From small towns to iconic cities, discover why the journey between assignments can be just as rewarding as the destination
One of the things that makes Freddy's (FreddyLA7 on Instagram) World Cup road trip so fun to follow is that he isn't just checking off famous cities. He's taking the scenic route, stopping in college towns, hidden gems, national landmarks, and communities that many travelers would otherwise drive right past. Along the way, he's been sharing the local culture, unexpected discoveries, and breathtaking scenery that make each stop memorable. Travel therapists know that feeling well.
One of the greatest benefits of travel therapy is that your career naturally encourages you to explore places you may have never considered visiting. While major cities often get the spotlight, some of the most rewarding assignments happen in smaller communities where you can experience a different pace of life, build meaningful connections, and discover local favorites that don't make most travel guides. Using Freddy's route as inspiration, here's how travel therapists can experience some incredible parts of the country while taking assignments along the way.
The Northeast
Freddy kicked off his journey around Toronto and Niagara Falls before making his way through Burlington, Vermont, and Boston. It's a route filled with scenic drives, charming downtowns, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. This stretch offers everything from picturesque mountain towns to bustling healthcare hubs. Spend your weekends exploring the waterfront in Boston, hiking Vermont's Green Mountains, visiting local farmers markets, or taking a road trip to Niagara Falls before your next assignment begins. During the fall, this region also delivers some of the country's most spectacular foliage, making every drive feel like part of the adventure.
The Midwest
Rather than rushing through the Midwest, Freddy embraced small-town America with stops in places like Elmore and Berlin, Ohio, before visiting Ann Arbor, Michigan. His route highlights the charm and hospitality that often make these communities so memorable. Travel therapists frequently discover that Midwestern assignments come with friendly coworkers, affordable living, and plenty of hidden gems to explore on days off. Wander through Ohio's Amish Country, catch a football game in Ann Arbor, explore local breweries, or spend weekends visiting nearby lakes, parks, and quaint downtown districts. It's proof that some of the best travel experiences happen far beyond the biggest tourist destinations. 
The South
From Nashville and Chattanooga to Atlanta, Freddy highlighted one thing that surprised him most—the South's incredible scenery. He described Atlanta as being far greener and more forested than he expected, a reminder that every destination has something unexpected to offer. For travel therapists, assignments throughout Tennessee and Georgia provide the perfect mix of vibrant cities and outdoor adventure. Spend your free time listening to live music in Nashville, hiking to waterfalls near Chattanooga, exploring Atlanta's diverse neighborhoods, or taking weekend trips into the Smoky Mountains. Every contract offers another opportunity to experience the region's hospitality, culture, and natural beauty.
The Gulf Coast and Texas
Continuing south, Freddy visited Auburn, Alabama, drove along the Florida Panhandle, experienced New Orleans, and eventually made his way through Houston and Oklahoma City. His journey showcases just how diverse this part of the country can be, from white-sand beaches to lively cities rich with history and culture. This route combines beach weekends, incredible food, college-town traditions, and some of the nation's largest healthcare markets. One assignment could mean watching the sunset along the Emerald Coast after your shift, while another might place you in Houston's world-renowned medical community. Between contracts, you can explore New Orleans' vibrant music scene, experience local festivals, or take scenic road trips through the region.
The Best Routes Aren't Always Planned
One of the biggest lessons from Freddy's journey is that the best parts of travel often happen between the destinations you've planned. Sometimes it's a roadside attraction, a recommendation from a local, or a small town you never expected to visit that ends up becoming the highlight of the trip.
Travel therapy works the same way. You may accept an assignment because of the hospital or location, but you'll remember the local coffee shop your coworkers recommended, the weekend road trip you almost skipped, or the hiking trail you found just outside town. Every assignment gives you the chance to experience a new community—not just as a visitor, but as someone who gets to live there for a while.
Like Freddy's cross-country adventure, your travel therapy journey doesn't have to be about racing to the next destination. It's about enjoying the road along the way, collecting experiences, and creating a career that's every bit as rewarding outside the clinic as it is inside.
