Many clinicians find the opportunity to see and explore new areas of the country one of the most exciting aspects of the locum tenens practice alternative. Whether traveling alone or with your family, you can discover hidden gems in—and along the way to—any destination.
With several weeks of summer left, it’s the perfect time to find a few adventures or visit sights yet to be seen. A recent Apartment Therapy article offers eight, easy tips you can use to get started on the hunt for travel treasures in your assignment locale.
- Taste the state
Trying local eats ranks high as a way to enjoy a new locale and may be one of the quickest ways to get a taste of the area (pun intended). Find out what types of food—from seafood to barbeque—the region is best known for and seek it out. Residents of the area could be the best source for this information, as some of the most authentic restaurants may be a local secret. - Research great drives in and en route to your assignment location
If you have a vehicle at your disposal and a little more time to explore, a leisurely drive may offer a comprehensive experience with beautiful, scenic views. The Red Ribbon Blog recently featured an article by Travel + Leisure on five fun summer road trips, which may help flush out a few options for your area. Apartment Therapy also suggests another Travel + Leisure article—“America’s Most Iconic Drives”—for finding the most impressive mini-road trips. - Find the history
Every US city offers at least some small story in our country’s rich history. A state’s capital is a great spot to start exploring, but it isn’t the only place to go. Each part of the country offers something special. Local guides, convention and visitors bureaus, and travel sites can all point you in the right direction. - Explore an area’s (potentially) diverse landscape
Local ecosystems can offer adventures in and of themselves. A wide variety of plants and animals may be seen in natural habitats—like state parks—or in zoo- or aquarium-type settings. Deserts, mountain ranges, grasslands, beaches, and other kinds of terrain may be just a short jaunt away. - Go big and small
Large and quaint cities are worth exploring for different reasons. Visiting both is sure to appeal to a wide variety of interests, and will give a fuller picture of all a region has to offer. - Look for the roadside attractions
The biggest chair, largest ball of twine, most southern point, and a snake museum can all be found with a little digging. Smaller, roadside attractions can give an interesting twist to your travel experience. RoadsideAmerica.com lists attention-grabbing attractions all across the US. - Weekend wind-down
Exploration and adventure aren’t the only ways to enjoy your assignment locale. Sometimes, all you want to do with a little free time is just relax. Apartment Therapy suggests finding a quiet bed and breakfast. And as a locum tenens provider, while honoring an engagement, you may very well be housed at a well-appointed inn or charming B&B off the beaten path! - Get transported
Lastly, consider ditching the car keys and traveling by other means—rail, bus, boat, or even horse. The pocket of the country you find yourself in may best be seen from a scenic train route or a bucolic horse trail. In many locations—especially wildlife parks and road-lacking, remote areas—personal vehicles are restricted or simply impractical.
Have you discovered a hidden treasure, favorite restaurant, or must-see attraction while on a locum tenens assignment? Feel free to tell us—and your colleagues—about it in the comments section below.
