Travel Tips and Hacks for Doctors and Healthcare Providers with Prescription to Travel MD

Courtney Downes
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Explore the world of continuous learning and adventure through the Prescription to Travel MD podcast. Join us as we unravel exciting opportunities for doctors and other medical professionals, exploring conferences, courses, and retreats that seamlessly blend travel with continuing medical education. Elevate your professional growth while embarking on unforgettable journeys and discover travel hacks that will make your travel affordable.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 57: The Truth About Free Travel: What It Actually Costs

    “Free travel” sounds amazing… but what if it’s not the full story? In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to travel using points and miles and why the word free can be misleading. After spending 23 nights in hotels for $0 out of pocket, Dr. Downes reflects on what made that possible and what it really cost her in return. Dr. Downes shares how she got started with points and miles and how this strategy helped her elevate not just how often she travels, but how well she travels. From leaving behind budget stays to prioritizing comfort, experiences, and quality time, this episode dives into what travel really means when your time is limited. But she also emphasizes something important:This game isn’t for everyone. If your finances aren’t in order or you’re carrying credit card debt, the costs can quickly outweigh the benefits. She breaks down the hidden costs that most people don’t talk about: The time investment it takes to learn and optimize the gameChange and cancellation fees that add up quicklyThe reality of paying for food, activities, and experiencesEveryday costs like transportationAnd the big one—credit card annual fees (yes, she spent nearly $6,000 in a year)If you’ve been curious about getting started or want to do it smarter, this episode will change how you think about travel. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thinking of trying Rent the Runway? Use my referral code to get 50% off your first month. ⁠https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/97a69a7ee29134c84069de3f62b0362e8f228252-payPerSwap-publicLink-1774374296424?utm_source=web&utm_medium=referral_share&utm_campaign=rtr_referral_program

    14 min

  2. APR 3

    Episode 56: They Moved Their Family to Mexico City—Here’s What It’s Really Like

    In this episode of Prescription to Travel MD, Dr. Courtney Downes is joined by Tiffani, an ER nurse, and Kori, a physical therapist, who share how they transitioned from a busy life in Las Vegas to living in Mexico City with their two young kids.  They start by talking about what life looked like before the move. Between long shifts, opposite schedules, and raising two small children, their days felt like a constant rotation of work and parenting with very little time together as a family.  From there, they walk through how they made the decision to leave, how they planned the move, and what the process actually involved. This includes getting residency, choosing the right neighborhood, and thinking through schooling, safety, and day-to-day logistics. One of the most helpful parts of this conversation is how honest they are about the reality. Moving abroad did not suddenly make life slow or easy. They still have routines, responsibilities, and full days with their kids. What changed is how their life feels overall. There is more intention, more flexibility, and a different kind of day-to-day experience. If you are a healthcare professional or someone in a demanding career and you have been thinking about creating more flexibility in your life, this episode is a great starting point. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠⁠⁠ Take a minute to follow the podcast, and share this episode with someone who could use a different perspective right now.

    46 min

  3. MAR 18

    Episode 55: What to Wear While Traveling: Packing Tips, Fashion Hacks & Travel Essentials

    If packing for a trip stresses you out, you’re definitely not alone! In this fun and relatable episode of the Prescription to Travel MD Podcast, Dr. Courtney Downes is joined by Dr. Heather Bacala and Andi Singer to talk about the reality of packing for travel. From last-minute packing habits and girls’ trip outfit coordination to capsule wardrobes and travel hacks, this episode is full of practical tips and plenty of laughs. The trio also shares how clothing subscriptions like Rent the Runway can make travel packing easier, how to pack efficiently for families, and why portable chargers and Zofran are non-negotiable travel essentials.  If you’ve ever overpacked, forgotten something important, or struggled to figure out what to wear while traveling, this episode is for you. Key Travel Packing Tips from the Episode ✔ Check the weather before planning outfits✔ Use packing cubes to stay organized✔ Stick to neutral pieces that can mix and match✔ Wear bulky items like jackets and boots on the plane✔ Bring a portable charger and basic medications✔ Consider clothing rental services for special events or trips Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠⁠⁠ Thinking of trying Rent the Runway? Use my referral code to get 50% off your first month. https://www.renttherunway.com/shares/97a69a7ee29134c84069de3f62b0362e8f228252-payPerSwap-publicLink-1774374296424?utm_source=web&utm_medium=referral_share&utm_campaign=rtr_referral_program Follow Dr. Heather Bacala here: ⁠⁠https://myobgynvegas.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drladybits?⁠ ⁠igsh=N29sdGJxbmNqYWhw⁠ Find Andi Singer here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/andi_yourpediatricnp/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thepediatriccollective/

    48 min

  4. MAR 5

    Episode 54: Mexico City, But Make It a Girls Trip

    What happens when a girls’ trip finally leaves the group chat and becomes a real adventure? In this episode of the Prescription to Travel MD Podcast, Dr. Courtney Downes is joined by Dr. Heather Bacala and nurse practitioner Andi Singer to recap their unforgettable weekend exploring Mexico City. What started as a birthday trip that almost didn’t happen quickly turned into a spontaneous getaway filled with tacos, cocktail bars, bike tours, and plenty of laughter along the way. From a taco bike tour through neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma Norte to late-night taco runs after a cocktail bar crawl, the group shares their favorite moments discovering the food, culture, and hidden speakeasy-style bars around the city. They also talk about visiting the colorful canals of Xochimilco, exploring Chapultepec Castle, and navigating a few travel mishaps along the way—including airport confusion and other moments that only happen when you’re traveling with friends. Beyond the travel stories, this episode highlights something deeper: the importance of saying yes to experiences, even when life feels busy. Between careers, families, and responsibilities, taking time away can feel impossible—but sometimes the best memories come from the trips you almost cancel. Whether you’re curious about Mexico City, planning your own girls’ trip, or just love hearing real travel stories, this episode is full of inspiration, laughs, and practical tips for making the most of a short getaway. Travel Tips From This Episode Book experiences through platforms like Viator for easy planning Consider a bike tour early in your trip to learn the layout of a city Try local street food—even if you think you don’t like that cuisine Travel with people who are flexible and open to adventure Say yes to experiences—even if the trip wasn’t originally planned Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠⁠ Follow Dr. Heather Bacala here: ⁠https://myobgynvegas.com/⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/drladybits? igsh=N29sdGJxbmNqYWhw Find Andi Singer here: https://www.instagram.com/andi_yourpediatricnp/ https://www.instagram.com/thepediatriccollective/

    44 min

  5. FEB 11

    Episode 53: Designing a Life on Your Own Terms with John Taveras

    What happens when you’ve done everything “right” — built the career, bought the house, checked all the boxes and then decide to walk away from it? In this episode of Prescription to Travel MD, Dr. Courtney Downes sits down with longtime friend John Taveras to talk about the bold, unexpected decision he and his physician wife made: leaving their comfortable New Jersey life and moving their family to Spain. John shares how years of living below their means and investing consistently gave them confidence that they could afford to step away. A central theme of this conversation is optionality. By making small, intentional financial decisions for years - saying no to unnecessary lifestyle inflation, declining excessive travel, prioritizing family dinners, they built the ability to choose differently when the opportunity arose.  The episode breaks down the practical components of the move: • Researching visa types and selecting the right one • Hiring a legal firm to manage documentation • Narrowing down Spanish cities based on lifestyle and language considerations • Managing the emotional side of resigning from stable careers If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like to design your life around values instead of default expectations, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠

    45 min

  6. JAN 21

    Episode 52: Daring to Dream: Women Physician’s Retreat in Botswana with Dr. Weili Gray

    In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes sits down with Dr. Weili Gray, a sleep physician, mom of three, and founder of Dare to Dream Compass, to explore identity, burnout, and what it means to design a life that feels expansive—inside and outside of medicine. Dr. Gray shares her journey from idealistic medical student to attending physician who nearly walked away from medicine altogether. She opens up about becoming pregnant during intern year, losing touch with herself amid career and family demands, and the wake-up call that forced her to reevaluate her life. Travel became the catalyst for transformation, helping her reconnect with her values, find her voice, and ultimately create Journey of Becoming, a transformational retreat for women physicians in Botswana. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Burnout and loss of control in medicine Why stepping away can bring clarity and courage Letting go of guilt around time off How travel accelerates personal growth Follow Dr. Weili Gray here: https://www.instagram.com/dreamphysician/?hl=en https://www.daretodreamcompass.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/weili-gray-md/ Use code RXTRAVEL for a special offer on Journey of Becoming: A Southern African Retreat for Women Physicians. https://www.daretodreamcompass.com/retreat-sa-2026 Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Free Credit Card Consultation Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/credit-card-consultation-form⁠

    53 min

  7. JAN 9

    Episode 51: Looking Ahead: Travel Strategy, Points, and Living Now in 2026

    In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes shares how she’s approaching travel in 2026 with more intention, alignment, and strategies that actually fit real life. She explores why travel isn’t about escaping your life, but about supporting it — especially for busy professionals who want meaningful experiences without sacrificing financial goals, time, or peace of mind. Dr. Downes reflects on what worked, what didn’t, and why diversification matters in both travel planning and life.  She also opens up about credit card fatigue, time management, and why chasing maximum value isn’t worth it if it comes at the cost of your peace. Whether you’re deep into points and miles or just beginning to think more intentionally about travel, this episode offers perspective, reassurance, and permission to do things differently. This episode is for you if: You want to travel more without blowing up your finances You’re tired of chasing “perfect” redemptions You want travel to feel supportive, not stressful You’re ready to stop waiting and start living now Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact

    24 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    Episode 50: Hidden Gems and Authentic Travel: Finding the Best Things to Do with the Scout App

    In this episode of Prescription to Travel MD, Dr. Courtney Downes is joined by Chris Stockwell, founder of Scout, a travel app designed to solve one of the biggest frustrations travelers face: figuring out what to actually do once they arrive. Chris shares how years of global travel from backpacking at 17 to working remotely across continents led him to build Scout.  The app curates real, local experiences based on your interests, making it easier to plan trips that feel authentic, meaningful, and stress-free, whether you’re a meticulous planner or booking flights at the last minute. This conversation is especially relevant for busy physicians and healthcare professionals who want memorable travel experiences without spending hours researching. From hidden gems and food finds to AI-powered recommendations and collaborative trip planning, Scout is changing how people explore the world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants meaningful travel without spending hours researching. Find Dr. Courtney Downes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@PrescriptiontoTravelMD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Prescription to Travel MD- Doctor’s Lounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717624291786190⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for the Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/contact⁠ Follow Chris here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cstockwell/ https://scout.travel/#see-scout https://www.instagram.com/scouttravelapp/

    30 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Explore the world of continuous learning and adventure through the Prescription to Travel MD podcast. Join us as we unravel exciting opportunities for doctors and other medical professionals, exploring conferences, courses, and retreats that seamlessly blend travel with continuing medical education. Elevate your professional growth while embarking on unforgettable journeys and discover travel hacks that will make your travel affordable.

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