Six Stress-Free Ways To Save At Spa

With everything from gas to grocery prices on the rise, you are no doubt looking for ways to get the most bang for your buck. So, how about stretching your dollar with a half day of de- stressing and relaxing in a spa for the cost of a 60-minute massage? With more than 3,000 members in 75 countries, the International SPA Association wants to help you find a spa experience to match your budget.

"Just as you can find a hotel, restaurant or pair of shoes in any price range, there is a spa experience out there for everyone," said ISPA President Lynne McNees. "ISPA's research shows that the average cost of a spa treatment is $79, which means you can relax, reflect, revitalize and rejoice at a spa for the cost of going out to dinner, playing golf or seeing a play or concert."

One in four Americans has been to a spa and stress is bringing them through the doors. "The main reason that people go to spas is to reduce and relieve stress," said ISPA Chairman Jim Root. "With concerns over the economy, combined with our 24/7 society of BlackBerries, cell phones and traffic, people are realizing they must take time out to recharge their batteries and are turning to the spa lifestyle as a necessary part of a healthy routine."

When ISPA and research firm The Hartman Group asked spa-goers what they would spend $200 of additional discretionary income on, a spa visit came in first for nearly 60 percent of American and Canadian spa visitors. The study also showed that dining and shopping finished second and third respectively, while concerts, movies, golf and spectator sports finished much lower.

Are you ready to relax? These six insider tips will keep you from stressing over costs at the spa: