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Best CME vacations

Why Travel CME?

Turn trips into accredited learning. See how to pick high-quality destination CME and maximize your CME funds, without the headaches.

Travel CME means earning accredited continuing medical education while you’re away from home (conferences, resorts, cruises, family trips). Quality is about accreditation and independence, not the ZIP code. Look for providers that follow the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence (disclosures, no marketing in the learning space, valid content).

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How to choose good Travel CME (quick checklist)

• Accreditation clearly listed (e.g., AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™) and method of participation spelled out.
• Schedule & format that truly fit travel (e.g., sessions on sea days, mornings only, or self-paced audio/text). 
• Independence & disclosures visible (ACCME-aligned). 
• Documentation: certificate of completion and an agenda/schedule you can keep for records.

Using CME money for travel: what to know (U.S.)

Important disclaimer: The info below is general education only—not tax or legal advice. Rules change, and your facts matter. Talk to your tax professional and employer.• What’s “business travel”? IRS Pub. 463 explains what travel can be deductible/reimbursable, how to document, and how to treat reimbursements. 
• Employees (W-2) vs. self-employed (1099): Deduction rules differ; many employees rely on employer “accountable plan” reimbursement with receipts and timely substantiation; self-employed use Pub. 463 rules for ordinary/necessary business travel. 
• Mixing business + personal: Only the business portion is generally allowable; keep a simple log (business days/learning hours vs. vacation). Keep these for your files: agenda/syllabus, CME certificate, itinerary/receipts, and a brief time log. 

Make documentation painless (our pro tip)

CME certificate showing credits and activity type

Schedule/agenda (or outline of learning hours)

If needed: a letter that references your self-reported travel dates and that you completed accredited CME during the trip

Recommended Travel-CME companies (editorial list)

1) ClinX Travel CME — “Anywhere/Anytime” Mini Healthcare MBA

Why it stands out:
True travel-friendly design (text and private podcast), enduring format, up to 35 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, plus an optional personalized Travel CME letter to reflect your self-reported travel dates/location. Great when you want travel flexibility without fixed session times. Use when:
You’re flying or vacationing and want to learn on your schedule (plane, layovers, mornings/evenings)—not tied to a daily classroom.

2) University at Sea® (Continuing Education, Inc.) — Cruise-based CME

What it is:
Accredited live-lecture CME on ocean or river cruises; sessions are typically held on sea days so they don’t cut into port time. Use when:
You want a family-friendly cruise and fixed classroom time with peers.

3) American Medical Seminars — “Mornings only” beach model

What it is:Morning sessions in Sarasota, FL so afternoons are open—explicitly designed to pair CME with beach time. Use when:You want predictable mornings and free afternoons in one coastal location.

4) CME AWAY® by Sea Courses — International destinations & cruises

What it is:Canadian provider known for international resort/cruise CME with a “learn and connect in a relaxing environment” ethos. 
Use when:You’re looking at non-U.S. itineraries and networking-oriented trips.

5) Northwest Anesthesia Seminars — Specialty updates in bucket-list locales

What it is:ACCME-accredited meetings for anesthesia/critical care (and more) in destinations worldwide; example programs designate ~20 AMA credits and sometimes run on cruise itineraries. 
Use when:
You want anesthesia-focused content with solid faculty and destination variety.

FAQs

Is “destination CME” legitimate?
Yes—if accredited and compliant with ACCME Standards (independence from commercial influence). Venue doesn’t change the standards. Can I learn on a cruise or at a resort and still claim credit?
Yes, if the provider is accredited and you meet participation requirements. Many providers schedule learning on sea days or mornings to protect vacation time. What records should I keep?
Agenda, certificate, itinerary/receipts, and a simple time log; see IRS Pub. 463 for details.This website is for educational purposes only and does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. Confirm accreditation and acceptance with each provider, your specialty/state board, and your employer. For tax questions, consult a qualified professional and IRS Publication 463.

Sources

- ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence. What “independent, accredited CME” means. 
- IRS Publication 463 (2024). Business travel expenses, recordkeeping, reimbursements. 
- ClinX Travel CME — Anytime, Anywhere (enduring format, up to 35 credits, travel letter). 
- ClinX Store (package mentions, 35h CME, Travel CME letter availability). 
- University at Sea / Continuing Education, Inc. Cruise-based CME; schedule held on sea days. 
- MCE Conferences (destinations & schedules). 
- Northwest Anesthesia Seminars (credits/destinations). 
- Sea Courses / CME AWAY® (international destinations & cruises). 
- American Medical Seminars (“mornings only” beach schedule).

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