Being a healthcare traveler has its many perks, one being the opportunity to explore new locations on a regular basis. Since travel assignments are typically 13 weeks long, and a majority of that time will be spent working, it can be hard to fit in activities. That is why I decided to create a list of six things you should do on every travel assignment, no matter what!
Take a hike – get lost.
Well, don’t get too lost. Allow yourself to venture out, find an old beaten path, and go somewhere you’ve never been before. It’s a great time to be adventurous! After all, you only live once and being surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery can leave you feeling rejuvenated and revitalized.
Ask a local where to get your grub on!
You can always look on Yelp or different apps for reviews of the best restaurants to visit, but sometimes it’s the hole-in-the-wall places that have the BEST food. You can often find out from a local on where the hidden gems are.
Attend a performance of some kind.
Whether it’s theatre, dancing, spoken poetry, or a musical performance, it will allow you to experience something exciting and unique. If you’ve never done something like this before, it can help open up your artistic side and maybe even introduce you to a new kind of entertainment.
Bring a travel journal along with you.
Documenting everything you see, experience, and learn will not only help you remember and cherish your adventures, but you may even learn more about yourself through the process. Adding pictures to some of your entries is a great idea as well!
Collect a souvenir from every place you go.
Whether it’s a shot glass, a postcard, or a t-shirt, collecting a souvenir on each assignment will connect you 
back to each travel experience and allow you to keep a piece of each adventure with you down the road.
Make a new friend.
When you’re in a brand new place and out of your comfort zone, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lonely. Do yourself a favor and don’t just go to work, do your job, and then go home and isolate yourself. Instead, make a new friend. Invite a co-worker to go out to eat or to give you a tour of the city. This will help ease the anxiety, leave you feeling less homesick, and allow you to network and possibly make a friend for life!
No matter what, each travel assignment will be a unique one. By following these ideas above, it will hopefully allow you to get the most out of each experience. What else do you recommend doing while you’re on assignment?
Chantel Barber is a Recruiter for the Aureus Medical Social Media Recruitment Team.