Working long hours, dealing with difficult patients, EHR demands, running a busy medical practice, or performing extensive hospital rounds all strain your health.1 As Christmas is right around the corner, vacations with your loved ones are a perfect way to prepare for the New Year. A vacation during this time of year gives you unforgettable memories and new energy.2 If you’re looking for a break from your busy schedule and want some much-needed relaxation, here are a few suggestions to help you get away from the office. The list has been curated for physicians, with places rich in medical history, medicinal natural resources, and the therapeutic benefits of nature.1
Kos, Greece1
Kos, Greece, the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, must be on every doctor’s bucket list of travel destinations. The island, approximately 112 square miles in size, has been a site of ancient monuments, beautiful beaches, and conquering armies throughout its history.
The Asklepion sanatorium, a therapeutic center erected in the 4th century following Hippocrates’ death, is the most renowned site in Kos. The thermal baths and intricate piping system ensured a steady supply of clean spring water rich in salts, magnesium, and minerals.
Egypt1
Egypt, formally known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, has one of the world’s oldest documented histories and the oldest established practice of medicine. The Egyptians expanded anatomy, public health, and clinical diagnostics knowledge more than any other culture in history and may have been the first to do so.
The Nubian Museum in Aswan considered one of the most significant Egyptian museums, exhibits ancient Egyptian medical and embalming artifacts. Visit the Qasr al Eini Museum in Cairo for a more contemporary viewpoint and insights into the connections between ancient Egyptian medicine and modern medicine.
Budapest, Hungary1
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is one of Europe’s most exquisitely beautiful cities and has world-class spas, excellent gastronomy, towering architecture and bridges, and lively nightlife.
Budapest has acquired the moniker “City of Spas.” Over 1,000 hot springs run beneath Hungary, more medical spas than in any other European country. These hot springs are known for their mineral-rich waters, which have medicinal and curative properties. It is reported to be especially good for people suffering from musculoskeletal, circulatory, and metabolic diseases and nerve discomfort.
Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers, CA1
Forest bathing under massive redwood trees may be best for physicians looking for a tranquil, restorative getaway or daring nature enthusiasts. Researchers recently discovered that spending at least two hours per week outside would make you feel better about your health and psychological well-being.
Sequoia National Park, only a 4-hour drive from Los Angeles or San Francisco, is home to the world’s tallest trees, the gigantic sequoias, with some surpassing 350 feet in height. The park was established in 1890 to conserve 404,064 acres of mountainous forest territory, and its outdoor pleasures include hiking trails, horseback riding, fly fishing, stargazing, and spelunking.
Eleuthera and Harbour Islands, Bahamas1
What could be better than an island getaway to cure a case of medical burnout? Relaxing in a beautiful seaside retreat may be physically and emotionally refreshing for the busy physician.
The Greek word “eleutheros,” which means “free,” inspired the name of this long, thin island. Bahamas’ Eleuthera island is recognized for its attractive resorts, extensive coral reefs, and low marshes. Eleuthera’s most renowned reef, the Devil’s Backbone, is responsible for more shipwrecks than anywhere else in the Bahamas, yet it is an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. Travel & Leisure magazine twice awarded Harbor Island “The Best Island in the Caribbean.”
References
- Meszaros L. 5 travel destinations no doctor should miss. [Cited: 14 December 2022]. Available from: https://www.mdlinx.com/article/5-travel-destinations-no-doctor-should-miss/lfc-3780
- Best places in the world to have a Christmas vacation. [Cited: 14 December 2022]. Available from: https://www.icicilombard.com/blog/travel-insurance/ti/best-places-in-the-world-to-have-christmas-vacation
