CME Cruise

[cheapasdoc]

Has anyone gone on a CME cruise?

It seems the fares are often much higher than those found on the cruiselines, making their value (vs. regular cruise without CME) questionable even at a relatively high tax rate (~45% in my case).

Some CME companies claim they will match cruiseline prices. Anyone have experience with that?

Thanks!

[StarTrekDoc]

they typically with allow SO to cruise free with the price.  some have airfare incorporated and excursions included too.  all depends.

[VagabondMD]

In general, the cost of attending a medical conference with a travel perk (ie cruise, skiing, fancy beach resort, etc.), when you add back the cost of registration, now north of $1000 for lots of meetings and use the recommended “discounted” lodging, you are often better off just going on a cruise/skiing/beaching on your own dime.

[G]

Vagabond MD wrote:

In general, the cost of attending a medical conference with a travel perk (ie cruise, skiing, fancy beach resort, etc.), when you add back the cost of registration, now north of $1000 for lots of meetings and use the recommended “discounted” lodging, you are often better off just going on a cruise/skiing/beaching on your own dime.

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Or arranging your own CME...I just bought a CyberMonday discounted review course from American Seminar Institute (no financial conflict).

[TheGipper]

If American Seminar Institute is all downloaded audio or mobile video courses, how could the travel deduction hold up to an IRS audit?

[G]

I do the course while I am at XYZ Hotel. It's definitely sketchy...but I take solace with stories like this: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/06/04/irs-audit-conferences-cost-taxpayers-millions/2388261/

[cheapasdoc]

Good info on the free spouse ticket.

No advertised ski or tropical meeting has reasonable tuition rates anymore. I guess if you spend big on hotel, air, and dining the $800+ tuitions may be worth it.

IMO the best value for expensing CME are local hospital or society meetings, esp canadian meetings.

 

[The White Coat Investor]

cheapasdoc wrote:

Good info on the free spouse ticket.

No advertised ski or tropical meeting has reasonable tuition rates anymore. I guess if you spend big on hotel, air, and dining the $800+ tuitions may be worth it.

IMO the best value for expensing CME are local hospital or society meetings, esp canadian meetings.

 

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$800? I must have underpriced WCICon.

[StarTrekDoc]

Speaking of the Con -- ComicCon is about to release open reg on Dec 9th.  Come down and enjoy San Diego

We're already set with our 4Day+preview!  would love to meet up with anyone going.

[ifonlyFI]

Use one of the travel come groups. I just used travel medical seminars for a trip to Hawaii. My cme certificate lists Hawaii as location

[The White Coat Investor]

ifonlyFI wrote:

Use one of the travel come groups. I just used travel medical seminars for a trip to Hawaii. My cme certificate lists Hawaii as location

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Those seem so squirrelly to me.

[q-school]

The White Coat Investor wrote:

cheapasdoc wrote:

Good info on the free spouse ticket.

No advertised ski or tropical meeting has reasonable tuition rates anymore. I guess if you spend big on hotel, air, and dining the $800+ tuitions may be worth it.

IMO the best value for expensing CME are local hospital or society meetings, esp canadian meetings.

 

Click to expand…

$800? I must have underpriced WCICon.

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it's okay!  you can make it up in MLM.

[The White Coat Investor]

q-school wrote:

The White Coat Investor wrote:

cheapasdoc wrote:

Good info on the free spouse ticket.

No advertised ski or tropical meeting has reasonable tuition rates anymore. I guess if you spend big on hotel, air, and dining the $800+ tuitions may be worth it.

IMO the best value for expensing CME are local hospital or society meetings, esp canadian meetings.

 

Click to expand…

$800? I must have underpriced WCICon.

Click to expand…

it’s okay!  you can make it up in MLM.

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I'll let you resell your ticket for $800 if you send me 10% of your profit. (That's a joke for those who don't get it.)