December 29, 2023

2848 Views

Tips for Adjusting to a New City While Travel Nursing

Posted on December 29, 2023December 14, 2023 by TRS Healthcare

TRS Healthcare provided this article.

While being able to experience new places is one of the major benefits of a travel nursing career, moving to unfamiliar places can sometimes be stressful. If you need help adjusting to new settings, check out these helpful tips for feeling more at home on your next travel nursing assignment!

Tips for Adjusting to a New City While Travel Nursing:

Research the Area

Before taking off for your travel assignment, take some time to research the area you’re headed to. Not only will having this information help you know what to expect when you arrive, but it can also get you excited about relocating to a new place. Start with common local details, such as what the weather is like, how quickly traffic moves, where the closest grocery store is, etc. Then, expand your research into activities you want to try during your downtime, such as landmarks you want to see, outdoor spaces you want to explore, and local cuisine you want to sample.

Break in Your Living Space

It’s hard to feel at home when you’re living out of a suitcase, which is why one of the first things you should do when relocating for a travel nursing job is to make your living space feel like home. Even if it’s a temporary place to settle down during your assignment, it’s nice to have somewhere cozy to come back to after a long day. Be sure to unpack any boxes and unload your suitcases. In addition, if you’ve brought along any personal items—such as pictures of family and friends or treasured knick-knacks—display those prominently in your living space so that you feel more comfortable.

Stick to Your Routine

Even though it may not be exactly the same while you’re traveling, maintaining your daily routine in a new place can provide structure and help you adjust quicker. For instance, if you go to the gym every day, find somewhere to work out in your new city. Or, if you like to start your mornings with a cup of coffee, find a coffee shop or cafe that reminds you of your favorite spot back home.

Explore Local Hot Spots

Adjusting to a new place isn’t all about relying on familiar feelings. It’s just as important to embrace new experiences, too. While you’re on a travel assignment in a new city, use your downtime to check out local hot spots, such as restaurants, lounges, music venues, boutiques, parks, and more. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can always get great recommendations by asking your new coworkers about their favorite places to go around town.

Get to Know Your Coworkers

As with any industry, it can be hard to come into an established workplace as a fresh face. This is why it’s important for you, as a travel nurse, to get to know your coworkers. Not only can fostering a positive, professional relationship with permanent staff help you get settled faster, but it can also provide you with a built-in social group whenever you want to explore the town after work.

Stay in Touch with Your Support System

While you’re on assignment, don’t forget about the friends and family you have. Having a support system helps boost your mood, make you feel more connected to your loved ones, and puts you in a better emotional state to embrace your new environment. Try to schedule regular phone or video calls with friends and family to share what’s going on with your assignment and get updates from them about what’s happening back home. This can help keep you grounded while traveling.

Have more ideas or tips on how to adjust in your new city while travel nursing? Comment below! We’d love to hear from you.

Our 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.

By Advantage Medical Professionals

October 2, 2023

2931 Views

10 Must-See Museums for the Adventurous Travel Nurse

Posted on October 2, 2023October 2, 2023 by Advantage Medical Professionals

Advantage Medical Professionals provided this article.

Travel nursing is a rewarding profession that allows healthcare professionals to make a difference in the lives of patients while experiencing new cities and hospitals across the nation. But beyond the stethoscopes and scrubs, there’s another side to travel nursing – one that allows you to explore your creative and cultural interests. And what better time to do so than during National Arts & Humanities Month?

As October unfolds, the United States comes alive with artistic and intellectual vigor. National Arts & Humanities Month is a celebration of the rich tapestry of human expression from the visual arts to literature, music, history, and more. Whether you’re currently on assignment or planning your next adventure, you can seize this opportunity to connect with the creative side of life and nurture your passions. In this article, we’ll explore how you can celebrate National Arts & Humanities Month by infusing your travel nursing journey with the magic of culture and creativity.

1. The Getty Center – Los Angeles, California

Perched atop a hill in Los Angeles, the Getty Center offers not only a stunning architectural experience but also an impressive collection of art. The museum features European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and beautiful gardens with breathtaking views of the city. It’s a serene oasis in the bustling city of Los Angeles.

2. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – San Francisco, California

Located in San Francisco, MoMA houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. It’s a place where you can explore the avant-garde and discover works by iconic artists like Jackson Pollock, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol. The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions that showcase the latest trends in the art world.

3. The Outsiders House – Tulsa, Oklahoma

If the names Ponyboy, Sodapop, or Johnny Cade mean anything to you, we insist you take a trip down memory lane right into Greaser territory – or, in this case, a very real neighborhood in Oklahoma. The fictional home of Ponyboy Curtis and its surrounding Tulsa neighborhood were hand-picked by Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola to film the movie adaptation of “The Outsiders” book by author S.E. Hinton. In the spirit of preserving the house and memorabilia from this 80s-era cult classic, that iconic house the Curtis brothers called home in the film was frozen in time as The Outsiders House Museum. As healthcare professionals, we can all use the occasional reminder to “Stay Golden”.

4. Houston Museum of Natural Science – Houston, Texas

The Houston Museum of Natural Science includes a constant rotation of temporary and permanent exhibits like the Cabinet of Curiosities and the Morian Hall of Paleontology. The museum is also home to an IMAX theatre, observatory, and a planetarium that boasts its own popular exhibits like Black Holes and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.

5. Perot Museum of Nature and Science – Dallas, Texas

The Perot Science Museum is a massive 6-story museum in the heart of downtown Dallas. Each of the museum’s six floors is dedicated to a different branch of science (astronomy, human anatomy, and geology, to name just a few) that offers a wide variety of interactive exhibits guaranteed to pique anyone’s curiosity. The uniquely modern architecture and design make the Perot Museum building a scientific wonder all on its own. Visit their website to purchase tickets and check out their rotation of special exhibits and events like ‘Thursdays on Tap’.

6. Tabasco Factory & Museum – Avery Island, Louisiana

How often do you get to see firsthand how something as beloved and ubiquitous as Tabasco is made? It’s definitely worth the trip to the southeast Louisiana coast (near Grand Isle) to Avery Island, Louisiana for the Tabasco Factory Tour. You can tour the TABASCO plant, take a relaxing walk through the mature oaks in Jungle Gardens, or attend one of the culinary demos & tastings throughout the week.

7. The National WWII Museum – New Orleans, Louisiana

For those interested in history, particularly the history of World War II, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans is a must-see. This museum provides a comprehensive look at the war’s impact on the world and the individuals who lived through it. It offers a powerful and moving experience, making it a valuable stop for travel nurses with an appreciation for history.

8. The Art Institute of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is known for its vibrant arts scene, and the Art Institute of Chicago is a cornerstone of that cultural landscape. This world-renowned museum is home to an extensive collection of art, including famous works like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jette.” Art-loving travel nurses can easily spend hours exploring its galleries.

9. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Richmond, Virginia

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, or VMFA, is a cultural source of pride for Richmond, Virginia. Not only is it one of the largest art museums, but it is also one of the largest museums in North America. A visit here is a fantastic way to relax and restore your mental and spiritual batteries after a stretch of long, demanding nursing shifts. If you’re feeling particularly inspired after strolling through the museum’s countless exhibits, you won’t have to look far for help nurturing that creative spark. VMFA also offers a variety of hands-on classes like photography, drawing, painting, sculpting, and digital arts to help create your own masterpiece.

10. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – New York City, New York

No list of top museums in the United States would be complete without mentioning the Metropolitan Museum of Art, often referred to as “The Met.” Located on the eastern edge of Central Park in New York City, this iconic museum houses an extensive collection of art from various cultures and time periods. Travel nurses can spend days exploring its exhibits, which include Egyptian artifacts, European paintings, and contemporary art.

As a travel nurse, you have the unique opportunity to explore different cities and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the United States. Museums offer a fantastic way to do just that, allowing you to expand your horizons and gain a deeper appreciation for the places you visit. Whether you’re drawn to art, history, science, or aviation, a U.S. museum will cater to your interests. So, make the most of your assignments by including visits to these cultural treasures in your itinerary, and you’ll create lasting memories while enriching your understanding of the world around you.

>> Start planning your next travel nursing adventure TODAY!

Our 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:

START HERE

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

By Uniti Med

May 18, 2023

4986 Views

Five Tips for Making the Most of Your Experience in a New City as a Travel Nurse

Posted on May 18, 2023June 26, 2023 by Uniti Med

Uniti Med provided this article.

Traveling to a new city as a travel nurse can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s an opportunity to explore a new place, discover its unique culture and attractions, and meet new people.

Here are five ways to make the most of your experience in a new city!

Research the city before you go –

Before you travel, it’s a good idea to research the city. Look up the main attractions, popular neighborhoods, and local traditions. You can also find information on public transportation, local events, and dining options.

Livability <– You can find data-driven rankings, editorial listicles, articles, and more. Search by state to narrow down your options.

Try local cuisine –

One of the best things about traveling is trying new foods. Each city has its own unique cuisine, and trying local dishes is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. You can research popular restaurants or markets in the area or ask locals for recommendations.

Need help finding the best spots?

Yelp <– Search for local restaurants and read reviews from others. You can filter by cuisine type and location.

Join a tour –

Joining a tour is an excellent way to see the city and learn more about its history. You can choose from a variety of tours, including walking tours, bike tours, or bus tours. Many tours also offer local guides who can provide insider tips and recommendations.

Looking for a great resource to find the perfect tour?

TripAdvisor <– Offers a wide range of tours and activities in different cities. You can search by destination, activity type, and rating and book directly through the platform.

Meet locals –

Strike up a conversation with the locals you meet along the way. Not only will you get to know your new city, but according to a study, talking to people you encounter throughout the day makes you happier.

Be open to new experiences –

Finally, the most important tip for traveling in a new city is to be open to new experiences. Try new foods, explore new neighborhoods, and embrace the local traditions. Traveling is all about stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing something new.

By researching the city before you go, trying local cuisine, joining a tour, meeting locals, and being open to new experiences, you can make the most of the journey and create lasting memories.

Happy travels!

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:

START HERE

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

By Medely

August 31, 2022

5119 Views

Where to Find Free Activities on Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment

Posted on August 31, 2022August 31, 2022 by Medely

Medely provided this article.

Moving to a new community for a travel nurse assignment is always an exciting time. It can also be busy, lonely, and expensive! Hosted activities can help you enjoy your downtime, get to know a beautiful city, and make a few friends along the way. But how do you find good options that don’t cost a ton?

As a travel nurse or allied professional, you don’t always have a lot of time to settle in. In this post, we’ll look at six ideas to help you put together a list of free (or cheap) adventures so you can start exploring quickly.

Where to Find Free Activities on Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment

1. Start with the things you love most

How do you spend your time when you’re not busy working in healthcare facilities? This is an obvious starting point, but for that same reason, it can be easy to overlook—especially when everything about your travel assignment is unfamiliar.

Focusing on your biggest interests can offer fresh ideas as you navigate a new community. Here are a few potential venues to check out:

Love the outdoors? Check Facebook or your nearest sporting goods shop for promoted events with a local hiking club.
Enjoy a heated game of Catan or Monopoly? Ask the local gaming store if they host a regular board game night.
Does working with yarn help you relax? Search Meetup.com or nearby craft shops for knitting or crochet groups that have open events coming up.
Are you a trivia fan? Check out nearby pubs and cafes to see whether any of them hosts a weekly or monthly trivia night.
Are you always volunteering for something? Get in touch with a local charity that supports a cause you’re passionate about or see if there’s an organization that helps place volunteers wherever they’re needed most.

Open-invite social events can be a fun thing to do on a Saturday night, but they can also be an intimidating way to meet people beyond other medical professionals. Using niche interests to find activities like photography walks, language exchanges, and book clubs means you’ll already have something in common.

2. Find the most popular attractions online

Travel websites, such as Travelocity and Expedia, can point you toward popular attractions and locations. Checking Google is automatic—but you can do a more focused search with fewer ads and distractions using Google’s Travel Planner. Go right to the Things To Do search for a list of local hot spots.

3. Visit the tourism office

The local tourism office has the most up-to-date information about upcoming activities and events such as carnivals, festivals, and public performances. Chances are they have a great website, too, but there are a few good reasons to visit in person:

You can ask about free activities and get a straight answer! You won’t have to scan multiple websites to find the info you’re looking for.
You’ll typically find a collection of printed flyers and seasonal publications that shine a spotlight on events, holidays, and activities over the next few months.
There may be “hidden” coupons or discount cards for residents that don’t show up on travel-focused sites. For example, some cities offer low-cost tickets or free entry times for museums, parks, and other public facilities.

Most importantly, the people who work at the tourism office can offer personalized recommendations and honest advice to answer your most burning questions about life in the area.

4. Look for a free walking tour or make your own

Guided walking tours, often offered “by donation”, are a fun way to learn the stories that have shaped a city and get tips for places you should check out next. Get an introduction to the downtown area or take an architecture or art tour to gain a fresh perspective of your surroundings.

What can you do in smaller cities that don’t have the demand to support regular tours? Try a DIY approach!

Open your favorite maps app and make your own route by pinning features such as public gardens, museums, art galleries, or public walking paths.
Pick a theme and go on a scavenger hunt for things like statues, street art, historical signs, cool buildings, or incredible restaurants to visit in the future.
Look for audio travel guides through websites such as Audible or the Libby app (which can be accessed for free with a library card).

5. Use popular apps for ideas and inspiration

Use information from popular apps and websites to create a customized list of adventures—and consider inviting a new friend or colleague to go with you!

Which apps should you check out?

Social networks are a rich source of information and TikTok has become a particularly great travel guide. Search hashtags for your new city, county, and state to see what comes up!
Exercise-tracking apps like MapMyRun and Strava can help you find top nearby routes for activities such as running, walking, or cycling.
If you prefer getting into the wilderness instead, download the AllTrails app. Their filters can help you find hiking trails with the right difficulty and length.
This might be the perfect time to discover Geocaching if you haven’t already. Geocaching is a GPS-driven treasure hunt for caches all over the world.
If you appreciate the weird and wonderful, Atlas Obscura can point you toward bizarre monuments, haunted ruins, and other unexpected locales.

6. Connect with locals

Nothing makes it easier to start feeling comfortable than a few new friends. Sites and apps such as Nextdoor, Couchsurfing, and Meetup can help you find friendly acquaintances as well as your nearest neighbors. Find these and other recommendations on our list of smart apps for travel nurses and allied pros.

Another great way to connect with people in your area is through Facebook Groups. Search for groups in your assignment location such as New To Austin 20/30s (NTA) or Sacramento what’s going on!—they’re full of people just like you who are:

Trying to figure out life in a new place
Looking for recommendations and advice
Hoping to meet people to have fun with

You don’t have to meet anybody in person if you don’t want to. Being active on these sites gives you a place to ask questions and learn from others with as much—or as little—commitment as you prefer.

Adjusting to a travel nurse assignment in a place where very little is familiar can be as engaging as it is stressful. Make time for self-care, fun, and socializing outside of your new travel assignment! Use these ideas to start filling your calendar and, before you know it, you’ll feel more settled and ready to share this amazing location with friends and family who come to visit.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. If housing is an issue, we have you covered with our housing page. You can search for what you are looking for.

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

START HERE

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

By AB Staffing Solutions

August 8, 2022

2144 Views

How to Thrive in a New City

Posted on August 8, 2022August 1, 2022 by AB Staffing Solutions

AB Staffing Solutions provided this article.

Moving to a new city can be exciting as much as it can be intimidating. When you arrive, get settled into housing. Get your bed ready. Unpack your favorite items. Take a shower. Grab basic groceries. Find your way to your new assignment, so you know where to go on your first day. That will get you started traveling and thriving in your new city. Once you have done the basics, start exploring to find your favorite places.

Step outside. Explore the parks. Find local coffee shops, walking or hiking trails, restaurants, music, and more. Ask local folks what they like to spend their time doing. Servers and bartenders make valuable resources for recommendations, especially if you’re looking for a specific type of event or venue. Check social media, including Facebook groups for travel nurses, to see what’s popular in your new city.

Always be careful and mindful of your surroundings. Going out late at night in any city is risky, especially if you’re alone. Please be careful as you get to know the people and places. If you have a bad encounter, please let your recruiter know. They also love to know when and where you’re adventuring and welcome lots of pictures!

Tips to Thrive in a New City

This is an opportunity to embrace what you love and explore new interests. One person told us she bought a camera and started a hobby taking photographs of her new city. Another decided to try a new fitness class. And others have found a love for the outdoors in hiking and camping.

Ask your recruiter if they have information about the area and if there are other travelers from their agency in your city. They may have recommendations of places to visit, or to avoid, both of which are important.
Walk around at various times of the day to get a feel for where people gather. On the weekends, there may be activity in the arts district, but the music scene is hopping during the week. Who knows, you may meet new people along the way!
Do something different. If you’ve always wanted to garden, take a class or visit the botanical garden. If you’ve always wanted to climb the steps of a famous building, go for it! Explore your interests as much as you’re exploring your city.
Visit the local farmers’ market. Meet the people who grow your food. Taste the local fruits and vegetables. Grab a bouquet of locally grown flowers to spruce up your new home.
Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, school, or nonprofit. It’s a wonderful way to meet people and learn about the city’s needs.
Search social media groups and hashtags like #yourcityevents or #yourcityart to find events of interest.
Grab a cup of coffee and read a book at a local coffee shop. They may also have live music to enjoy, or groups that meet that are of interest to you.
Eat local fare. Ask what the city is known for. If you’re in Philadelphia, grab a cheesesteak. If you’re in New York, try the pizza. If you’re on an Indian reservation in Arizona, try their local cuisine. Ask neighbors and coworkers where they like to eat and what they like to order and try something new.
Search for tours of your city. Often there are self-guided and guided bus and walking tours available. In Charlotte, NC, there are ghost tours offered at night. In New York City, you can join a Big Apple Tour to get a feel for the city. It’s a fun way to get to know your new city.
Local publications are a terrific way to learn what’s happening. Neighborhoods may offer special events like music and other entertainment as well as larger venues. Sporting events or environmental walks may also be available.
Pet-friendly events are another way to meet people. Dog parks and pet-specific celebrations are popular. It will get you and your pup out of the house for exercise and to socialize.

It might seem strange, but we recommend settling. Truly get to know the people and culture wherever you are, for however long you’re there. Lean into the unknown and do things you don’t normally do. Expand your interests and meet new people. Think of thriving in a new city as an adventure!

Yes, it will be a bit overwhelming at first, but you will find your way. Take it at a pace that suits you and your lifestyle. Whether walking the parks of a city or hiking, we encourage you to embrace your home and take advantage of all it offers.

Our 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:

START HERE

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

By The Gypsy Nurse

August 2, 2020

6166 Views

The Best Ways to Explore Your New City Part II

Posted on August 2, 2020May 19, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

Guest Post By: Kelly Korb

I’m currently a few weeks into my 3^rd travel assignment and it is by far my favorite so far, in terms of access to virtually anything I’m in the mood for. Downtown is about 15 minutes away, two malls are less than 30 minutes away, and I’m steps (yes, you heard me correctly) steps away from a nearby Starbucks! Navigating a new area can be a bit daunting, but here’s what I’ve discovered to be very helpful.

Do your research:

Ahead of time, I mean. Before I move to a new place, I Google map my address and search for things nearby and how long they’ll take me to get there. I really like shopping, so I always try to see if a mall is nearby. (I also map the hospital I’m working at!) Search for restaurants, hiking trails; whatever you’re in the mood for!

Ask around:

Your new co-workers are a great resource for getting to know what’s around. Chances are, they have a few good recommendations to explore and for a great place to catch a good bite to eat. Know ahead of time what your interests are, and ask around. Everywhere I’ve been so far, my co-workers are very willing to share their #1 picks.

Just drive:

Yep, you heard me. Pick a day and just explore. No GPS, no maps, nothing! I’ve done this every time I’ve traveled so far, and I have discovered some great finds just by getting lost. Just recently actually, I ended up going in the completely wrong direction, but the views were absolutely gorgeous that I really didn’t mind! Just be wary of sudden stops, one-way signs, that sort of thing.

So there you have it. Happy exploring! ?

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Katie McBeth

August 1, 2020

17545 Views

The Best Ways to Explore Your New City Part I

Posted on August 1, 2020May 19, 2021 by Katie McBeth

Guest Post By: Katie McBeth

You’ve moved into your new apartment in your new city for your next big travel nurse adventure. You’ve unpacked and gotten comfortable, and you’ve found your way to the office and back. You’ve made it, and you’re ready for your new assignment!

But … now what?

Now that you’ve gotten settled, it’s time to really branch out and explore your new temporary home. Half the excitement of being a travel nurse sees a brand new part of the world, so why not explore when you have the time? Here are five tips on how to properly explore and experience your new city:

1.) Be A Tourist

When it comes to exploring your new city, don’t shy away from the idea of becoming a tourist for a day. Particularly if you’re staying in one of the bigger metropolitan areas of the United States, there are plenty of sites and attractions that can fill up your days. If you’re staying in a smaller town, there are more than likely still some lovely tourist spots to check out.

Mostly, take advantage of whatever free tourist attractions there may be in your area. For example, if you’re in the San Diego area, there are plenty of free activities that draw in tourists from all over, including brewery tours, scenic beaches, beautiful historic parks, and nationally renowned forests just outside of town. Embrace your inner explorer, and take advantage of the local fare while you can. It might even help you find your new favorite restaurant or hangout spot!

If you’re willing to spend a little money, you can check to see if your town offers tourist passes. The passes vary depending on the city, but many of them combine public transportation, admission to popular museums, and discounts at shops all onto one card for a select amount of days (typically one to five days). This way, you can save money on the price of admission and get all your tourist travels out of the way in a single weekend.

2.) Create a Mission

When you arrive in your new town, you might feel a bit intimidated. Especially if it’s a big city, where are you supposed to start exploring?

One of the best ways to overcome this obstacle is to sit down and draw out a mission. Do you want to find the cheapest grocery store? Do you want to figure out the public transportation system? Maybe you want to try to find the rainbow bagels everyone is talking about in Brooklyn.

Whatever your mission is, sit down, plan it out, and then execute it. Use local transportation if it’s available to you to learn the ins and outs of the system. This will also come in handy if your car ever breaks down or wants to go out for drinks and not spend money on a cab. Also, make sure you have a way to find yourself in case you get lost. The last thing you need is to find yourself in an alleyway with no cellphone coverage and no idea which way is up.

However, creating a mission and setting out to do little tasks at a time can really help you fully explore the new city. You’ll be able to ground yourself, know your surroundings a little better, and find your way through tough situations if they ever arise in the future.

3.) Learn the History

Each town has its own story, and you won’t fully appreciate the town until you know its history. You might be able to find some of that history in the local parks and museums, but the real hidden gem of every city is its library.

That’s right: books! Whether you’re traveling with your family or just by yourself, take advantage of the free local library and read up on the town’s history. Most libraries will have sections devoted just to local legends and significant people, and librarians are more than happy to help you dive into the legacy of your new town. They also can suggest popular places to explore if you want to get more hands-on experience.

Although not every town will have an in-depth history like Boston or New York City, your new city will undoubtedly offer up some unique surprises. Diving into history will help you discover its hidden gems.

4.) Live Like the Locals

Once you get your tourism bug out of the way, you’ll want to get fully settled into your new town. Although you might only be there for a few months at a time, sometimes playing a tourist can be exhausting. Instead, start to make the transition to “local.” One of the best ways to do this is to chat with other locals in the area.

Ask your coworkers where their favorite spots to eat out are located, and chat with the people you meet around town for further suggestions. Find out what food is considered the “local fare” and explore the various restaurants that specialize in that food.

Visit the farmers market (almost every town has one in the summer), explore the outdoors around the town, and volunteer with local groups to really get comfortable with your new environment. Volunteering is not only rewarding but opens up plenty of opportunities to meet new people and help those in need. Additionally, it will help you become more familiar with the communities you’re serving and how they live their day-to-day lives as a nurse. It can help you improve your own cultural awareness. Join an interfaith group or volunteer for a “rake the town” event, and contribute to the community like a local.

5.) Be Spontaneous

In the end, don’t make plans, because one of the best ways to explore your new city is to go on spontaneous outings. Getting invited out to after-shift drinks with a work colleague? Have an opportunity to visit a museum for free? Or maybe you want to go on a walk and happen to find the perfect little coffee shop just around the corner from you? Embracing spontaneous outings might be the ticket to truly exploring your new city.

Wherever you are stationed for the next few months, every new town has its own host of hidden gems. Sometimes taking the time to explore those areas can be the best way to unwind after a long shift. Take care of yourself, become an explorer, and embrace your new temporary town!

Watch for part 2 of this series of the best ways to explore your new city.

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

START HERE

Tips for Adjusting to a New City While Travel Nursing:

Research the Area

Break in Your Living Space

Stick to Your Routine

Explore Local Hot Spots

Get to Know Your Coworkers

Stay in Touch with Your Support System

Related Posts

New Year, New Travel Nurse Agency: When is it Time to Change Travel Nursing Agencies?

Transitioning from Travel Nursing to Permanent Employment

Pack Your Bags!

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Travel Healthcare Jobs

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1. The Getty Center – Los Angeles, California

2. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – San Francisco, California

3. The Outsiders House – Tulsa, Oklahoma

4. Houston Museum of Natural Science – Houston, Texas

5. Perot Museum of Nature and Science – Dallas, Texas

6. Tabasco Factory & Museum – Avery Island, Louisiana

7. The National WWII Museum – New Orleans, Louisiana

8. The Art Institute of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois

9. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – Richmond, Virginia

10. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – New York City, New York

>> Start planning your next travel nursing adventure TODAY!

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!)

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Here are five ways to make the most of your experience in a new city!

Research the city before you go –

Try local cuisine –

Join a tour –

Meet locals –

Be open to new experiences –

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!)

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1. Start with the things you love most

2. Find the most popular attractions online

3. Visit the tourism office

4. Look for a free walking tour or make your own

5. Use popular apps for ideas and inspiration

6. Connect with locals

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Do your research:

Ask around:

Just drive:

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