In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes shares her experiences and tips on booking travel using points, specifically focusing on her recent trip to Costa Rica. She discusses how to maximize rewards programs, particularly Chase and Hyatt, to save on hotel stays and flights. The conversation also covers the various activities available at the resort, dining experiences, and practical travel tips, including the benefits of global entry for expedited customs processing.

Key Takeaways:

- We booked our stay at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo using Chase points.

- We saved close to $10,000 on our hotel stay.

- Globalist status provides perks like free breakfast and upgrades.

- The kids club was a hit with my children.

- The resort offered a variety of activities, including paddle boarding.

- Dining options were decent but not exceptional in Costa Rica.

- Booking flights with points can save money but requires planning.

- Global entry expedites customs and includes TSA pre-check.

- Using a shuttle from the airport was cost-effective.

- Traveling during the rainy season can mean fewer crowds.

Find Dr. Courtney Downes here:

https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com

https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/

In this episode, Dr. Courtney dives into how travel can be a transformative form of self-care, offering a much-needed reset to better serve her roles as a physician, wife, and mom. As the cooler days of fall arrive, this episode is your reminder to prioritize self-care while planning your winter getaways. Whether you're dreaming of serene wellness retreats or adrenaline-filled adventures, Dr. Courtney shares her tips for making the most of credit card points and perks to elevate your travel experiences.

Key Takeaways:

- Self-care should be prioritized, especially during busy seasons.

- Travel can serve as a vital form of self-care.

- Credit card points can enhance travel experiences.

- Wellness resorts offer unique activities and experiences.

- Miraval resorts provide a range of wellness activities.

- IHG and Six Senses properties offer exclusive stays.

- Luxury stays can be booked with points for better value.

- Adventure travel can be accessible through points redemption.

- Exclusive perks for cardholders can enhance travel experiences.

Timestamps:

00:00 Embracing Self-Care in the Fall

02:56 Wellness Resorts and Points Travel

05:47 Exploring IHG and Six Senses Properties

09:07 Luxury Stays and Wellness Experiences

11:57 Adventure Travel and Points Redemption

14:53 Exclusive Perks and Experiences for Cardholders

In this episode of the Prescription to Travel MD podcast, Dr. Courtney Downes talks with Dr. Judith Borger, an emergency medicine physician who has successfully transitioned into aesthetics and coaching. Together, they dive into the challenges of burnout in the medical field, the power of intentional time management, and how to achieve a healthy work-life balance. Dr. Borger also shares exciting details about her upcoming retreat at Miraval, highlighting the importance of self-care, community support, and taking time for personal growth.

They explore how travel and retreats can help with personal growth, and Dr. Borger gives insights into the special experiences offered at Miraval locations. She also talks about the benefits of flying business class, using travel points, and the power of connection among women. The conversation highlights how nature, wellness, and community can transform your life and work!

Register for the Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Retreat 2025.

Key Takeaways:

- Intentional time management really starts with being very clear.

- Points can be used creatively for flights and accommodations.

- The Miraval experience is about personal growth and wellness.

- Women from all walks of life are welcome at the retreat.

- Traveling allows for quality time with loved ones without guilt.

- The retreat fosters a sense of belonging and community among women.

- Empowerment comes from shared experiences and connections.

Timestamps:

(01:21) The Journey of Pivoting in Medicine

(05:41) Finding Balance and Intentional Time Management

(09:15) Incorporating Travel into a Busy Life

(15:09) Upcoming Retreat at Miraval

(18:10) Experiences at Miraval Resort

(23:57) Exploring Miraval Retreats: A Journey Through Nature

(27:58) Traveling in Style: The Business Class Experience

(31:01) Maximizing Points: The Art of Travel Redemptions

(38:08) Empowerment and Connection: The Women's Retreat Experience

Follow Dr. Judith Borger here:

https://www.instagram.com/doctorborger/

https://www.theaestheticdoctor.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-aesthetic-doctor/id1611578378

Register for the Women’s Empowerment & Leadership Retreat 2025 here.

Follow Dr. Courtney Downes here:

https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com/

https://www.instagram.com/prescriptiontotravelmd/

In this episode of the Prescription to Travel MD podcast, Dr. Courtney Downes speaks with Dr. Alexandra Stockwell about the importance of nurturing relationships, particularly for busy healthcare professionals. They discuss how travel can enhance intimacy, the significance of attention and intention in relationships, and practical tips for couples to deepen their connection. Dr. Stockwell shares insights from her experience as an intimacy coach and highlights the upcoming Honeymoon 2.0 retreat in Maui, designed to help couples reconnect and rejuvenate their relationships.

Key Takeaways:

- Nurturing relationships requires active attention and intention.

- Travel can serve as a catalyst for deeper connection.

- Intimacy grows in moments of being present with one another.

- Curiosity about your partner can enhance emotional intimacy.

- Compromise often leads to toleration relationships, not fulfillment.

- Creating shared memories through travel strengthens the bond between couples.

- Setting intentions before travel can help navigate challenges together.

- It's important to create space for intimacy, especially when traveling with kids.

- Being present and slowing down can enhance the quality of relationships.

- The Honeymoon 2.0 retreat offers couples a chance to reconnect in a luxurious setting.

Timestamps:

(02:12) The Importance of Attention in Relationships

(05:13) Travel as a Catalyst for Connection

(10:08) Intentionality in Travel and Relationships

(15:08) Beyond Date Nights: Creating Meaningful Connections

(19:26) Uncompromising Intimacy: A New Perspective

(23:22) Curiosity as a Tool for Connection

(30:23) Traveling Together: Building Shared Memories

Find Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here:

https://www.alexandrastockwell.com

https://www.instagram.com/intimacydoctor/

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Lola Day shares her inspiring journey from being a pediatric cardiologist to becoming an entrepreneur and podcaster. She talks about her love for travel and the importance of staying productive while helping women find balance in their lives. Dr. Day highlights the power of delegating tasks, creating life plans, and enjoying family trips. She also shares how her business ventures, like the Promise of Africa, have evolved over time. This lively discussion is filled with practical tips for effective time management and embracing life's adventures. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and easy-to-follow advice!

Key Takeaways:

- Dr. Lola Day helps women with ADHD find balance.

- The Promise of Africa aims to change negative perceptions.

- Delegation is crucial for effective time management.

- Creating a life plan is essential for success.

- Intentional family travel enhances worldview.

- Staying in your zone of genius leads to fulfillment.

- Planning ahead is key to productivity.

- Evolving business ventures can lead to new opportunities.

- Maximizing travel points can enhance travel experiences.

- Enjoyment and balance are vital in life.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lola Day and Her Journey

03:06 Balancing Medicine and Entrepreneurship

06:09 The Promise of Africa: Changing Perceptions

09:09 Strategies for Effective Time Management

11:57 Intentional Family Travel Planning

15:05 Creating a Life Plan for Success

18:01 The Importance of Delegation

21:05 Evolving Business Ventures

24:00 Future Travel Plans and Experiences

26:59 Maximizing Travel Points and Rewards

29:58 Embracing Enjoyment and Balance in Life

https://prescriptiontotravelmd.com

In this episode of the Prescription to Travel MD podcast, Dr. Courtney Downes interviews Dr. Bev Guo, a travel planner specializing in Disney vacations. They discuss the intricacies of planning a Disney trip, the evolution of Disney's booking system, and the benefits of using a travel agent. Bev shares her personal journey into travel planning, tips for navigating Disney parks, and the importance of creating lasting family memories through travel. The conversation also touches on travel hacks, the role of travel insurance, and how to connect with Bev for travel planning services.

Key Takeaways:

- Travel planning can be a joyful experience for families.

- Disney vacations require careful planning and research.

- Using a travel agent can simplify the vacation process.

- Disney's booking system has evolved significantly post-COVID.

- Travel planners often provide free services when booking trips.

- Families can bring food and snacks into Disney parks.

- There are many activities beyond the parks at Disney World.

- Travel planning fits well with the type A personality of many physicians.

- Creating core memories during family trips is invaluable.

- Travel planning can be a fulfilling hobby for busy professionals.

Timestamps:

(02:59) Introduction to Travel Planning and Disney Adventures

(05:54) The Role of a Travel Agent

(08:57) Navigating Disney Parks: Tips and Tricks

(12:00) Understanding Travel Insurance and Agency Support

(14:55) Planning a Seamless Disney Experience

(18:03) The Evolution of Disney's Booking System

(20:57) Travel Hacks for First-Time Disney Visitors

(23:58) Exploring Beyond the Parks at Disney World

(26:50) The Benefits of Being a Travel Planner

(29:57) Creating Lasting Family Memories through Travel

(33:02) Future Travel Plans and Adventures

(36:12) How to Connect with Bev Guo for Travel Planning

Dr. Courtney Downes interviews Dr. Sunny Smith, founder of Empowering Women Physicians. They discuss Sunny's journey into medicine, her transition to focusing on physician wellness, and the importance of community and support for women in medicine. Sunny shares insights about her coaching programs, the impact of burnout, and the need for workplace flexibility. The conversation emphasizes the significance of taking time for oneself, the power of community, and the potential for personal growth through retreats and shared experiences.

Key Takeaways:
- Sunny's journey into medicine was influenced by her brother's disability.
- She emphasizes the importance of physician wellness and community support.
- Burnout can lead to serious health consequences, including shortened lifespan.
- Finding individual agency within the healthcare system is crucial.
- Community support can help individuals realize their potential and possibilities.
- Mid-career reflections often lead to significant life changes.
- Sustainability in medicine is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.
- Experiencing slower living can lead to valuable reflections and changes.

Timestamps:
(00:55) Introduction to Empowering Women Physicians

(03:20 Dr. Sunny's Transition to Physician Wellness

(08:09) Demanding Change in Medicine

(10:26) The Impact of Burnout on Physicians

(15:30) Mid-Career Reflections

(18:51) Reflections on Slower Living

(24:00) Dream Destinations and Personal Growth

(34:11) Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

Follow Dr. Sunny Smith here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnysmithmd/?hl=en

Website: https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com

 https://empoweringwomenphysicians.com/podcast/

Dr. Courtney Downes explores essential travel apps that every healthcare professional should have on their phone to enhance their travel experience. From city navigation to managing jet lag, these eight apps are designed to streamline your travels, whether for leisure or attending conferences abroad.

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Dr. Courtney Downes explores a unique opportunity combining travel, wellness, and adventure in Uganda with Dr. Melissa Sunderman and Dr. Robyn Tiger. This episode dives into the upcoming wellness retreat organized by Hornbill Treks and Safaris, detailing the integration of CME, lifestyle medicine, and the chance to engage deeply with nature and local culture. The retreat promises a holistic approach to wellness, offering activities that blend professional development with personal rejuvenation in the breathtaking landscapes of Uganda.

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In this episode, Dr. Courtney Downes demystifies the world of credit card points, debunking common myths that deter many from leveraging this powerful tool to fund travel adventures. From the fear of debt to misconceptions about credit scores, Dr. Downes addresses these concerns with practical advice and personal experiences, highlighting how credit card points can transform your travel experiences without financial strain.

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