Advice
Medicine and healthcare-related work does not exactly encourage downtime. The result is visible in data: in 2023, 45.2% of U.S. physicians reported at least one symptom of burnout, and many doctors still aren’t taking enough vacation time. That’s why a real getaway matters – not a long weekend spent catching up on inbox triage, but time away that helps your body and brain downshift. Physician burnout remains a critical issue in U.S. medicine, and one contributing factor is that many doctors are not taking adequate vacations. An AMA survey revealed nearly half of physicians (48.9%) took three weeks of vacation or less in the last year, and about 5% took no vacations at all. Many doctors even refer to paid leave as “pretend time off,” since work often follows them on vacation via laptops and smartphones. In a recent study of 3,024 physicians, about 60% reported taking ≤3 weeks off per year and 1 in 5 took only a week or less. Alarmingly, over 70% of doctors said they do patient-related work during a “typical” vacation day – checking emails, lab results, etc. – making it truly hard to unplug.
The good news: wellness travel has grown up and it now includes everything from mineral soaks and guided breathwork to immersive nature time that makes it easier to actually disconnect. It is imperative when taking vacation time to pick a place that matches the kind of recovery you need right now – quiet and remote, warm and beachy, structured and spa-forward, or big-nature immersive. Then build the trip around a few non-negotiables: sleep, outdoor time, gentle movement, and at least one daily block with your phone on airplane mode.
Here are some great examples of ideal destinations chosen for their specific restorative characteristics:
- Sedona, Arizona – Red-rock hikes, sunrise yoga, and spa days that feel like a hard reset. Book one guided hike, then leave the rest of the schedule intentionally open.
- Kauai, Hawaii – For an “easy yes” recharge: ocean air, uncrowded beaches, and slow routines. Aim for morning movement (walk, swim, yoga) and afternoons that are fully device-light.
- Tulum, Mexico – Beach yoga, cenote swims, and Mayan-inspired spa rituals in an eco-forward scene. Go for early mornings and low-key evenings to keep the nervous system calm.
- Nosara, Costa Rica – Yoga retreats and surf therapy on the Nicoya Peninsula – ideal if you want structured days without the feeling of being “scheduled.” Add one nature excursion for perspective.
- Banff & Lake Louise, Alberta – Big-mountain quiet play hydrotherapy: mineral hot springs, spa treatments, and glacier-fed lake views. Perfect when you want your mind to get smaller than your surroundings.
- Big Sur, California – Cliffs, redwoods, and a long-standing culture of renewal Esalen and nearby hot springs make it an easy pick for meditation, bodywork, and deep, uninterrupted quiet.
- Asheville, North Carolina – Blue Ridge nature therapy meets a strong wellness culture. Keep it simple: forest-bathing hike, massage, great food, early nights.
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming – A true digital detox: wilderness, ranch stays, hiking, and wide-open landscapes. Choose one “big” day outside, then recover with slow mornings.
- Texas Hill Country (Austin area), Texas – Resorts that do the planning for you – guided movement, nutrition-forward meals, and spa therapies built around balance. Great when decision fatigue is the main problem.
- Saratoga Springs, New York – A classic mineral-springs reset with historic bathhouses and modern retreats centered on sleep and stress reduction. Come for the water; stay for the calm pace.
The only rule: don’t turn your “rest” trip into another performance. Pick two or three anchors (sleep, a daily walk, a soak, a class) and let everything else be optional. When you come home, you are not aiming to feel brand-new – you’re aiming to feel more like yourself.
Quick tip: Put your return day on a buffer, if you can – one night at home before you are back in clinic makes the benefits last longer.