different: […]

Spotlight: What NamaStay Sober Has in Store for 2026

April 11, 2026 | Recovery, Uncategorized, United States, Yoga

Spotlight: What NamaStay Sober Has in Store for 2026 Here at Bigger Life Adventures, we believe that yoga is for everyone — and that belief is exactly what drew us to our friends at NamaStay Sober. We’re thrilled to be partnering with them this year through a blog crosspost collaboration, and we couldn’t wait to […]

What Makes a Trauma Informed Yoga Retreat Safe & Supportive

February 8, 2026 | Retreats, Wellness, Yoga

What Makes a Trauma Informed Yoga Retreat Safe & Supportive What Is a Trauma Informed Yoga Retreat? A trauma informed yoga retreat is a retreat experience designed with a deep understanding of how trauma affects the nervous system, the body, and a person’s sense of safety, choice, and agency. Rather than pushing or forcing transformation […]