Blog

There’s something undeniably magical about fall—the crisp air, the scent of wood smoke, and most of all, the explosion of color as leaves turn brilliant shades of crimson, gold, and amber. As a travel therapist, you’re in a rare position to not only witness autumn’s showstopping display—but to plan your next assignment around it. 

Whether you're hoping to soak up the hues on your daily commute or carving out a week between contracts for an epic road trip, now is the perfect time to plan. Fall foliage peaks from late September through mid-October across much of the U.S., making it a prime window for a scenic contract or a well-timed break. Here’s how to make the most of this fleeting season and some breathtaking routes to consider. 

Travel physical therapy is a career path for licensed PTs who want to blend their clinical expertise with a life of exploration. Instead of settling into one location long-term, travel PTs work short-term contracts — usually 3 months—at healthcare facilities across the U.S. 

These contracts are designed to fill planned and last-minute staffing gaps, particularly in fast-growing or underserved communities where access to skilled physical therapists is limited. Travel PTs bring vital care where it’s needed most—whether that’s helping post-op patients regain mobility or supporting seniors in maintaining independence. Each assignment becomes a new opportunity to inspire recovery, challenge yourself, and explore a different corner of the country. 

After years—maybe decades—of showing up for patients, you’ve witnessed the healing power of compassion. You’ve shared laughter with coworkers on hard days, and quiet victories with the people you’ve helped walk again, speak again, live again. At this stage in your career, you're likely thinking beyond paychecks and productivity. You're asking deeper questions: Where am I really needed? Can I do more? 

Travel therapy doesn’t just offer flexibility and income in your later career—it offers something many seasoned professionals quietly long for: purpose and connection. Whether you're looking to stay engaged, surround yourself with like-minded peers, or nurture a renewed sense of purpose, travel therapy can help you meet your emotional needs while continuing the work you love. 

Graduating with a degree in physical, occupational, or speech therapy is an incredible accomplishment. But stepping into the real world—with student loans, job uncertainty, and pressure to “figure it all out”—can feel overwhelming. That’s where travel therapy steps in—not just as an adventurous path, but as a surprisingly stable one. If you're a new grad therapist wondering how to balance your financial goals, gain real-world experience, and avoid burnout, travel therapy may be the safest and smartest place to begin.

Summer isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling. The long golden days that tug at your wanderlust, the moments of stillness between adventure and purpose, the joy of discovering new places while doing work that matters. For travel therapists, summer is an open invitation to live fully—to help others while fulfilling your need for adventure. This season, some of the highest-paying and most fulfilling opportunities are in states where summer comes alive in unforgettable ways. Whether you’re dreaming of salt air and historic charm, wildflower hikes and coastal cliffs, or music-filled nights in the heart of the South, there’s a contract waiting that fits your spirit—and your goals. 

Here are five incredible states where you can take your skills on the road and your sense of wonder even further.