Ever wondered what it would be like to live in a new city every few months and get paid well to do what you love?
If you’re a nurse or allied health professional, travel contracts might be the career adventure you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re chasing better pay, more flexibility, or just a change of scenery, travel healthcare work offers unique opportunities—but it’s not for everyone.
Here’s a full breakdown of the pros, cons, and how to get started in the world of travel healthcare.
The Pros of Travel Nursing & Allied Health Contracts
Higher Pay
Travel assignments typically come with premium pay rates—sometimes significantly higher than permanent staff roles. Plus, many contracts include tax-free stipends for housing, meals, and travel.
Flexibility & Freedom
You can choose when and where you want to work. Want to spend winter in Florida? Or summer in Colorado? Travel contracts let you design your schedule around your life—not the other way around.
Experience & Skill Building
You’ll work in diverse clinical settings, learn new systems, and become more adaptable. It’s a fast track to building a versatile resume.
Try Before You Commit
Thinking about relocating permanently? Travel gigs are a great way to test out a new city or facility before making a long-term move.
Adventure & Exploration
You’ll get to explore new cities, meet new people, and discover places you might never have seen otherwise—all while still advancing your career.
The Cons to Consider
Constant Change
New contracts mean new coworkers, new rules, and new environments. If you love stability and routine, this lifestyle may feel overwhelming.
Away From Home
Being on the road for weeks or months at a time can be tough—especially if you have a family or strong ties to your community.
Onboarding Burnout
Every facility has its own policies and systems. You’ll need to adapt quickly—often with shorter orientation periods than permanent staff.
Licensing Logistics
Some states require separate licenses. If you’re not in a compact license state (for nurses), you may need to apply in advance for each assignment.
How to Get Started in Travel Healthcare
Ready to hit the road? Here’s a simple roadmap:
Make Sure You’re Eligible
Most travel contracts require:
At least 1–2 years of recent experience in your specialty
Active licensure (multi-state compact license is a big plus for nurses)
Clean background and up-to-date certifications (BLS, ACLS, etc.)
Connect With a Trusted Healthcare Staffing Agency
That’s where we come in. Working with a recruiter takes the guesswork out of the process. We help you:
Find contracts that match your skills and lifestyle
Negotiate pay packages
Handle licensing, credentialing, and onboarding
Support you while you’re on assignment
Decide What You’re Looking For
Do you want a short-term adventure or a long-term travel lifestyle? Think about:
Preferred locations
Shift types (day/night/weekends)
Contract lengths (typically 8–13 weeks)
Housing needs (stipend vs. agency-provided)
Pack Your Bags & Stay Organized
Keep your documents ready to go:
License copies
Certifications
Immunization records
Resume & references
Also, prep for housing (many travelers use Airbnb, Furnished Finder, or extended stays), and don’t forget to budget for downtime between contracts.
Is Travel Right for You?
Travel healthcare isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. It’s for the bold, the flexible, and the curious. But with the right mindset and a supportive agency behind you, it can be one of the most rewarding moves you ever make in your career.
Interested in testing the waters?
We’d love to help you find your first (or next) travel assignment. From nurses to imaging techs to respiratory therapists—we’ve got opportunities across the country waiting for professionals like you.
