Planning a Spa Vacation

If you're considering taking a spa vacation, your primary goals are probably to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Wouldn't it be great if planning spa vacations were as peaceful an experience as taking one? The good news is, it can be. Whether you choose to plan your retreat or take advantage of any number of spa vacation packages, it only takes some careful thought and a little bit of research to locate the deal that will leave you feeling pretty.

Spa Vacations Don't Have to Be Expensive
Setting a travel budget is helpful no matter what kind of vacation you're taking and spa vacations are no exception. You will, however, have to change the way you think about your budget. When you take a spa vacation, you're paying for more than just your meals and accommodations.

Spa resorts offer personalized programs and specialized services that run the gamut from manicures and massages to chiropractic and colonics. For that reason, it's worth doing a little research to see what those services would cost a la carte before you write off a four-day stay that costs three or four thousand dollars.

When you're evaluating a spa's prices in relation to its offerings, be sure you understand exactly what's included in the program rate. Spa vacation packages tend to list one fee that covers a set length of stay versus establishing per night rates. At a minimum, that fee will cover your meals and accommodations and grant you access to certain spa facilities.

In other cases, that fee might also include classes and seminars and limited selection of spa services and someone to arrange your schedule for you. Careful research pays off here, especially if spending time outside isn't high on your wish list-you can find great deals in the off season that might be out of reach at other times of the year.

What Do You Want to Experience?
Knowing what services and amenities you want should really be the driving force in choosing which spa to visit. If you're interested in spending time at a spa to support your weight loss goals, where you choose to go may be different that someone who's looking for a luxury yoga retreat. The clientele will be different too, depending upon how specialized the spa's offerings are.

Make a list of the services, treatments and amenities you're looking for and prioritize them in order of must have and nice to have. Whether you're looking for daily yoga classes and massage, the latest anti-aging treatments or a vegan-only kitchen, you'll find a spa with a core service offering that meets your needs, including any off-site activities you want to participate in.

Choosing a Spa Destination
Don't overlook the importance of the destination for your spa vacation-it's a more practical consideration than you may think. Once you know how long you want to stay at the spa, consider your travel options. If you're only going for three or four days, driving a few hours may be a better option than flying cross country. Similarly, if you're looking to escape a New England winter, you might enjoy yourself at a spa in a warmer climate.

You'll also want to think about how you plan to spend your time. If you have no intention of being one with nature, the weather at your destination may not be a factor. On the other hand, people who've got their heart set on hiking trails and taking in fresher, cleaner air want to be sure the temperatures will be comfortable where they're going.

Some people choose to remain at the spa for the duration of their stay, while others may want to leave for a while and see what the area has to offer, whether it's shopping, museums or historical sites. If you think you'll get stir crazy from all the quiet and contentment, it's worth researching what your off-site options are before you make a decision.

Alone or with Friends?
The benefits of traveling alone on your spa vacation include giving yourself a true break from the stresses of everyday life. You're able to set your own pace, socialize or not and focus you're your own needs. If you don't wish to share a room however, you'll pay a premium for that luxury.

Traveling with a friend not only provides you with instant company, sharing a room can lower the cost of your stay. If you're prone to over-scheduling yourself, having a friend along on your spa vacation can help to remind why you're there so you're less tempted to try to fit in every class, lecture, activity and treatment.

Additional Considerations
Most spas have a set of guidelines for guests to follow designed to make everyone's stay as enjoyable as possible. Make sure that you understand the policies and even if you don't agree with them, that you're willing to adhere to them. Expect these guidelines to include things like restrictions on cell phone use, smoking and the use of perfumes and other scents.Finally, be sure to leave some money in your budget for any personal expenses. Spas often have boutiques and other shopping available on site, so if you're in need of a new outfit for the new you or just additional reading material, you'll have it covered.