One of the best perks of being a travel nurse or therapist is the chance to explore new destinations while advancing your career. Beyond the hospitals, clinics, and care centers, your assignments can take you to some of the most exciting, beautiful, and unique corners of the country.
Top Locations By Specialty
Below are popular locations for travel assignments based on specialty. At CoreMedical Group, we are placing professionals all across the country – and tracking the best spots where career opportunities and lifestyle perks come together.
ICU
- Arizona - The Grand Canyon State is a traveler’s dream. Hike among Sedona’s red rocks, take in Flagstaff’s mountain trails, or spend a day at the Grand Canyon. Phoenix and Tucson bring their own energy with incredible food, art, and nightlife scenes – plus endless sunny days. Sports fan? Arizona is home to five professional sports teams – so you can catch an NFL game with the Cardinals, cheer on the Suns or Diamondbacks, or enjoy hockey and soccer action throughout the year.
- Oregon - From Portland’s quirky neighborhoods and food trucks to the serene Oregon coast, this state offers endless weekend escapes. Outdoor lovers can kayak, ski on Mount Hood, or explore waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Crater Lake National Park is also a must-see – it includes the deepest lake in the U.S. While it’s covered in snow most of the year, it’s open year-round.
ER
- North Carolina - With both mountains and beaches, North Carolina gives ER travelers variety. Explore the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the historic Biltmore Estate, or take in sunny days along the Outer Banks. For wine lovers, add the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail to your list – you’ll enjoy tastings and touring the various wineries and vineyards.
- Virginia - In Virginia, you can balance history with the great outdoors – hike along the Appalachian Trail, explore Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, or relax on the sandy shores of Virginia Beach. It’s the perfect state to recharge in nature between shifts. For history buffs, Virginia offers a chance to walk through America’s past with landmarks like Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Civil War battlefields.
OR
- Oklahoma - You may not think of adventure when you envision Oklahoma, but The Sooner State is full of surprises. Bricktown is a must-visit – it’s a popular dining and entertainment district on a canal near the Oklahoma River. If you love art, check out Factor Obscura Mix-Tape – it’s an immersive experience in Oklahoma City. The state is also full of museums and historical sites, which will give you a deeper appreciation of its rich legacy.
- Vermont - Experience all four seasons in The Green Mountain State! Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, skiing in winter, hiking in summer, and maple sugaring in spring. Love sweet treats? Take a factory tour at Ben & Jerry’s flagship location in Waterbury – complete with an ice cream tasting.
Home Health
- Michigan - The Great Lakes State boasts more freshwater coastline than anywhere else in the U.S. Water activities are popular here – such as sailing, scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking. A must-see is Mackinac Island – where you can step back in time with horse-drawn carriages, charming shops, and stunning lake views. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn is also a highly recommended stop, featuring historic automobiles, groundbreaking inventions, and interactive exhibits.
- South Carolina - Enjoy southern charm with a coastal twist. Popular spots include the iconic boardwalk on Myrtle Beach, beautiful beaches on Hilton Head Island, and Charleston’s cobblestone streets, colorful historic homes, and world-class Lowcountry cuisine.
Hospice
- Massachusetts - The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a rich history – and you can learn a lot on Freedom Trail. It’s a 2.5 mile long trail that passes through 16 historic locations. The New England Aquarium in Boston is also a top attraction, featuring a four-story tank containing coral reefs and hundreds of creatures. Sports lovers will also feel right at home – nothing beats catching a baseball game at Fenway Park.
- Florida - Sunshine is the backdrop here. Explore beautiful beaches from coast to coast, the vibrant nightlife in Miami, and thrilling theme parks in Orlando. Don’t overlook hidden gems in North Florida – such as state parks, natural springs, and crystal clear rivers. Ginnie Springs is great for diving, tubing, and paddleboarding.
Labor & Delivery
- California - Every region has its own personality. Go surfing in San Diego, wine tasting in Napa, hiking in Yosemite, or soak up Los Angeles’ arts and food scene. Be sure to check out world-class destinations like the Getty Center and Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Prefer the peace of nature? In spring and summer, look for beautiful fields of golden poppy, the state flower. Best places to see them are in Southern California.
- Texas - Big and bold, Texas offers major city vibes in Austin, Houston, and Dallas. Plus, experience cowboy culture, delicious BBQ, and natural escapes like Big Bend National Park or the Hill Country. Must-see landmarks in San Antonio include the River Walk, a 15-mile waterway through downtown, and the Alamo.
Long-Term Care (LTC)
- New Mexico - Known as the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico’s landscapes range from desert to mountains. Santa Fe’s art scene, Albuquerque’s balloon festival, and White Sands National Park are must-sees.
- New Hampshire - Small but mighty, New Hampshire offers White Mountain hikes, cozy lake retreats, and charming seaside towns. It’s a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and New England charm.
Medical-Surgical Nursing (Med/Surg)
- New York - Beyond the bustle of NYC, New York State offers the Adirondacks for hiking, Niagara Falls for sightseeing, and Finger Lakes wine country for relaxation. New York is also home to Letchworth State Park, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” It features three large waterfalls between cliffs and trails for horseback riding.
- Illinois - Chicago shines with its deep-dish pizza, lakefront, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods. Downstate Illinois has charming small towns and natural escapes like Starved Rock State Park.
Telehealth
- Ohio - A mix of big city and Midwest charm, Ohio has the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, a buzzing food scene in Columbus, and Hocking Hills State Park for nature lovers. For a taste of nostalgia, visit the original house from “A Christmas Story” – you can even stay the night and sleep in Ralphie and Randy’s beds.
- Missouri - From St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch to Kansas City’s legendary BBQ and jazz, Missouri balances urban fun with scenic outdoor escapes in the Ozarks. If you’re an animal lover, check out the 6,000+ animals at the St. Louis Zoo. Add Branson to your list if you love live music, shows, and thrill rides.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Your next travel assignment isn’t just about work – it’s also about creating memories, exploring new places, and living life to the fullest. Whether you’re drawn to the mountains, beaches, small towns, or big cities, CoreMedical Group has opportunities waiting for you across the country. Connect with one of our recruiters today to find your next adventure!
