The Travel Therapist’s Roadmap to Mountains, Coastlines & Wild Spaces
As a travel therapist, it’s no secret that your career gives you the rare freedom to combine work and adventure. Short-term travel assignments let you explore new cities, meet incredible patients and teams, and dive into the outdoors like never before. But where should your main goal is to have epic adventures? Here’s our guide to the top 5 U.S. states for travel therapists who love getting outside.
1. Oregon: Where Mountains Meet Coastlines
Oregon is a dream for outdoor lovers, with lush forests, volcanic peaks, and a dramatic coastline all packed into one state. Travel therapy assignments in Portland give you the perfect balance of city life and nearby adventure, while Bend is ideal for those who want quick access to skiing, hiking, and climbing. The Oregon Coast offers endless opportunities for kayaking, surfing, or just soaking in breathtaking ocean views. No matter where you go, you’ll find that each week off between assignments is another chance to explore nature in a way you just can’t from a permanent role. Check out our open Oregon roles here!
2. California: Adventure Around Every Corner
Oregon is a dream for outdoor lovers, with lush forests, volcanic peaks, and a dramatic coastline all packed into one state. Travel therapy assignments in Portland give you the perfect balance of city life and nearby adventure, while Bend is ideal for those who want quick access to skiing, hiking, and climbing. The Oregon Coast offers endless opportunities for kayaking, surfing, or just soaking in breathtaking ocean views. No matter where you go, you’ll find that each week off between assignments is another chance to explore nature in a way you just can’t from a permanent role. Check out our open Oregon roles here!
3. North Carolina: Mountains, Beaches, and Everything in Between
North Carolina is perfect if you want a little bit of everything. Asheville sits at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and outdoor festival lovers alike. Meanwhile, the Outer Banks offer miles of coastline perfect for surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. A travel therapy assignment here gives you the chance to explore both mountains and sea, with each contract leaving you with new adventures waiting just outside the clinic doors. Spring and fall are especially gorgeous, whether you’re chasing mountain trails or enjoying a quiet beach escape. North Carolina Jobs are waiting, search them here!
4. Alaska: The Ultimate Wilderness Experience
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5. New York: Beyond the City Lights
While New York City often steals the spotlight, the state offers remarkable outdoor escapes for travel therapists seeking adventure. The Adirondacks provide hiking, paddling, and skiing opportunities just a few hours from the city, while the Finger Lakes region is perfect for water sports, cycling, and winery explorations. Even the Catskills offer quick weekend getaways for climbing, hiking, and camping. Short-term assignments in upstate New York let you enjoy a balance of professional growth and outdoor exploration, all within reach of small towns and nature-rich landscapes. Explore open New York Roles here.
The beauty of travel therapy is that you don’t have to choose between advancing your career and chasing adventure. Short-term assignments let you experience different healthcare settings while giving you the freedom to explore your surroundings and try new activities. Whether it’s hiking the Cascades in Oregon, skiing in California, surfing in North Carolina, trekking glaciers in Alaska, or exploring the Adirondacks in New York, your next assignment can be as thrilling as you make it. Travel therapy gives you the chance to see the country, grow professionally, and make memories that last long after your contract ends.
