Are retreats worth the money? If you've ever found a retreat that looked like everything you've been craving, then seen the price and started doing the mental math, this episode is for you.

Kelly Morgan Merly, Retreat Experience Designer and founder of Bucket List Retreats, takes an honest look at retreat costs, from cozy glamping weekends to celebrity wellness retreats. Learn what's included, what's not, how a retreat compares to a regular vacation, and how to tell if a retreat is worth it for you.

IN THIS EPISODE

• Retreat vs. vacation: why the total cost matters more than the price tag
• What's usually NOT included in a retreat: flights, transfers, travel insurance, tips, add-ons and single supplements
• The DIY math: could you plan the same trip yourself for less?
• How experienced retreat leaders negotiate group rates and unlock experiences you can't book alone
• Why retreat prices vary so much, and what really goes into a retreat's price
• Retreat red flags to watch for before you book
• How to know when the right retreat finds you

RETREAT NEWS
Forget Party Bachelorettes, Wellness Getaways Are The 2026 Bride's New Obsession! by Apoorva, WedMeGood, October 16, 2026
https://www.wedmegood.com/blog/forget-party-bachelorettes-wellness-getaways-are-the-brides-new-obsession/amp

RETREAT REVIEW
Women's Spring Reset Glamping Retreat with Paradise Taylor in Marble Falls, Texas (April 16–18, 2027), reviewed with the 5 B's™ of Choosing a Retreat: Basics, Beauty, Benefits, Believability and Belonging.
https://www.wetravel.com/trips/women-s-spring-reset-glamping-retreat-paradise-taylor-0577910048

Celebrity comparison: Leading Women: A Sutton Foster Retreat at Canyon Ranch, by Helen Andrews, Health Club Management, July 28, 2026
https://www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/health-club-management-news/Tony-Award-winning-actress-Sutton-Foster-to-lead-Canyon-Ranch-retreat-featuring-Hugh-Jackman/363335

TELL US IN THE COMMENTS
Finish this sentence: "I'd happily pay for an experience where I didn't have to…" And have you noticed retreat prices creeping up?

WATCH NEXT
Find Your Happy: Dominican Republic Retreat 2027 Experience

TRAVEL ON MILES
Learn how to earn and spend travel miles with The Daily Drop (affiliate link):
https://dailydrop.com/pro?via=ma0lty

EXPLORE & CONNECT
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