As a physician, I know firsthand how demanding healthcare can be. Long hours, unpredictable schedules, and the constant pressure to be available make it easy to push vacations aside. But time away with family isn’t a luxury. It’s essential! Just like we prioritize patient care, we need to prioritize our own well-being. Planning a family vacation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can enjoy a well-deserved getaway without the stress.

Set a Realistic Budget

Vacations don’t have to cost a fortune. A little planning helps keep your wallet happy.

• Use Points and Miles: If you’ve been hoarding travel rewards, now’s your moment to travel hack.
• Look for Tax Deductions: If you’re sneaking in a CME conference, part of your trip might be deductible. (Talk to your accountant—don’t just guess.)
• Plan for Extras: Food, activities, and those irresistible souvenirs add up. Leave room in the budget for the fun stuff.

Pick a Destination That Works for You

Planning a family vacation does not need to be an epic adventure. Sometimes, a simple getaway is just what you need.

• For Quick Breaks: Pick a spot within a few hours’ drive or a short flight. Less travel time = more relaxation.
• For Longer Vacations: Got the time? Go big. International trips or bucket-list spots are worth it when you can fully enjoy them.
• Think About Family Needs: A beach trip, theme park, or a city with easy kid-friendly activities? Choose what works for your crew.

Keep Planning Simple

Overplanning leads to stress. Loosen up and leave space for fun.

• Use Travel Apps: Let Google Travel find the best flight and hotel deals for you.
• Book Flexible Options: Life happens. Pick hotels and flights with free cancellation when possible. We once booked a non-refundable Airbnb, only to have a last-minute work emergency force us to cancel. We lost the money, and I swore never to book non-refundable stays again.
• Pack Smart: Make a list, bring only the essentials, and don’t forget medications. (Nothing ruins a trip like hunting down a 24-hour pharmacy.)

Make Travel Easier on Yourself

A little prep makes a huge difference in how smooth your trip goes.

• Pack Light: Dragging a heavy suitcase through an airport is never fun. Stick to the basics. I used to be that person stuffing a giant suitcase with ‘just in case’ knick knacks. Then, I dragged it up four flights of stairs in a tiny Czech hotel. Never again. Now, I swear by carry-on only.
• Plan for Health & Safety: Bring a mini first-aid kit and check if you need travel insurance. (Better safe than sorry.)
• Leave Room for Spontaneity: Some of the best vacation moments aren’t on the itinerary.

Actually Enjoy Your Vacation

You worked hard for this so don’t waste it checking work emails.

• Disconnect from Work: Seriously, put the phone down. No “just checking in” allowed. I told myself I’d just check my email once a day while on vacation. Next thing I knew, I was handling a work crisis from a beach chair. That was the moment I realized: work can wait.
• Slow Down: Jamming too much into one day just makes you exhausted.
• Be Present: Take pictures, but don’t live the whole trip through your camera.

Bottom Line

Planning a family vacation doesn’t have to be complicated. Choose your dates wisely, set a budget that works, and don’t overthink it. The goal is to relax, make memories, and come back refreshed. Where are you headed next?