For travel healthcare professionals, the idea of “top 2018 fall getaways” means something completely different compared to the average person.

Since the travel job market—and hospital needs—start to increase in the fall and winter, many travelers are looking for a solid assignment with extension potential to carry them through the busy season.

However, just because travelers get busy at this time of year doesn’t mean they have to spend 13 weeks in a location where they can’t enjoy their time off. One of the best benefits of being a healthcare traveler is seeing new places, regardless of the season. Not only that, with careful planning healthcare travelers can enjoy some of the most popular tourist destinations when prices are lower and crowds are thinner.

With that in mind, Healthcare Traveler Today has put together our recommendations for top 2018 fall getaways. Similarly to our Top 5 Hottest Traveler Destinations For Summer 2018, we compared top consumer guides on fall getaway spots and factored in aspects that matter to travelers, like average pay, cost-of-living and more.

It’s important to remember these locations are simply suggestions to consider for fall assignments, as job availability can greatly differ depending on the agency. Travelers should chat with their recruiter to find an ideal location for the season.

Hawaii

What to know about Hawaii:

A popular tourist destination almost year-round, Hawaii can also offer travelers a “paid vacation” of sorts. Hawaii is one of the most expensive states in the nation, and hospitals will offer lower paying contracts because competition for assignments is typically high.

That being said, Hawaii offers an unforgettable destination for travelers who love exploring the outdoors. Warm waters almost year-round, sunny beaches and picturesque landmarks offer a unique travel experience with lots of fun weekend activities.

Hawaii is also a walk-through state, so travelers can expect to get a temporary license within a day.

Why we recommend Hawaii for the fall:

Unless travelers are determined to surf on huge waves or see whales, most consumer travel websites agree that fall is the best time to visit the islands. Travel and hotel costs are cheap, but most importantly, housing should be easier to find. Hotels fill up to capacity during the winter and summer months, so fall and spring offer more options for travelers to find cheaper housing.

Who should head to Hawaii this fall:

Travelers who saved up money working during the summer and are ready to soak up some fun in the sun.

San Antonio, Texas

What to know about San Antonio, Texas:

San Antonio is one of the largest cities in Texas and offers plenty of tourist attractions and things to do. It’s packed with Texas history and is home to the famous Alamo mission and multiple other mission sites on the Riverwalk.

Texas is very popular among travelers and holds a near-permanent spot in the top 5 most-applied to states year round. Despite this high popularity, travel jobs are in high supply across the state, San Antonio included. Texas is also a compact state for travel nurses and physical therapists, so compact license holders won’t have to pay additional licensing fees.

Pay for a Texas contract is often pretty average, but the low cost-of-living across the state makes up for it. In San Antonio, prices across all consumer goods including rent and groceries are 14 percent lower than the national average, according to Payscale.com data.

Why we recommend San Antonio, Texas for the fall:

Like the other locations on this list, San Antonio offers a perfect spot for “snowbirds” to stay warm during the winter. Average temperatures hover between 70-80 degrees during the fall and begin to drop in late November. Popular tourist attractions are also typically more accessible during this time.

Additionally, San Antonio is celebrating its 300th anniversary as an established city, so travelers will get to check out unique events that will only take place during this special time.

Who should head to San Antonio this fall:

Travelers who want to find a warm place to settle for the winter that offers history and fun in a mostly urban setting.

Phoenix, Arizona

What to know about Phoenix, Arizona:

The largest city in the state, Phoenix is known for its mix of urban nightlife, outdoor scenery and thriving arts scene rooted in Southwestern culture and influences.

While average pay packages for the state are closer to average, pay for Phoenix positions are much more competitive. Some positions are quoted as high as $2,000 per week based current on StaffDNA job board data. The lower cost-of-living—Phoenix sits at 5 percent below the national average—should help travelers who want to save more of what they earn.

Like Texas, Arizona is a compact state for travel nurses and physical therapists, which can help save on licensing costs.

Why we recommend Phoenix, Arizona for the fall: 

Arizona, like Nevada and New Mexico, is prone to seasonal shifts. Travelers flock en masse to these locations for their warmer temperatures in the winter, so moving to the area now is a great way to beat the crowds.

Phoenix in the fall is also a perfect spot for art lovers. Scottsdale, which is just east of Phoenix, is hosting massive events throughout the fall celebrating international films, live installations and contemporary works. 

Who should head to Phoenix, Arizona this fall:

Travelers looking for a mix of urban nightlife and arts culture with a dash of Southwest charm.

Lynchburg, Virginia

What to know about Lynchburg, Virginia

Lynchburg, Virginia is a fairly small city of about 80,000 people, but it offers competitive pay packages that are better or rival some of its larger competitors in the state. Average pay hovers around $1,800 per week or more across most travel nursing specialties, according to StaffDNA job board data.

Of all the locations on our 2018 fall getaways list, Lynchburg may offer travelers the most bang for their buck. While the average cost-of-living in the state is higher than the national average, Lynchburg comes in 11 percent lower because of cheap housing, transportation and food costs.

In terms of access, Virginia is part of the enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact, so travel nurses with compact licenses won’t have to pay an additional fee to work in the state.

Why we recommend Lynchburg, Virginia for the fall:

Aside from the fact that Virginia is one of the top five highest paying states for travel nurses, Lynchburg offers the quintessential experience for fall foliage lovers.

The city sits in the foothills just southeast of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has been nicknamed the “City of Seven Hills.” Travelers will have quick and easy access to a wide variety of hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains that show off the best of what fall has to offer.

Lynchburg is also home to the flagship hospital for the Centra healthcare system, Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. The facility ranks among the top 10 best hospitals in the state, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Who should head to Lynchburg, Virginia this fall:

Travelers looking for great contracts in a location that exudes the vibrant outdoor colors of the season.

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