Spa vacations foster harmony of mind, body, spirit

Spas are becoming the vacation choice for many Americans. It is a great vacation idea for singles, couples and families who are making health a habit.

The underlying purpose of a spa is to foster harmony of mind, body and spirit. More than ever, it is used as an opportunity for healing, as you give yourself time to step out of the mainstream and look at who you are and where you are going.

Spa vacations allow you to indulge yourself and relax, while improving a skill or feature of your choice.

The challenge is in finding the spa which best suits your needs. Spas cover many categories, interests and price ranges. To help you find the one that is right for you, consider the following:

Your goals: Would you enjoy a week of supreme pampering, or a challenging workout? Would you prefer to improve your tennis, golf, or skiing skills, or stop smoking and reduce stress?

The more clearly you can describe what you want, the easier it will be for your travel agent to find a spa that can fit your needs.

Your budget: A spa vacation doesn't require a big bank account or an expensive wardrobe. No matter what your price range, you can find a spa to fill the bill.

Where you like to go and the am-biance you prefer: Tell your travel agent if you have a strong preference for mountains, desert, beach or want a sightseeing destination.

Do you prefer a structured or un-structured program of activities? Rustic comfort or elegant luxury? A big resort with hundreds of people, or a small spa with a handful of guests? An area with many other activities offered, or a self-contained spa where you can concentrate on your particular goals?

Your special interests: What kind of program do you want? Smoking cessation? Gourmet vegetarian cooking lessons? Stress reduction, health and wellness? Or no program at all, just services available?

Tell your travel agent if your vacation must include hiking, fishing, golf, horseback riding, skiing or tennis, sightseeing opportunities or children's activities.

What kind of people you like: Want a spa for women only, men only or co-ed? A family place, a spa that attracts singles or one that caters to senior citizens?

Spa categories include not only family, single, or senior facilities, but also best food, best workout, most scenic, fasting spas, as well as golf, tennis, gambling, mother/daughter, vegetarian, detoxification and stress-reduction spas.

If you are in the market for a potentially life-changing vacation, consider visiting a spa.

(Linda Strait is president of House of Travel Inc., a full-service travel agency in Springfield.)