Perhaps one of the biggest perks of becoming a physician -- aside from gaining the skills and knowledge to save lives -- is that you can have the opportunity to make a profit that's enough for you to travel the world for weeks or even months on end.

But this comes at a cost -- rarely will you actually have the time to travel as much as you want. 

Indeed, it is one of the greatest ironies of this profession. 

But if you really have such a tight schedule and have no way to fit in a vacation that's more than a few days long, there are other options. Many doctors do find ways to travel and still continue their practice. Be it through CME river cruises or traveling to another city for additional schooling, there are some ways that you can see the world and still advance in your career. 

If you're feeling a little selfless, you can offer your medical expertise to people that need them in other places that don't always have the best when it comes to healthcare. They can be rewarding and humbling experiences that expose you to new situations and help you grow as a doctor and as a person. 

Volunteer organizations like Doctors Without Borders can help you realize your dreams of traveling the world while still making a difference in every community you visit. 

Yes, sabbaticals for doctors do exist -- they're not just for university professors. They can be organized programs or something more informal depending on what you wish to get out of your time. 

You can use it to learn something new that you normally can't in your workplace, or if you want to know how medicine is practiced in other countries. Still, it is a great way to avoid getting burned out. 

CME cruises for physicians like those offered by CME River Conferences are a growing trend among medical professionals who want to mix business with pleasure. These cruises have floating CME-accredited seminars that invite speakers that are well known in their medical field. 

You have to choose wisely, however, as each cruise is centered around a particular theme, like women's reproductive health or pediatrics. 

Most of the seminars are scheduled in the morning, leaving you the rest of the day to go on a land tour or explore the town you're docked in. 

Taking a breather away from your usual place of work can help you reflect on your life and career. Even if you still feel fresh and think that you can take on any case that comes your way, it never hurts to relax once in a while. 

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