The allure of travel nursing lies in the opportunity to explore new places while advancing your career. For registered nurses with a passion for seeing the world, travel nursing offers an unparalleled adventure. Factors such as weather, activities, cost of living, and salary influence destination choices. Here’s a curated list of ten sought-after destinations, based on the volume of inquiries from travel nurses each month, perfect for RNs seeking their next assignment:
**1. Hawaii:** With over 500 monthly inquiries, Hawaii’s diverse landscape – from snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches – makes it a top pick. Nurses enjoy a wide array of outdoor activities, including hiking volcanic trails, discovering hidden beaches, and exploring lush ranchlands. Opportunities for hunting, mountain biking, rafting, and golfing on world-class courses abound.
**2. Alaska:** The rugged mystery of Alaska captivates travel nurses. Its vast wilderness and stunning scenery offer ample opportunities for exploration, whether under the mesmerizing Northern Lights in winter or during the extended daylight of spring and summer. Outdoor enthusiasts relish the wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and exceptional fishing expeditions.
**3. Montana:** Montana welcomes photographers and adventurers alike. River trips, fishing, camping, historical sites, snowy mountains, and cascading waterfalls await, alongside vast open spaces. Montana appeals to nurses seeking respite from city life and a chance to reconnect with nature. Big Sky Country boasts some of America’s most iconic landscapes.
**4. Maine:** Maine’s beauty has inspired artists for generations. Travel nurses are drawn to its charm and outdoor adventures like skiing and snowmobiling. The cozy ambiance of antique shops in quaint villages, horseback riding on sandy beaches, and fresh lobster create memorable experiences.
**5. California:** California’s warm weather and famous beaches are a magnet for travel nurses. Its extensive coastline provides ample opportunities to relax by the ocean. Nature lovers can explore wildlife parks and wilderness areas. Theme parks, diverse music venues, historical sites, and world-class dining and shopping add to the allure.
**6. Washington:** The Evergreen State boasts a diverse landscape, from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade Mountains. Must-see attractions include the Space Needle and Coulee Dam. The state’s culture is sophisticated, outdoorsy, and rich in resorts, history, parks, and museums. Seattle’s antique shops and bookstores, ancient Indian grounds, and hiking trails offer endless exploration.
**7. South Carolina:** South Carolina’s blend of adventure, excitement, and history makes it a popular destination. Historic mansions with landscaped gardens, pristine beaches, and marshy wetlands await. Golfers will find over 330 courses to enjoy. The state’s rich heritage in culture, art, and folklore is evident in its historical areas and discovery centers.
**8. Colorado:** Colorado’s world-class skiing and summer music festivals draw nurses year-round. With four distinct seasons, the state offers 18 million acres of parks, forests, and monuments for outdoor activities. Cultural treasures include Native American sites, dinosaur fossil exhibits, and historic ghost towns. Metropolitan areas like Denver and Boulder offer city amenities.
**9. Tennessee:** From blues music on Beale Street to the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee offers diverse attractions. Nurse travelers will find themselves within a day’s drive of much of the U.S. Highlights include the Jack Daniel’s distillery, Graceland, the Grand Ole Opry, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
**10. Arizona:** Arizona’s stunning landscape, featuring mountain ranges, rivers, grasslands, and cactus forests, captivates outdoor enthusiasts. History buffs can explore Old West reformations, Native American culture, and Spanish influences. Arizona also boasts top-tier golf courses, resorts, spas, and ranches.
Limitless possibilities await travel nurses seeking adventure and new experiences. If you’re ready for your next assignment, consider one of these top destinations and discover what awaits.