By Uniti Med

July 10, 2024

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Creating a Mini Vacation No Matter Where You Are

Uniti Med provided this article.

In the fast-paced world of travel healthcare, taking time to unwind and relax is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As a healthcare professional working in the travel industry, you may find yourself in different cities and towns, often with little time to plan elaborate vacations. But who says you need to travel far to enjoy a break? With a bit of creativity and planning, you can create a refreshing mini vacation no matter where you are. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create a mini vacation and make the most of your downtime, especially as we move into the second half of summer.

Tips for creating a mini vacation:

mini vacation

Embrace the Local Scenery

Even if you’re far from home, there’s always beauty to be found in the local surroundings. Seek out nearby parks and picnic areas where you can enjoy the end-of-summer sunshine. Here are some ways to make the most of your time outdoors:

  • Nature Walks and Hikes: Explore local trails and nature reserves. Walking amidst greenery can be incredibly rejuvenating and offers a great way to get some exercise while unwinding.
  • Picnics in the Park: Pack a simple picnic with your favorite snacks, a good book, or some music. Find a scenic spot in a local park and spend a few hours relaxing.
  • Outdoor Yoga or Meditation: Many parks offer quiet spots perfect for a yoga session or some meditation. Connecting with nature can help you reset and recharge.

Indulge in Local Culture

Every city and town has its unique charm. Take some time to discover the local culture and attractions. Here are a few ideas:

mini vacation
  • Visit Local Museums or Art Galleries: Many places have museums or galleries that offer a glimpse into the local history and culture. These can be fascinating and provide a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
  • Check Out Farmers’ Markets: Farmers’ markets are a great way to explore local produce and crafts. Plus, they offer a wonderful opportunity to support local vendors and enjoy fresh, seasonal foods.
  • Explore Historical Sites: Look up historical landmarks or sites in the area. These spots often have interesting stories and beautiful architecture to admire.

Unwind with Simple Pleasures

Sometimes, the best way to relax is to keep things simple. Here are some easy ways to enjoy your time off:

  • Read a Book or Watch a Movie: Find a cozy spot and dive into a good book or catch up on your favorite movies or TV shows. It’s a simple pleasure that can provide a much-needed escape.
  • Try a New Hobby: Whether it’s painting, knitting, or photography, trying a new hobby can be a great way to relax and express your creativity.
  • Treat Yourself to a Spa Day: Pamper yourself with a DIY spa day. A hot bath, some scented candles, and a face mask can do wonders for your stress levels.

Connect with Loved Ones

If you’re away from home, staying connected with loved ones can make a big difference. Here are some ways to stay in touch:

  • Video Calls: Schedule regular video calls with family and friends. Seeing familiar faces and sharing your experiences can be incredibly comforting.
  • Write Letters or Postcards: There’s something special about receiving a handwritten letter or postcard. Take a few moments to write to loved ones and share your thoughts and adventures.

Scheduling Time for Yourself

As we move into the second half of summer, it’s essential to schedule some time for yourself. A mini vacation is all about taking moments to relax and recharge, no matter how busy life gets. Whether you’re exploring a new park, indulging in a local treat, or simply enjoying some quiet time, these small breaks can make a big difference in your overall well-being. So, the next time you find yourself with some free time, use these tips to create your own mini vacation, no matter where you are.

We hope you found these tips for creating a mini vacation, no matter where you are, helpful. Do you have any tips for creating a mini vacation as a travel healthcare worker? Comment them below.

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By Uniti Med

January 30, 2023

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Taking Time Off Between Travel Assignments

Uniti Med provided this article.

One of the main reasons healthcare professionals decide to start a travel career is just that – to travel. A travel career gives you the opportunity to work anywhere, including some of those bucket-list locations you’ve always wanted to visit. For 13 weeks, you can immerse yourself in the culture of any area of the country and make more money while doing it! But what about in-between those assignments? What are some things you can do while you wait to start your next contract? 

Maybe you’ve worked 10 assignments in a row and want to take some time off. One of the incredible aspects of travel healthcare is that once your contract ends, you’re free to take off as much time as you’d like. With the extra compensation that comes with these positions, there’s so much you can do with your extra time (and money!). Here are a few suggestions: 

1. Travel Abroad 

You’ve already got the travel bug, and everyone has an international destination they’ve always wanted to go to. Take some time off in-between assignments to go there! Do you have a dream of backpacking through Europe? Take a month or so off before your next job starts, and check that off your list. For Uniti Med travel nurse, Avi went to not just one but several countries in her month-long hiatus. She flew to Dubai, Thailand, Singapore, and India before taking a new travel contract back in the states. Whether you want to take a few weeks or a few months off in-between assignments, you can use that time to get out of the country and experience new cultures and customs to make yourself even more well-traveled and well-rounded. 

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Uniti Med Travel Nurse Avi on one of her international trips! 

2. Visit Family and Friends 

 
If you want to stay within the country, you might take some time off to go back home and spend time with friends and family. As a healthcare traveler, many of your assignments are likely not close to home. This is your chance to go back and spend some quality time with your loved ones. Skip those midwestern winter visits and schedule some time off during the warmer months. Plan extra time off for a family wedding, or give that new mom in your life a visit. Some travelers work locally and can visit their loved ones as much as they’d like, but for those who are on the opposite side of the country and haven’t been able to make the time to go back home, this is the perfect opportunity to do it. 

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Uniti Med Travel Nurse Carissa, with family 

3. Stay and plan for your next adventure 

 
While with this option, you’re not exactly taking time “off” from work, you are taking some time to relax and regroup before jumping into a new assignment.  

There are plenty of reasons to stay at your current assignment for a little longer. Let’s say you’ve just finished an assignment and fell in love with it. You love your job, the place you’re staying, the people you’ve met, and all the unique spots in the town you’ve been staying in. You’re not ready to leave yet. You can always extend at your current facility until you figure out what you want to do next. 13 weeks can pass faster than you think, and there’s a chance you haven’t gotten to do or see everything you wanted. Maybe there’s a day trip you’ve been wanting to make or a brewery you’ve always wanted to try. Extending gives you time to do those things before you pack up and head on to the next place. 

Extending can also give you the time to get the licenses needed for that dream location you’ve been working towards. Maybe you’re planning an assignment with your travel bestie. Extending can buy you time while you wait until you’re both ready to take the plunge. 

No matter the reason you’re extending, it can give you a little “break” from the hustle of travel healthcare. 

time off
Uniti Traveler, Ciera 

A travel career offers many benefits, but one of the best is flexibility. A staff job only gives you so many vacation days; a travel career can give you as much time off as you want to do whatever you please. When your next assignment ends, consider treating yourself to some personal time before you make your next move. And when you do, make sure to document the whole thing so you can look back on your adventures. 

The Gypsy Nurse job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

April 25, 2019

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How to Plan for a Month-Long Vacation

travel nurse vacation
Photo by Bradley on Unsplash

As the summer months approach, the urge to pack up for a vacation hits a fever pitch. Whether you’re itching for long, languid days poolside or wanting to explore a new culture, the time to start planning your vacation is now. Luckily, you’re a travel nurse (or thinking about becoming one) which means that while you get to work in desirable locations, you also have the freedom to take time off in between assignments. Like the other aspects of the job, taking a vacation as a travel nurse requires a little organization and good old-fashioned planning. Follow these steps for a worry-free vacation, after all, you’ve earned it!

Budgeting

Taking a month-long vacation can take a big chunk out of your finances. 30 days without pay can seem daunting, but with the right planning, it can easily be done! First, track your recurring monthly expenses so you know exactly how much you’ll need to stay on top of bills. Next, look at flights, hotels, and any tours or excursions you’re wanting to do. Now that you have a baseline you’re ready to start making extra money for your trip — like referral bonuses! Here are some additional budgeting tips for travelers.

Overtime Pay

Working overtime is a great way to make extra money to use toward your vacation.  Most contracts have a bill rate for 36 hours but overtime pay won’t kick in until 40 hours. Ask your recruiter about those 4 hours. Some agencies offer pay packages that up your hourly rate on those additional hours until your contracted overtime kicks in. Need some help on negotiating overtime? We’ve got you covered.

Extension & Rebook Bonuses

Depending on when your vacation is, you may be able to extend or even rebook for another 13-week assignment. This is a great opportunity for a bonus.  Again, this is agency by agency, but it’s worth asking your recruiter. The agency won’t need to reimburse you for pre-employment screenings, so you may be able to get a bump in pay if not a bonus. Don’t leave any money on the floor that could go into your vacation fund.

Insurance

If you get health insurance through your agency, you likely pay out of each paycheck. But what about in between assignments? When you decide to take time off, will you be covered? It’s important to think about the level of coverage you feel comfortable with according to your lifestyle and activity level. Look for agencies that offer bridge programs. These will keep you covered while you travel to your new assignment, but they’re not meant to be long-term options.

COBRA Insurance

For longer vacations, COBRA may be your best bet. Unlike typical insurance, COBRA won’t be taken out of each paycheck, rather it will be paid all upfront so be prepared. Check with your agency and ask if they switch your insurance over to COBRA and reinstate you when you’re back on assignment — you typically even get to use the same insurance card.

This article details insurance options between contracts and goes into exactly how COBRA works.

Travel Insurance

Let’s talk about travel insurance too! What happens if your connecting flight is canceled, your luggage is stolen, or a tropical storm rolls in and derails your plans? Would you be okay eating that bill without getting the tan? While this isn’t something offered by healthcare staffing agencies, it’s an important step to protecting yourself against unfortunate situations. Travel insurance for travel nurses may require a few extra steps due to your unique occupation, read more here!

Planning

Logistics

When it comes to the logistics of your trip, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the details: flights, check-in times, and itineraries. You can also check with your agency to see if they can help. Some agencies are starting to offer an Employee Assistance Program as an added benefit with their health insurance packages. EAPs give travelers access to legal, financial, and work-life experts that can act as a concierge for you. Do you need a travel visa? Will your passport expire before you’re due to return?

Connectivity

Depending on your level of planning you may already have your next assignment lined up, but if not you’ll want to make sure you can connect with your recruiter. Will you need to have pre-employment screenings done immediately when you return? If you’re traveling somewhere remote, find coffee shops or other local businesses that offer free WiFi so you can be accessible.

See, Do & Stay

Start by leveraging online communities. Search destinations in The Travel Nurse Network or ask for recommendations to find the must-see places and hidden gems. Hotel Engine is a great place to find budget friendly accommodations. Check it out before you book your stay.

Another great resource for trip planning? Airbnb. While the savviest travel nurses know how to save on housing using Airbnb, but there is also a whole host of things Airbnb can help you with for your trip, like experiences. From food tours to one-of-a-kind local classes and excursions, you’ll find can’t-miss experiences from a trusted source. Explore experiences now and you just might find your next share-worthy memory. Another tried-and-true resource for activities? Groupon! From restaurants to local activities, you may save some cash trying something new.


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