7 Perfect Vacation Spots for Pharmacists

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Every pharmacist needs a few days off from work-related stress.

Every pharmacist needs a few days off from work-related stress.

According to the Institute of Applied Positive Research, 94% of vacationers return to work energized after a well-planned vacation. Here are some perfect vacation spots for pharmacists:

1. Savannah, Georgia

Tired of cranky patients in your pharmacy? Savannah’s hospitality will be refreshing, as the locals are quick to immerse travelers in their southern culture.

Make sure to take a stroll through the restaurants and shops on scenic River Street. In the evening, bar hop with open containers in the “New Orleans of Georgia.”

Have an extra day to explore? Tybee Island is a short drive from the historic district, and you can enjoy an early breakfast at the Breakfast Club.

While you’re on the island, head to the beach. If you’re not a beach bum, golf at one of the city’s outstanding courses.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Feeling lucky? Then why not take a gamble and hit the poker table? If you aren’t a card shark, however, slots are an easy option for anyone.

I personally love the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. The spectacular glass sculpture in the lobby will leave you awestruck, and you can de-stress at the spa or pool so you’ll be ready to travel the world at night without ever leaving the Las Vegas Strip, as each hotel has a different theme.

The nightlife offers everything from Britney Spears concerts to Elvis impersonators, so be sure to see who is performing before your trip and schedule a show. Be forewarned that the crowds can get a little overwhelming.

3. San Diego, California

Why not add a few extra days to your next pharmacy meeting? My personal favorite meeting was held at the Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island a few years ago.

The beaches, pools, golf courses, shopping, and watersports were a big distraction, so more than a few attendees missed a couple of sessions. Nevertheless, there just wasn’t enough time to see everything that San Diego had to offer.

If you’re able to schedule a San Diego trip, I recommend visiting La Jolla Cove, where seals play in the surf and lounge on the beach. While you’re at the cove, plan to enjoy the sunset dining at George’s.

4. Asheville, North Carolina

Need to counteract the sedentary job of a pharmacist? Visit Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

In the summer, float on a tube down the French Broad River, or if you’re more active, take a hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

If you enjoy Mediterranean food, plan ahead and make a reservation at Cúrate and try the famous tapas. If you’re an all-around foodie, go on the Eating Asheville Food Tour. Make notes of your favorite restaurants and return for a full meal later.

Asheville is famous for its small-town breweries, so if you love craft beer, check out one of the brewery tours or do some research before you visit.

5. Destin, Florida

Trade the fluorescent pharmacy lights for some Florida sunshine. Early summer is the best time to enjoy the beaches along the Emerald Coast.

I first visited the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin during a pharmacy conference. It has 4 beautiful golf courses, but I prefer to relax on the white sand beach next to the crystal clear water. I must admit I’m not as brave as I used to be with all the shark incidents in the last few years, so if I want to swim, I instead hang out at one of the resort’s beautiful pools.

Try Pompano Joe’s Seafood House for dinner. It serves amazing food and has a great view.

Also, enjoy a little retail therapy at the local outlets. At night, the bars and nightclubs come alive. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sunset and dueling pianos at Rum Runners.

6. Seattle, Washington

True pharmacy nerds can get inspired by visiting the city that’s home to many successful geeks.

I visited Seattle on my way to Alaska a few years ago. It was the starting point for my first vacation as an empty nester. I only had a couple of days to spend in Seattle, but I crammed a lot into a short amount of time.

Pike Place Market was within walking distance of my hotel. It has aisles of fruits and vegetables, several seafood stalls, and booths of locally made items. Beecher’s Handmade Cheese has been churning some of the best bites in the business since 2003. If you aren’t a fan of a cheese tasting, the mac and cheese will have your taste buds singing.

There’s always a crowd at Pike Place Fish Market, so be sure to stop by and watch the men chant and toss fish to entertain spectators. Plus, don't miss the gum wall, which is filling up fast even though it was scraped recently. I’m sure your first thoughts will be about infection control issues.

I took the monorail to the Space Needle to view the city. Built for the World’s Fair in the 1960s, it’s still a marvel today. For a taste of the world, head over to Din Tai Fung and chow down on the best dumplings from Seattle to Taiwan.

Also, check the baseball or soccer schedules. I caught a Seattle Mariners baseball game during my short trip, and the stadium even serves up Beecher’s mac and cheese in case you missed it.

7. Maui, Hawaii

If you expect to have some vacation days left in November, plan an escape to warm weather in Hawaii.

On my trip to Maui, I went straight to the beach to recover from the long flight. The cabana close by soothing waves was the perfect place to doze off.

Once recharged, I set off on a self-guided tour of the Road to Hana and stopped at several points to enjoy the rainforest and exotic flowers. The waves crashing along the black volcanic rocks looked like a movie scene.

At the top of Hana, I enjoyed a swim in one of the crystal clear lagoons at the Pools of ‘Ohe’o overlooking the ocean, where the waterfalls flow from pool to pool.

A Hawaiian trip would be incomplete without eating the night away at a luau. For an authentic experience, try the Sheraton Maui’s ceremony at Ka’anapali Beach at Black Rock.

It’s Never Too Late

Pharmacists often postpone vacations because of money or work requirements. We underestimate the power of a well-planned vacation to reduce stress. I hope this list inspires you to make vacation plans!

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