Weight-Loss Vacations on the Cheap
Jan. 10, 2013— -- This is the time of year people have weight-loss on the brain, and what could be better than kick starting your diet with a vacation? Beautiful surroundings, professionals to assist you and the relaxation of a vacation, plus a thinner you at the end. But these vacations often come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few tips for finding a cheap weight-loss vacation and a few suggestions to get your search started.
Stay local
Go to the weight loss section of SpaFinder.com to search for weight loss spas near you by organizing results by distance.If you can drive rather than fly, that's already a huge chunk of change saved. It's also a great place to search for deals.
Make it quick
Many places offer programs that are little as three days long. If you're looking to jump start a weight-loss program and learn a few core lessons about fitness and eating, this is a great way to do it rather than the traditional seven-day trips.
Go right now
January and early February aren't big travel times, so resorts will often discount to attract guests.
Months to avoid
May or June. Everyone's looking to shape up for summer and there are few deals available.
Look for "Weekend After" discounts
Go on a spa vacation right after a holiday weekend, like Fourth of July, Memorial Day or Labor Day - often called a "soft" weekend since room rates generally come down.
Three options in varying price points:
1. Money's not an object: Canyon Ranch, Tucson, Ariz.
$6,960 per person for a seven-night trip.
Includes: accommodations, spa and wellness services; more than 40 indoor and outdoor fitness activities daily; guided hikes and biking excursions; Daily selection of talks, workshops and cooking demonstrations; Round-trip ground transportation to and from the Tucson International airport; taxes and resort amenity fees.
The deal: 20 percent off for first timers. Discounted price: $5560
2. Half the price: Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, Tampa Bay, Fla.
$2,500 for a six-night trip.
Includes: The Wellness for Life program includes accommodations, physician consultations, nutrition consultations, daily massages, person training, daily fitness classes, three meals a day, spa access, airport transfers and more.
The deal: Offering seperate all-inclusive spa packages from $89 per night. Does not include the Wellness for Life program.
3. Incredible value: Pura Vida Adventures, Costa Rica
$2,395 for a six-night, seven-day trip.
Includes: Beachfront accommodations, daily surf instruction, daily yoga, three healthy gourmet meals per day, hikes, day trips, beachside BBQs, salsa dancing lessons, a massage and more.
The deal: $500 off the last two camps in February (Feb 16th – 22nd and Feb 25 – March 3rd). Discounted price: $1,895.
