13 Tips to Keep the Nightmares Out of Traveling

Phantom recruiters…accommodations with things that go bump in the night…ghost town destinations…no, it’s not a spooky story—it’s what you might encounter if you don’t prepare for your next travel assignment!

Fear not: we’ve gathered 13 tips to help you avoid these travel nightmares. With the right strategies, you can avoid bone-chilling pitfalls on your healthcare travel assignments.

13 Tricks to Fright-Free Travel Assignments

1. Travel With a Full-Support Agency

There’s a big difference between traveling with a full support agency versus one that provides minimal support or doing things on your own. Figuring out details and logistics for every assignment can turn into a nonstop fright fest – and you don’t want to be rushing to figure it all out at the witching hour.

Be sure to do your homework on your agency before you sign your contract. Read reviews from reputable sources, talk with fellow travelers, and interview your agency and recruiter to ensure it’s the right fit for you. Finding an agency that provides you with full support, guidance, and transparency from day one can save you time, money, and ghastly experiences on your travels.

2. Work With the Right Recruiter

In addition to the right agency, you should also make sure you are working with the right recruiter. Of course, having a recruiter who knows healthcare travel and travel nursing is a must, but a great recruiter goes beyond industry knowledge.

Your relationship with your recruiter is crucial to your success. Beware of recruiters who seemingly disappear into thin air, ghosting you after you sign your contract! Work with recruiters who stay in touch with you throughout your assignment, answering your questions and guiding you on your travel journey.

3. Communicate with Your Recruiter Regularly

Once you have found the right recruiter, remember that communication works both ways, so don’t fade into the shadows on them either! Stay in regular contact, updating them on your experience and any challenges you encounter. You’ll also want to let them know if you hope to extend your contract or where you want to travel next – it’s never too early to secure your next assignment!

4. Secure Safe, Comfortable Housing

Let’s face it: Housing can make or break your travel assignment. After all, where you live should be your sanctuary away from your shifts, where you can unwind, relax, nourish yourself, and get a great night’s sleep. It should be safe and comfortable, not scary and gloomy. Don’t settle for ghoulish landlords and places that give you the vibes of an abandoned cabin. Work with your agency to find housing that meets your needs and helps make your assignment feel like home.

5. Review Every Contract Carefully

A tricky contract can turn into a real fright later on. Double-check all the fine print! Make sure you understand everything, from your pay package to your responsibilities. If something seems unclear, ask your recruiter for clarification to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

6. Research Your Assignment Destinations

It can be eerie to arrive in an unfamiliar town with no idea what’s around. Get ahead by researching your destination—find out what the local culture is like and find some fun activities to try so you can settle in without the fear of the unknown.

7. Keep Your Paperwork Organized

The last thing you want to deal with on assignment is solving The Case of the Missing Documents! Organize the documents you’ll need, like your license, credentials, and references, in an easy-to-access binder or digital file so they are always ready. Keeping essential documents organized and ready can save you from going on a witch hunt for them when you need them.

8. Don’t Over (or Under!) Pack

There’s nothing scarier than realizing you brought too much—or not enough! Overpacking can leave you struggling with heavy luggage, while under-packing could mean scrambling for essentials. Check what furniture and appliances are included with your housing, pick functional clothing you can mix and match with, include seasonal clothing based on the weather and average conditions of your destination, and pair down your essentials to things you need right away. Remember you can buy many things once you arrive, so you don’t need to pack everything.

One of the best ways to keep track of what you are bringing is to make a checklist. It can help you avoid the horrors of forgotten items or overstuffed luggage and boxes before you go!

9. Ask for Orientation Details

Showing up on day one and wandering the halls like a lost soul? Not ideal. Confirm that your assignment includes a thorough orientation so you can get familiar with the facility’s layout, policies, and processes right from the start.

10. Have an Emergency Plan in Place

Sometimes, the scariest things are unexpected! Always have an emergency plan ready—whether it’s for weather, personal safety, or healthcare. Know where the nearest hospitals are, and have a backup travel plan if things go awry.

11. Stay on Top of Your Finances  

Unexpected expenses can quickly turn a dream assignment into a nightmare. Make sure to budget wisely for travel, accommodations, and any living expenses not covered by your contract. Don’t forget to budget for your fun, too! Keep track of receipts and reimbursements to avoid any financial horrors.

12. Stay Connected With Other Travelers

Being a healthcare traveler or travel nurse doesn’t have to feel like wandering all alone in a spooky forest. Join traveler communities, both online and in-person, to share tips, advice, and support. These networks can provide insights into your location or even help you navigate any tricky situations. Plus, it’s great to connect with colleagues who understand the travel lifestyle, and you might even make a few friends along the way.

13. Trust Your Instincts

If something doesn’t feel right—whether it’s the assignment, the housing, or even the recruiter—trust your gut. Address concerns as soon as they arise to avoid letting small issues turn into full-blown frights. A supportive agency will listen to your worries and work to find a solution.

No Tricks, Just Amazing Assignments: Travel With TNAA

By following these 13 tips, you’ll be ready to handle any spooky surprises that come your way. Remember, with the right preparation and a strong agency at your side, travel healthcare doesn’t have to be scary—it can be an adventure you’ll love!

When you travel with TNAA, you’re supported throughout every aspect of your journey. We are committed to always putting our travelers first, helping them keep their assignments nightmare-free! Housing, credentialing, benefits, sick leave – we’ve got you covered. All you need to do is pack your bags and decide where you’re going.

Ready to secure your next fall travel assignment? Check out our available healthcare travel jobs and apply today!