Healthy Spa Travel Becoming A Popular Option | Gadling.com

Not all that long ago, ask just about any travel agent about "Spa Travel" and they would probably not have known what you were talking about. Hotels have had spas and nicely equipped exercise centers for decades. Cruise lines promote spa treatments on ships at sea almost as much as shore excursions. Chains of fitness centers around the planet have had a focus on health for a while. But the arrival of spa-focused travel is an entirely different animal and one that looks like it will be around for quite some time.

Not really fitting in any particular category, spa travel can combine adventure, budget, wilderness and even air travel to make a new lifestyle-oriented option that can be an excellent choice for people of all ages.

A recent survey found that travelers "are now more interested in traveling to spas specifically for programs like stress-reduction, fitness and weight loss," notes Susie Ellis, president of SpaFinder Wellness, a service that connects those seeking a healthy lifestyle with its worldwide network of wellness providers in a MySanAntonio report.

Just how popular is spa travel? Agents surveyed reported that spa travel bookings increased 37 percent in 2011, a "healthy" growth in and of itself. But that number nearly doubled for 2012 with agents reporting a 68 percent growth in the number of clients choosing spa travel last year.

Better news: spa travel can be a real value-oriented choice with many agents reporting discount pricing on spa vacations. If the idea of centering travel on spa services sounds like something for older travelers, think again. The 26-45 age group is now most likely to book spa vacations. Another Hot spa travel destination? Mexico. Recovering from drug lord-induced bad press, this destination has some of the best deals around.

"The results are a clear indication that more travelers are deciding they simply can't afford exhausting, unhealthy vacations," concluded Ellis.

But what is spa-focused travel?

The bloggers at Traveling Mamas inspire women to explore the world via vacations with the kids, girlfriend getaways or romantic escapes. One option to make that happen is a spa vacation as we see in this video? in addition to their library of information ? on the topic.

[Photo credit - Travelingmamas]

Filed under: North America, Canada, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Travel Health, Luxury Travel

Source: http://www.gadling.com/2013/03/14/healthy-spa-travel-becoming-a-popular-option/

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