Why Alabama Will Be Your New Favorite Travel Assignment

When healthcare travelers imagine their next assignment, they often think of the states most popular for travelers, like Washington, New York, California, or Florida. Lesser-known states and areas of the U.S. are often forgotten or dismissed because they just don’t seem like the exciting travel destinations adventurous healthcare travelers crave.

One state that may not be the first that comes to mind when planning a travel assignment is Alabama. It may not be the state typically on the top of a travel nurse or healthcare traveler’s bucket list—but that’s exactly why it might just be your new favorite destination.

Packed with rich culture and history, beautiful landscapes (including coastal beaches!), an irresistible food scene, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Alabama has everything you could want for a fun-filled travel assignment.

Read on to discover why you’ll feel right at home with an Alabama travel assignment.

Why Healthcare Travelers Love Alabama

• Affordability That Stretches Your Paycheck
  From housing to groceries to gas, your money simply goes further in Alabama. Travelers often find they can save (or splurge!) more without sacrificing comfort or fun.
• Warm Welcomes Everywhere You Go
  Southern hospitality isn’t just a saying. In Alabama, it’s a way of life. Whether you’re meeting new coworkers, grabbing lunch at a local spot, or exploring your new neighborhood, you’ll feel the genuine warmth that makes being far from home a little easier.
• Traveler-Friendly Facilities
  Alabama offers a variety of top-rated facilities that welcome travelers with supportive teams, manageable patient ratios, and opportunities to gain experience in diverse clinical settings. Many travelers find the work culture here refreshingly collaborative and community-focused.
• Cultural Depth & Diverse Experiences
  Alabama is a place where stories matter. From world-changing history to thriving local art scenes, you’ll find meaning in every corner of your travels here. Plus, the variety—city life, coastal views, mountain trails, and peaceful countryside—means there’s something for every kind of traveler.

Where to Go on Assignment in Alabama

Montgomery

As Alabama’s capital city, Montgomery delivers big-city excitement with small-city charm. Travelers on assignment here find themselves immersed in a place steeped in culture and history with a neighborly feel.

Montgomery is a hub for history buffs, with must-visit sites like the Legacy Museum, the Rosa Parks Museum, and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. Montgomery’s creative side shines through its growing art and theater scene, including performances at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and exhibits at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, plus incredible local music and concerts.

Between its rich soul food (hello Dreamland BBQ or Derk’s Filet & Vine!) and affordable cost of living, it’s a place where travelers can enjoy their assignment—and make the most of their paycheck.

Don’t miss:

• Grabbing a drink at Prevail Union, one of the South’s best coffee spots
• Picnicking at Blount Cultural Park’s scenic green space
• Checking out local vendors at the Montgomery Curb Market

See TNAA’s available jobs in Montgomery.

Birmingham

Birmingham is known for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, it’s also a vibrant place to live, with plenty of green spaces, a diverse food scene, and a growing downtown. As the state’s largest city, there’s no shortage of fun and excitement, perfect for travelers who want to do it all.

History lovers shouldn’t miss the powerful exhibits at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, while outdoor enthusiasts can hike or zipline through Red Mountain Park. Foodies will be in heaven with a lineup of unforgettable spots—from world-famous Saw’s BBQ to elevated dining at Automatic Seafood & Oysters.

With walkable neighborhoods like Avondale, Five Points South, and the revitalized Railroad Park area, there’s always something to explore when you’re off the clock.

Don’t miss:

• Catching a live show at Iron City.
• Visiting Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
• Exploring The Market at Pepper Place on Saturday mornings

See TNAA’s available jobs in Birmingham.

Huntsville

Huntsville blends brains and beauty like no other Alabama city. Known as “The Rocket City” for its aerospace history, this northern Alabama gem offers the perfect balance of innovation, outdoor adventure, and local charm.  

Geek out at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, stroll the vibrant MidCity District, or browse the indie shops and galleries at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment. For travelers who love the outdoors, find mountain views and peaceful trails at Monte Sano State Park or kayak on the Flint River, just minutes from town.

Huntsville has a smart, youthful energy, and its low cost of living and welcoming community make it a standout choice for travelers.

Don’t miss:

• Sampling local beers on the Downtown Huntsville Craft Beer Trail
• Catching an event at The Orion Amphitheater
• Exploring botanical wonders at the Huntsville Botanical Garden

Mobile

On Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Mobile is where laid-back coastal living is found. With its colorful architecture, festive culture, and deep roots in Mardi Gras history, it’s a city that knows how to celebrate and relax.

Visit the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, tour the historic Battleship USS Alabama, or walk the tree-lined streets of Downtown Mobile for boutique shopping and great eats. Seafood fans will love Wintzell’s Oyster House or The Noble South, and beach lovers can sneak away to nearby Dauphin Island or Gulf Shores on days off.

With palm trees, ocean breezes, and a culture all its own, Mobile offers healthcare travelers a unique blend of beachy vibes and historic soul.

Don’t miss:

• Strolling through Bienville Square during a local festival
• Exploring colonial history at Fort Conde
• Taking a scenic drive along the Eastern Shore to Fairhope

Find Your Alabama Assignment With TNAA

Alabama may not be the most obvious travel assignment destination, but it just might be the most rewarding. Talk with a recruiter about job opportunities in the Yellowhammer State and get ready for an assignment full of flavor, friendliness, and unique experiences that stay with you long after your assignment ends. With its famously friendly atmosphere, you’ve got a state that feels like home no matter where your assignment takes you.

Plus, when you travel with TNAA, you’re traveling with an agency that has your back every step of the way. Housing, credentialing, benefits, sick leave…we’ve got you covered. All you have to do is pack your bags and decide where you’re going.

Ready to book your Alabama assignment? Check out TNAA’s available jobs and let’s get you there!