In Need of Some Relaxation (Let's Talk Vacations and Spas!)

Use these spa tips to prepare for a relaxing retreat!  (An infographic by the team at Marriott Spa Tips.)

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about the craziness of the holidays, and how much I yearned for some downtime to relax and enjoy the season.  Then on Tuesday, I ended up in the hospital for complications with my pregnancy, and after being told that baby will be induced sooner than later (I'll post more on this tomorrow, if I'm not in labor!), the feeling of a need for relaxation was taken to a whole new level.  In other words, I've had the concept of relaxation on my mind lately.  Big time.

For me, the ultimate in relaxation is travel.  As those of you who are regular readers know, travel has been a big part of my life for many years.  And although my frequently traveling lifestyle is going to come to an end (or at least be redefined) any day now when our first baby is born, I'll always consider myself to be a traveler.  From the time I was a little girl, I had wanderlust, and it's never really let up.  In my eyes, there is nothing more relaxing than taking a trip - except for one thing: taking a trip to a destination with a spa.

Whether I'm visiting friends and we plan a local spa day, or I'm staying at a hotel and want a quick mani/pedi or facial, incorporating some spa time into my travels always takes the experience up a notch.  It's a surefire way for me to transform my trip into a relaxing retreat.  And with relaxation on my mind so heavily these past couple of weeks, I got all sorts of excited when I saw the cool infographic you see above, put together by the fine folks at Marriott.  Marriott International is a leading hospitality company with over 3,800 properties in over 74 countries and territories around the world, and boy do they know about incorporating the spa experience into your travels.  The image above has some really great tips for making the best of your spa time on your next vacation - everything from the average costs of services to how to save money at the spa to what to expect if you're a first time spa goer.  After the first couple of months with a newborn, I'll be ready for a relaxing trip more than ever.  I'm heading to Arizona in March, and I can't wait to refer back to this rad infographic while making spa plans during my visit! 

Who else is in need of some relaxation right now?  Do any of you have travels or spa visits planned for the near future?

Thank you for supporting Bubby and Bean by allowing me to post occasional sponsored content. All sponsored posts feature products, services, or places that I genuinely feel would be of interest to you.  I was selected for this opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, however all content and opinions expressed here are my own.