I know how hard it is to balance a demanding medical career with quality family time. As a physician, my schedule is unpredictable, and vacations often feel impossible to plan. But I’ve learned that taking time away is essential not just for my family, but for my own well-being. Travel has helped me reconnect, recharge, and create lasting memories. It doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can make it work. These family travel tips will help you plan stress-free trips, even with a packed schedule. Because time with loved ones is too precious to postpone.

Work with Your Schedule

Getting time off can feel like playing Tetris. Put in PTO requests early, swap shifts if needed, and, if you’re in residency, try stacking days off to create a longer break. And if you’re traveling for a conference, why not bring the family and squeeze in some fun?

Can’t swing a long vacation? A weekend getaway can still do the trick. I once had to get creative with my schedule to make a trip happen. I swapped two shifts, took a post-call day, and suddenly, I had a four-day weekend. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough to make some great memories.

Travel Without Breaking the Bank

Flights and hotels aren’t cheap, but you’ve got options. Travel hack your vacation using credit card points for flights, hunt down hotel discounts for healthcare workers, and book a place with a kitchen to cut down on food costs. Sometimes an Airbnb with extra space is a better deal than a shoebox hotel room.

When I was planning on a trip to Switzerland, I found great deals on hotels that offered free breakfast and late check out using credit card points. Between that and using travel miles I’ve accumulated as a loyalty program member to redeem for flights, I kept the cost of the trip low without sacrificing fun.

Stay Healthy While Traveling

A small first-aid kit can save the day. Think pain relievers, allergy meds, and bandages for those inevitable scrapes. Crossing time zones? Try shifting your sleep schedule a few days before to avoid feeling like a zombie. And don’t forget to drink water because dehydration makes everything worse. Bonus tip: Know where the nearest hospital or urgent care is. Just in case.

Choose a Destination That Works for Everyone

Pick a spot that makes sense for your family. Beach resorts, national parks, cities with fun museums as there’s something for everyone. If time is tight, go somewhere close to cut down on travel headaches. And don’t overschedule! The last thing you need is a vacation that feels like another shift.

Pack Only What You Need

Overpacking is a rookie mistake. Keep essentials like passports, medications, and chargers handy. A travel app like PackPoint can help keep you organized, and Google Travel puts all your travel details in one place so you’re not digging through emails at the airport.

Make Travel Easier for Kids

Let’s be real—long flights and road trips can be rough on little ones. Snacks, movies, and small toys can be lifesavers. Turn travel into an adventure by hitting up interactive museums or cool parks along the way. And don’t forget breaks. Sometimes a snack and five minutes of quiet time can prevent a total meltdown.

Unplug and Be Present

The work emails can wait. Set an out-of-office reply, silence notifications, and actually enjoy your trip. On one trip, I almost missed a beautiful sunset because I was checking my work emails. I caught myself, put my phone away, and just took it in. It reminded me why these trips matter. The job will still be there when you get back, but these moments with your family? You don’t get do-overs.

Bottom Line

Traveling as a healthcare professional comes with unique challenges, but with some planning and these family travel tips, you can create wonderful memories with your loved ones. Happy travels!