The calendar has flipped into the holidays, and the heart of winter is upon us, making it the perfect time for traveling medical professionals to secure their next assignment. With an assignment as a travel nurse, allied health professional, or therapist, you can take advantage of the enviable freedom to essentially custom-design your season. This career path offers a unique crossroads: You can choose to swap your snow boots for flip-flops and escape the cold entirely, or you can embrace the chill and seek out a locale that offers true winter magic. Your choice of destination for your travel nursing assignment can dramatically alter your experience over the next few months, providing a much-needed change of scenery, a new professional challenge, and the chance to explore a different corner of the country. This moment is ideal for setting your sights on a destination that can enrich your career and your personal life.
The decision of where to go often boils down to a fundamental preference: sun or snow? If you’re determined to leave the freezing temperatures and gray skies behind, there is a cluster of southern and western states that offer a reliable winter refuge. Florida, for instance, is a classic choice, not just for its tropical weather but because of the massive seasonal patient demand created by “snowbirds,” retirees who migrate south from November through spring. Similarly, the desert climate of Arizona provides gorgeous winter days, with average temperatures in the comfortable 60s and 70s, which is perfect for exploring the uncrowded Grand Canyon or any number of magnificent hiking trails. Southern California boasts beautiful beaches and unique outdoor amenities year-round, making it a great place to catch the beginning of the gray whale migration in December.
Seek the Sun: Warm-Weather Havens
For travel nurses seeking a vibrant assignment where winter is simply a distant memory, several warm-weather states become high-demand professional destinations. In the Lone Star State, Texas offers remarkably pleasant winters where snow is an absolute rarity and the weather is ideal for exploring the vast expanse, rich food scenes, and vibrant nightlife, all with fewer tourists than the peak seasons. This is an excellent opportunity to live like a local and immerse yourself in the authentic Texas culture across its major cities or smaller towns. And don’t overlook the charm of Georgia, which offers a true Southern experience in cities like Savannah and Atlanta, always bustling, and within a day’s drive, with close and easy access to beaches, mountains, and farmlands. These sunnier assignments allow you to maintain an active, outdoor lifestyle throughout the year, keeping you energized and refreshed for your demanding professional work.
The flip side of the warm-weather draw is that competition for those sunny assignments can be fierce, often making those contracts harder to secure. Astute travelers know that choosing a destination that fully embraces winter can often lead to a more lucrative and equally rewarding experience, as facilities in colder climates are often willing to pay a premium to attract necessary medical staff. States that experience the full brunt of winter, like Massachusetts and New York, are frequently in dire need of traveling medical professionals, resulting in some of the highest pay rates in the country, especially when other travelers head south. While you may not be spending all your time outdoors, these states are home to unparalleled historical sites, world-class museums, and fantastic indoor amenities that will keep you entertained throughout your contract period.
Embrace the Cold: Winter Wonderland Contracts
For those who view snow as an opportunity rather than a nuisance, a winter assignment in a snowy locale can be an unforgettable adventure. A state like Washington experiences true winter conditions but rewards travelers with stunning, diverse nature, including snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests, and amazing winter hiking trails. The natural beauty of The Evergreen State provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities to recharge on your days off. Off in the Midwest, working in Illinois, home to top-rated hospitals, opens up unique winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating in addition to its thriving art centers and famous architecture in the greater Chicago area. These travel nursing assignments are perfect for the traveler who is always looking for a unique and memorable experience that few others pursue.
But for a truly wondrous, adventurous winter assignment, look toward Alaska: a destination that many travelers describe as a life-changing experience, particularly during the colder months. The ultimate draw here is the Northern Lights season, as the darker days and nights provide the best chance to witness the spectacular aurora borealis in person. While some summer tourist spots may be closed, the opportunity to partake in activities like dog sledding and other winter sports makes this a bucket-list contract for the dedicated traveler. No matter if your professional goal is to find the highest-paying contract or if your personal desire is to cross a destination off your list, the winter season is an exciting time to find travel nursing, therapy, or allied health assignments. It offers a fresh slate of possibilities to balance your career demands with unparalleled personal exploration across the vast landscape of the United States.
Ready to find your perfect winter destination, whether it’s by the beach or near a mountain slope? Contact a Ventura MedStaff recruiter today to explore high-paying contracts for nurses, allied health, and therapy professionals across the country!
