LONDON, April 17 The classic beach vacation is being replaced by spa or yoga retreats -- or even plastic surgery breaks -- for many British travelers.New research shows British travelers spent $268 million on "health and wellness" trips last year, the London Daily Mail reported. Richard Cope, a senior travel analyst for consumer research group Mintel said the market is "fueled by those looking to escape the pressures of a culture of long working hours and the debilitating effect of a consumer society." The newspaper said "more than one in 10 adults admit they now consider having operations abroad" because of cost and long waiting times in Britain. "Some countries like South Africa are promoting 'medical safaris' offering patients visits to wildlife enclosures after an operation," the newspaper said. Copyright 2007 by UPI
