Spring is here, and summer is right around the corner. That means one thing – it’s time for a vacation! Unfortunately, many American’s don’t take advantage of their allotted time off. According to a 2018 study, roughly a quarter (24%) of Americans have not taken a vacation in over a year. However, as many of you know, the beauty of working as a travel nurse is your ability to incorporate your vacation into your next assignment.
With travel nursing expecting to see a 15% growth over the next 7 years and warmer months ahead, now is the perfect time to plan your next travel nurse work assignment. We broke down some of the top vacation destinations for travel nurses in 2019 based on job opportunities and what each city has to offer. Whether you decide to arrive a couple of days before your assignment or do your sightseeing on your days off, we guarantee these cities won’t let you down.
Top 6 Travel Nurse Vacation Destinations
Atlanta
First on our list is Atlanta, the gate city to the south. Atlanta’s eclectic and captivating culture comprises its rich history, diverse dining scene, and endless shopping districts. This city has something to offer for everyone, and it is no surprise Atlanta is one of the most popular destinations in the southeast. When you plan your trip, make sure to visit the Georgia Aquarium, The World of Coke Museum, Centennial Olympic Park and explore the many hidden neighborhoods plentiful with restaurants, parks, and shops. Additionally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the greater metropolitan area of Atlanta is ranked seventh in the highest levels of employment for nursing.
Boston
Let’s be honest, Boston can be rather frigid in the winter months. That is why planning your next travel assignment here is perfect for the upcoming spring and summer. Boston isn’t the largest U.S. city, but it is definitely chock-full of attractions and activities that can appeal to everyone. Eat at top-notch restaurants, explore the Boston Common and Public Garden, or attend a baseball game at the world-famous Fenway Park. You can also enjoy music festivals and the nearby beaches of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard in the summer. This medical hub is also home to world-class hospitals such as Massachusetts General and Boston Children’s Hospital. Not to mention, Massachusetts has an annual mean wage of $89,330 for registered nurses!
Washington D.C.
If you have never experienced the nation’s capital, now is the time to visit. The seemingly countless monuments, memorials, and museums alone make the trip to D.C. worth it.
However, there is much more to this historic city that many are unaware of. Walk along the tidal basin in the spring to see the beautiful blooming cherry blossoms, or grab your bike and take a trip along the scenic C&O Canal. When you get hungry, make sure to snack on the Capital’s iconic dishes such as a jumbo pizza slice, fried chicken with mumbo sauce, or a half-smoke on a bun. Let’s not forget that the District of Columbia is the third-highest top-paying state for nurses and has an hourly mean wage of $43.32, according to BLS.
Charlotte, NC
Rounding out number four on our list is the soulful, charming city of Charlotte, North Carolina. Even though this city may not have been the first place you thought of, we can assure you that it is well worth the visit.
Charlotte is loaded with historical landmarks and museums that will keep you thoroughly engaged for those that love to learn. The outdoor lover will also enjoy the beautiful spring weather, botanical gardens, and outdoor experiences offered. Plan a weekend trip to the nearby coast or escape into the mountains for some hiking and whitewater rafting. Luckily for traveling nurses, some of the surrounding areas have the highest concentration of nursing jobs in the country.
Phoenix, AZ
It is no mystery that Phoenix, Arizona, has some of the best spring weather in the country. We also know that many travel nurses love the outdoors, which makes this city a top destination.
Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, explore the majesty in Monument Valley, see the blooming desert cactuses and wildflowers, or stargaze under the clear desert night sky. Don’t forget to make time to soak up the sun by the pool, attend one of many music festivals, or finally learn how to play golf. Most importantly, Phoenix and the metropolitan area are in the top ten for areas with the highest level of employment among nurses.
Providence, RI
The smallest city rounding out our list. With a population of just over 180,000 residents, it is the quaint city of Providence. When you are not admiring the impressive colonial architecture or the art at the world-famous RISD Museum, you can take a trolley tour and visit the zoo.
Make sure you also enjoy the Narragansett Bay and all that it has to offer. Or even take a short drive to the neighboring city of Newport to visit the coast. The capital of Rhode Island makes for the perfect relaxing get-away for the busy traveling nurse. On average, there are about 25 nursing positions for every 1,000 jobs, which is higher than the nation’s average.
We hope you found this article on vacation destinations helpful. Have you found any vacation destinations that you think other travel nurses would love? Comment them below.
Are you searching for a GREAT Paying Travel Nurse Position?
Discover new travel nurse jobs, subscribe to customized job alerts and unlock unlimited resources for FREE.
“Since just recently joining The Gypsy Nurse, I have had so many questions answered about the world of travel nursing. This has been an excellent resource!”
Phoenix, AZ
