Deals for Spa

Getting the best deal is all about timing. Avoid peak season periods like Christmas, spring break and the Fourth of July. Research the “shoulder season” for the destination you plan to visit, the times immediately before and after peak season (like May in Miami) - weather will be relatively mild and the room rates more reasonable. Many resorts incentivize travelers to take longer trips with offers like “stay three nights, get the fourth free.” If your travel dates are flexible you might be able to snag a free night, or even two.

Watch out for resort fees. Now fairly standard in the U.S. hotel industry, resort fees are tacked on top of the nightly room rate and cover amenities such as pool access, fitness classes, airport transfers and Wi-Fi. These can be as high as $35 per night in some destinations and are sometimes billed when checking out of a hotel - good to keep in mind when budgeting for a trip.

To pick the resort best for you establish what type of vacation you plan to take. For family trips with young children, look for resorts with a solid pool and perhaps a supervised kids club program so adults can escape for few hours of quiet time. If the goal is to avoid children, narrow your search to an adult-only property or boutique spa resorts. All-inclusive resorts allow for hassle-free travel - pay a flat fee for the room, all meals, drinks and tips and focus more on relaxing than calculating vacation costs.