Are you missing the telltale signs of letting yourself go?

Schedule today. busy. Schedule tomorrow: busy. How does a busy travel girl like you keep the beautification process up to date? Simple. Sort through your grooming must-dos and pampering wants and then prioritize.

Spa checklist - is this you?

Before your trip (business or pleasure, doesn't matter) answer these questions:

• Are your facial muscles tight? Was your last facial workout due to laughing wildly after hearing a co-worker talking to the boss on her cell phone in the stall beside you. That's sad.
• Does your partner enjoy exfoliation along with foreplay because your hands are a little rougher than normal these days?
• Speaking of rough hands, have you given up on wearing nylons because you can't get them on without your hangnails ripping holes in them?
• Do you wear a hat everywhere because you're tired of people mistaking you for a skunk when you're outside? You know, that line of gray hair where you part should be?
• Do you wear glasses all the time (whether you need them or not) because they hide the uni-brow?

So, you know you need a spa visit like you need oxygen. But when you're visiting a spa you've never visited before, you could be playing Russian Roulette.

Spa facials

Book ahead at your hotel. I love indulging in a facial while traveling to undo the sins of late nights, too much alcohol (without offsetting with water) and early morning meetings.

Hotel and resort spas specialize in treatments like this and offer a variety of treatments based on skin type, time available and cost. If your skin is sensitive, speak to your esthetician beforehand and choose the gentlest option. If you feel a tingling sensation during your treatment, speak up so it can be corrected.

Body scrubs and wraps

Another great choice when visiting a spa for the first time. The yummy scents and luscious creams will scrub away stress and leave you recharged and relaxed.

If you have high blood pressure or are menstruating, pass on the body wrap and mud bath. Fainting in the shower is hard to pull off gracefully.

Hair treatments and colors

While many resort and hotel spas also feature a full salon, tread with caution. The stylist doesn't know you from Eve - and may never see you again after this appointment. Opt for touch-ups and trims but leave the full color and cut until you get home. Besides your stylist at home may never forgive you for this kind of dalliance.

Hair removal

Facial hair removal can be worrisome with someone you don't know. Not all esthetiticans can see what their predecessor was trying to do, whether it's an arch or a specific color. But, if you've left it so long that you're sporting a uni-brow, it can't get worse, right?

Do you visit the spa while traveling? What's your fav pampering treatment? What must-have will you never do again while traveling?