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Celebrating the Holidays as a Travel Therapist on the Road
Embrace the spirit of the season in new places and with new faces
Holidays on the road as a travel therapist just hit different, and while you might be miles away from your usual traditions, that doesn’t mean the season loses its sparkle. In fact, spending the holidays on contract can open the door to new experiences, unexpected connections, and memories that can last a lifetime.
Find Festive Adventures Everywhere You Go
Traveling during the holidays can turn into its own kind of adventure. Depending on where you choose to spend the holidays, your season could look like snowshoeing in the Rockies, ice skating under twinkle lights in the Midwest, or catching a Christmas boat parade along the coast. Instead of comparing it to what you’d usually do at home, embrace what’s unique about your current location. Explore local seasonal markets, take a day trip to see nearby attractions decked out for the season, or plan a holiday meal with other travelers in your area. You might find yourself building new traditions you’ll want to keep no matter where future holidays take you.
Say Yes to Holiday Shifts
Working through the holidays can be a lucrative part of travel therapy life. If your facility recognizes that holiday, then as a Jackson Therapy Partners traveler, you earn time and a half during your shift. That means you could potentially bring home an extra ~$650 by working a holiday shift this season (based on the average pay for travel therapists according to Vivian and 1.5x holiday pay for 8 hours). But more importantly, working those shifts gives you the chance to make someone else’s holiday brighter. Patients spending the season in a hospital or rehab center often miss home just like you do. A smile, some small talk about their favorite traditions, or simply showing up with good energy can make a big difference. You’ll find that the spirit of giving hits differently when you’re part of a team helping others heal during the holidays. Plus, there’s often a sense of camaraderie among coworkers who are “in it together” for the holiday shift—it’s a shared experience that builds real connections.
Soak Up Local Holiday Traditions
One of the best parts about spending the holidays in a new location is getting to see how different places celebrate. From tree lightings to holiday parades to local craft markets, every town has its own spin on the season. Ask your coworkers what local events are worth checking out or what traditions their families enjoy. Maybe there’s a fall festival downtown, a drive-through light display, or a hidden gem coffee shop or bar that turns into a holiday wonderland in December. You’ll find that joining in on local traditions not only brings the holiday spirit to life—it also helps you feel like part of the community, even if you’ve only been there a few weeks.
Being on assignment during the holidays gives you the rare opportunity to see how different corners of the country celebrate, meet people you might never have crossed paths with otherwise, and create memories that go beyond your typical routine. So, whether you’re lighting menorahs, hanging stockings, or simply taking in the view of your new winter (or sunny!) surroundings—celebrate your way and make it one for the books.