Weight Loss Vacations for Every Price Range
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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — 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, personal 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.
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