July 6, 2026

The Best Side Quests for Healthcare Travelers This Summer

If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably heard the term “side quest.”

A side quest is a small adventure that has nothing to do with your main objective. It’s the unexpected coffee shop you discover, the random festival you attend, or the scenic overlook you find while taking the long way home.

For healthcare travelers, side quests might be one of the best parts of assignment life.

After all, you’re already in a new city. Why not explore it?

Become a Tourist

Most people wait for vacations to explore new places.

Healthcare travelers don’t have to.

Instead of spending your days off catching up on chores every weekend, challenge yourself to visit one new place each week.

Try:

  • Local museums
  • Historic downtown districts
  • Farmers markets
  • Food festivals
  • Art walks

Small adventures often become the most memorable experiences.

summer activities for healthcare travelers

Visit a State Park

You don’t need a national park to find incredible scenery.

State parks often offer:

  • Hiking trails
  • Lakes
  • Kayaking
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Camping

Many are located within an hour of major healthcare facilities.

Attend a Local Festival

Summer is festival season.

Nearly every city hosts events featuring:

  • Food trucks
  • Live music
  • Cultural celebrations
  • Craft fairs
  • Outdoor markets

These events provide a great way to experience local culture while meeting people outside of work.

Take a Sunrise Challenge

Not every side quest has to be complicated.

Choose one day this summer to wake up early and watch the sunrise from somewhere beautiful.

It could be:

  • A beach
  • A mountain overlook
  • A city skyline
  • A lake

You’ll be surprised how memorable a simple experience can become.

Try Something You’ve Never Done Before

Travel healthcare naturally pushes people outside their comfort zones.

Take advantage of it.

Try:

  • Paddleboarding
  • Rock climbing
  • Horseback riding
  • Ziplining
  • Surfing
  • Fishing

The assignment itself may be temporary, but the memories last much longer.

Build a Summer Bucket List

One fun challenge is creating a side quest checklist.

Examples include:

  • Visit a state park
  • Attend a festival
  • Watch a sunrise
  • Eat at a local landmark restaurant
  • Take a day trip
  • Find a hidden gem coffee shop
  • Explore a new hiking trail

You’ll quickly discover that your assignment location has far more to offer than work alone.

Assignment Life Should Be About More Than Work

Healthcare travelers often choose this career for flexibility and adventure.

This summer, take advantage of both.

The next amazing memory may be sitting just a few miles from your assignment.

All you have to do is say yes to the side quest.

Adventure doesn’t stop when your shift ends. Find your next assignment with TNAA | TotalMed and discover where your next side quest could take you.