When I was a resident, finding time for a vacation felt like an impossible feat at first. Between the demanding hours, rigorous training, and ever-present responsibilities, it was easy to let the idea of taking a break slip away. However, I knew that taking time off was crucial for maintaining my mental and physical health. I had 3 weeks of vacation for each year of residency. But I was still able to take advantage of each 1-week vacation to the fullest. Here’s how I managed to plan three 1-week vacations for each year during residency, and how you can too.

Plan Ahead

The key to successfully taking a vacation during residency is planning ahead. I wanted to spread out my vacation equally so I had my 1-week vacations every 4 months. We were able to list our preferred vacation weeks of choice for the upcoming academic year. I fortunately had minimal issues in getting my first choices. So once the residency schedule was published, I always ensured that my preferred vacation weeks are confirmed and set.

Maximize Your Time Off

As a resident, time is incredibly valuable. To make the most of my 1-week vacation, I strategically combined my days off with a rotation that often has a weekend off. By allocating a vacation week (that is often Monday-Sunday at our program) with those “golden weekends”, I get to extend my vacation to 9 days without breaking any GME rules.

I also considered travel destinations that didn’t require prolonged travel time. Choosing locations closer to home or those with direct flights helped me maximize the time spent relaxing rather than in transit. Europe was my go-to place for vacation during residency given the ease of travel from the East Coast with only 1, or sometimes 2 flights max each way. And since most of these Europe-bound flights were overnights, I could end a shift on a Sunday afternoon, fly out later that evening and transition into my vacation seamlessly after a red-eye nap on board.

Set a Budget

Resident pay doesn’t leave much room for extravagant spending, so budgeting was essential. My budget for each week vacation week including food, hotel and flights was $1500 and nothing more. Since I knew when my vacation weeks are for the upcoming year, I allocated a portion of my paycheck into a high-yield savings account. This way, I had a dedicated fund just for travel expenses.

Additionally, I took advantage of travel rewards programs. Signing up for airline and hotel loyalty programs helped me accumulate points and miles, which I later redeemed for flights and accommodations for future vacations. Websites like Google Travel or Kayak were invaluable for finding affordable flight options.

Unplug and Recharge

The purpose of a vacation is to relax and recharge, so I made it a point to unplug from work as much as possible. Informing my Resident leadership and coordinators of my vacation plans and providing them with alternative contacts for emergencies allowed me to disconnect without guilt.

I also chose vacation activities that truly helped me unwind, whether it was lounging on a beach, hiking in nature, or exploring a new city. Engaging in activities that brought me joy and relaxation ensured I returned to work refreshed and re-energized.

Reflect and Plan Ahead

Upon returning from my vacation, I always took a moment to reflect on what worked well and what didn’t. This reflection helped me plan future vacations more effectively and stress-free. By continuously refining my approach, I managed to incorporate regular breaks into my residency training without compromising my professional responsibilities. I’ve taken this same approach when it comes to planning my next YOLO travels to this day.

Bottom Line

Taking a 1-week vacation during residency can be undoubtedly challenging, but with careful planning and proactive steps, it’s entirely possible. Prioritizing your well-being and finding ways to recharge is essential for maintaining your overall health and performance as a physician. So, don’t hesitate to take that much-needed break—you’ve earned it!