Looking at Healthcare Travel Contracts this Winter? Here's Your Guide

Your choices are endless. Here are some things to consider 

Winter doesn't have to mean putting your travel plans on hold. It could mean spending your days off exploring Arizona's desert trails, enjoying the beaches along Florida's Gulf Coast, or skiing in the mountains of Colorado. For healthcare professionals working in radiology, respiratory therapy, laboratory sciences, surgical services, and other allied health specialties, travel contracts can offer the opportunity to experience a new destination while continuing to build your career. Whether you're hoping to escape the cold, embrace winter sports, or discover a city you've never visited, here's where to start planning your next healthcare travel contract.

If You Want Sunshine and Outdoor Adventures 

If your ideal winter includes warm afternoons, scenic trails, and spending more time outside, consider destinations in the Southeast and Southwest. These regions offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors without dealing with the freezing temperatures and snow common farther north.

Tampa Bay, Florida: Gulf Coast Beaches and Waterfront Adventures 

Florida's Gulf Coast is worth considering if you want to spend your winter near the water. With Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater in the region, you can enjoy a mix of beaches, waterfront parks, restaurants, and entertainment during your time off. Winter also brings more comfortable temperatures for activities like kayaking, biking, and exploring local nature preserves. 

• Explore Clearwater Beach. Spend a day relaxing on the white-sand beaches, walking along Pier 60, or watching the sunset over the Gulf.

• Visit Fort De Soto Park. Located near St. Petersburg, this coastal park offers beaches, kayaking opportunities, biking trails, and places to spot wildlife.

• Discover downtown St. Petersburg. Explore the St. Pete Pier, visit the Salvador Dalí Museum, or spend an afternoon enjoying the city's waterfront restaurants and arts scene. 

What to consider: Tampa Bay covers a large area, and commuting between Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg can take longer than expected. Compare housing options near your potential facility and account for seasonal rental demand, parking, and bridge traffic. 

What to pack: Lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Bring a rain jacket and a few warmer layers for occasional cold fronts. 

Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona: Desert Trails and Mountain Views 

If you'd rather trade snow for desert scenery, the Phoenix metropolitan area offers opportunities to explore the Sonoran Desert throughout the winter. Cooler seasonal temperatures make hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities more comfortable than during the summer months. Between adventures, you'll find restaurants, museums, sporting events, and entertainment throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding communities. 

• Hike at Papago Park. Explore accessible desert trails and enjoy views of the area's distinctive red sandstone formations. 

• Visit the Desert Botanical Garden. Discover native desert plants and learn about the Sonoran Desert while exploring the garden's outdoor trails. 

• Spend a weekend in Sedona. Plan a getaway to see the area's famous red-rock landscapes, explore local shops, and enjoy scenic hiking trails. Keep in mind that Sedona is at a higher elevation and can experience snow and ice during winter. 

What to consider: Phoenix is geographically spread out, so research the distance between your workplace, potential housing, and the outdoor areas you want to visit. If you plan to hike regularly, consider how much driving you're comfortable doing on your days off. 

What to pack: Breathable layers, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a warm jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. Desert temperatures can change significantly after sunset.

San Diego, California: Coastal Trails and Year-Round Exploring 

San Diego offers a combination of beaches, coastal neighborhoods, hiking trails, and city attractions that makes it appealing for healthcare professionals looking for a mild winter destination. You can spend a morning exploring the coastline, visit a museum in the afternoon, and try a new restaurant in the evening.

• Explore La Jolla Cove. Walk along the coastal paths, watch sea lions from designated viewing areas, and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean. The nearby La Jolla Underwater Park is also popular for kayaking and snorkeling when ocean conditions allow.
• Spend a day at Balboa Park. Discover museums, gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions in one of San Diego's best-known destinations.
• Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Explore coastal trails overlooking the ocean, with opportunities to enjoy the area's distinctive sandstone cliffs and native vegetation.

What to consider: San Diego's housing costs can be significant, particularly in coastal neighborhoods. Compare your full pay package, available housing reimbursements, and commute times before deciding which part of the city makes the most sense.

What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes, breathable layers, a light jacket, sun protection, and a rain jacket for occasional winter storms.

If You Want Snow-Covered Mountains and Winter Sports 

If winter means ski weekends, snowy mountain towns, and scenic drives, consider healthcare travel contracts in destinations with access to winter recreation. Just remember that proximity matters. A contract in a mountain state doesn't necessarily mean you'll be close to a ski resort or hiking trail. 

Denver, Colorado: A City Home Base with Mountain Getaways 

Denver can be a great option if you want to experience Colorado's winter recreation without living directly in a mountain town. You'll have access to restaurants, museums, professional sports, and entertainment throughout the city, with opportunities to plan mountain adventures on your days off.

• Plan a ski or snowboard weekend. Resorts such as Loveland Ski Area, Winter Park, and Keystone offer opportunities to hit the slopes, although travel times depend heavily on traffic and road conditions.
• Explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy snow-covered scenery, winter hiking, and snowshoeing in designated areas. Check the National Park Service's winter access information before visiting.
• Discover Denver's neighborhoods. Spend an afternoon exploring RiNo's art galleries and restaurants, visit the Denver Art Museum, or catch a game at Ball Arena.

What to consider: Weekend traffic heading into the mountains can be significant, especially during ski season. Research your commute to the facility separately from your travel time to recreational areas. Factor in winter driving conditions, resort expenses, and housing costs when planning your budget.

What to pack: An insulated winter coat, waterproof boots, gloves, a hat, warm base layers, and wool socks. If you're planning to ski or snowboard, decide whether bringing your equipment or renting locally is more practical.

Salt Lake City, Utah: Mountain Adventures Close to the City

Salt Lake City offers a combination of urban convenience and access to the Wasatch Mountains. Healthcare professionals who enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing can find plenty of winter activities within the surrounding region. And if winter sports aren't your thing, the city also offers museums, restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.

• Explore the Cottonwood Canyons. Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Canyons are home to several popular ski areas, including Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, and Alta.
• Try snowshoeing or winter hiking. Explore designated winter trails around the Wasatch Front while enjoying mountain views.
• Spend a weekend in Park City. Visit the historic downtown, explore restaurants and shops, or plan a day of skiing at one of the nearby resorts.

What to consider: Mountain roads can experience heavy snowfall, traffic restrictions, and temporary closures. Before choosing housing, research your daily commute and the distance to the recreational areas you're most interested in visiting.

What to pack: Waterproof winter boots, insulating layers, a heavy coat, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring appropriate traction equipment if you plan to explore icy trails.

If You Want City Life with Weekend Getaway Options  

Maybe your ideal winter isn't about escaping the cold or spending every weekend on the slopes. Perhaps you'd rather explore a new city's restaurants, museums, neighborhoods, and entertainment while still having opportunities for outdoor adventures. These destinations offer a little of both.

Nashville, Tennessee: Live Music, Food, and Weekend Exploring

Nashville is a destination for healthcare professionals who enjoy live entertainment, restaurants, and discovering new neighborhoods. While winter temperatures can be chilly, the city offers plenty of indoor activities alongside parks and nearby outdoor destinations.

• Experience Nashville's music scene. Visit the Grand Ole Opry, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, or catch live performances at venues throughout the city.
• Explore Centennial Park. Walk around the park, visit the Parthenon, and enjoy outdoor space when the weather cooperates.
• Plan a weekend getaway to Chattanooga. Explore Lookout Mountain, visit local attractions, and discover scenic outdoor areas a few hours from Nashville.

What to consider: Nashville's neighborhoods vary significantly in housing costs and commute times. If you're considering a contract at a facility outside downtown, research housing near your workplace rather than assuming you'll want to live in the city's entertainment districts.

What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes, sweaters, a warm jacket, waterproof footwear, and layers for changing temperatures.

Charlotte, North Carolina: Urban Attractions and Mountain Escapes

Charlotte offers a balance of city amenities and access to outdoor recreation. During a winter healthcare travel contract, you could spend your evenings exploring local restaurants and neighborhoods, then plan a weekend trip toward the Blue Ridge Mountains.

• Explore the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Enjoy trails and seasonal outdoor activities, with offerings varying throughout the year.
• Discover Uptown Charlotte. Visit museums, catch a professional sporting event, or explore the city's dining and entertainment options.
• Take a trip to the mountains. Plan a weekend around Asheville or other western North Carolina destinations for scenic views, local shops, and winter hiking when conditions allow.

What to consider: Charlotte is a growing metropolitan area, and commute times can vary depending on where you live and work. If mountain adventures are a priority, research realistic drive times rather than assuming you'll be close to the trails.

What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes, everyday layers, a rain jacket, and a warmer coat for colder days. Bring additional winter gear if you're planning mountain trips.

Why Take a Healthcare Travel Contract During Winter?

Winter can be an opportunity to experience a different part of the country while continuing to work in your healthcare specialty. Whether you're a CT technologist, respiratory therapist, medical laboratory scientist, surgical technologist, or another allied healthcare professional, travel contracts can allow you to gain experience in different facilities, work with new teams, and explore destinations that fit your lifestyle. Some healthcare facilities may have seasonal staffing needs or openings that align with winter contract dates. However, that doesn't automatically mean winter contracts offer higher pay. Compensation depends on your specialty, location, facility, contract requirements, and available openings. Before committing to your next healthcare travel contract, here are a few things to discuss with your recruiter:

• Available positions in your specialty. Ask about current openings in your preferred destinations, including shift schedules, required certifications, and facility expectations.
• Weekly pay packages. Compare actual offers, including taxable wages and any applicable housing or travel reimbursements.
• Contract length and start dates. Many healthcare travel contracts last around 13 weeks, but durations and extension opportunities can vary.
• Housing and travel expenses. Discuss furnished housing options, housing stipends, travel reimbursements, and other expenses that may affect your budget.
• Benefits and support. Ask about health insurance, retirement benefits, and the resources available to you throughout your contract.
• Scheduling and time off. If you're hoping to ski, hike, or take weekend trips, make sure you understand your shift schedule, weekend requirements, and time-off policies before accepting an offer.

The goal is to find a contract that fits your professional experience, financial priorities, and the activities you want to enjoy outside work. 

Find Your Next Healthcare Travel Contract This Winter

Whether you're hoping to spend your winter exploring Arizona's desert trails, enjoying Florida's beaches, skiing in Colorado, or discovering a new city, healthcare travel contracts can give you the opportunity to experience somewhere different while continuing to build your career. Start by thinking about what you want your time outside work to look like. Then compare available positions, pay packages, housing options, and facility expectations in the destinations that interest you.

Ready to see where your next contract could take you? Explore healthcare travel jobs with Jackson HealthPros and connect with a recruiter to discuss your specialty, preferred destinations, and available opportunities.