travel care definition

Travel Medicine and International Health

Travel medicine and international health is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of health issues related to international travel and global health. It aims to promote the well-being of travelers by providing pre-travel consultations, vaccinations, prophylactic medications, and post-travel care for various travel-related illnesses and conditions.

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Global health and travel-related maladies, outdoor emergencies and injuries, related news.

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Infectious diseases, internal medicine, allergy & immunology.

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What Does a Travel Medicine Specialist Do?

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Ellen Hirsh.

Travel is on the rise among Americans, and after weathering the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers are especially aware of the health and safety risks that come with vacations or business trips to many popular destinations. But COVID-19 is only one consideration when traveling today, especially abroad. Many travelers may not be aware that they can contract dangerous infectious diseases through contaminated food, water, soil, mosquitoes, and more. Understanding these health risks is only part of the reason to see a travel medicine specialist before traveling internationally, or domestically if you have health conditions that leave you immunocompromised. In this blog, infectious disease physician Dr. Ellen Hirsh of ID Care explains how these doctors help travelers by addressing the question you’ll need to explore as you plan your trip: What does a travel medicine specialist do?

Travel medicine specialists are like medical travel guides who offer advice, preventive measures, and treatments designed to protect your health during every phase of a trip. Infectious disease doctors like those at ID Care can provide more comprehensive guidance than doctors at walk-in travel clinics, who may simply offer a couple of vaccines and send you on your way. Infectious disease doctors are also the best choice when help is needed after a trip, as they have the most experience treating exotic diseases.

Travel medicine specialists are key partners for travelers to consult:

• Before travel, when they evaluate a patient’s health history, immunization records, and travel itinerary and offer detailed recommendations, vaccinations, and medicine to bring along.
• During a trip, when doctors can be available via phone or telemedicine to advise sick travelers or provide guidance if needed.
• After a trip, when these specialists see sick patients returning for care and treatment, although this is less frequent among those who received pre-travel guidance.

“We hate to see someone get sick abroad with a terrible illness that not only ruins their vacation but sets them back in many ways after they get home,” Dr. Hirsh said. “That’s why anyone who is traveling, whether for business or pleasure, should come see us at ID Care before they leave, as opposed to dropping into a more generalized travel clinic or doing nothing at all. This will not only prepare travelers to protect themselves but will give them somewhere to turn for immediate attention if they do get sick.”

Infectious Disease Doctors: The Best Travel Medicine Specialists

Different parts of the world harbor different types of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, and while your body may be used to certain pathogens in your native area, it may be very vulnerable to them in distant locations abroad. This is one reason a pre-travel medical consultation is so important.

Infectious disease doctors are the most qualified travel medicine specialists because:

• They understand global health trends , such as which bacteria have become resistant to specific antibiotics that are sold over the counter in some countries. As a result, they are well prepared to diagnose and treat travelers who pick up these germs.
• They can care for patients with complex medical histories. “These patients may need to avoid drug interactions, or they may have a condition that limits the kinds of treatments they can receive,” Dr. Hirsh said. “For instance, people who are allergic to eggs can’t tolerate the vaccine for yellow fever because it contains egg protein. Patients who are immunocompromised also cannot receive the vaccine as it is a live viral vaccine.”
• They are the only physicians with comprehensive expertise about all types of infections, so they are best equipped to guide travelers about infectious disease prevention, along with health risks and treatment options.

What Conditions Do Travel Medicine Specialists Treat?

An array of diseases pose a threat to people who travel internationally, and travel medicine specialists are comfortable treating all of them. Those most encountered by the travel medicine doctors at ID Care are:

• Traveler’s diarrhea , caused by bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi passed through food or water that are prevalent in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Mexico, and Central and South America.
• Malaria , caused by a parasite passed via mosquito bites and common in Africa, Asia, and South America.
• Typhoid , caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi that are transmitted through contaminated food or water and prevalent in parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
• Hepatitis A , a virus contracted through food, water, or close contact with an infected person and common throughout the world.

Less common but still a risk are several diseases caused by viruses transmitted by mosquitoes:

• Yellow fever, common in certain parts of Africa and South America.
• Japanese encephalitis , present in some parts of Asia and the Western Pacific.
• Dengue fever, present in many countries in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
• Chikungunya, present in countries within Africa, Asia, and the Americas, and on islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Who Should See a Travel Medicine Specialist?

As you prepare for your trip, you might wonder if you really need to reserve time to see a travel medicine specialist. Anyone traveling internationally does, especially if the destination is a developing country, a safari, or any place considered exotic – all popular travel destinations.https://idcare.com/blog/a-safety-guide-for-international-travelers/

“Special notice should also be taken by those who have moved to the U.S. but are paying a visit to family or friends in their native country, because the feel familiar with the area and thus immune, but they are not. It’s easier for these individuals to take one pill a day to prevent malaria than to come back sick,” said Dr. Hirsh.

In addition, people who are immunocompromised should see a travel medicine specialist before taking a trip anywhere, as they face a higher risk of contracting an infection.

“People who are immunocompromised may face concerns when going to different areas of the U.S., as certain infections are endemic to specific areas,” Dr. Hirsh said. “There are some fungal infections that are seen only in the Four Corners area in the Southwest, while others are seen only in the Midwest Ohio area. And of course, Lyme disease is often seen in New Jersey, but may be much less likely in other parts of the country.”

When to Book a Travel Medicine Appointment

It’s not too late to see your travel medicine specialist even if it’s the day before a trip, but “it takes two weeks to make full antibodies in response to many of our vaccines and some vaccines require a series of shots, so we like to see you around two months before your trip,” Dr. Hirsh said.

It is recommended that people bring their health and immunization records as well as a detailed itinerary to the appointment, as this information is crucial in determining what kind of care and travel guidance they will need.

The Goals of a Pre-Travel Appointment

During a pre-travel appointment, your travel medicine doctor will ask the details of your trip and anticipate the diseases that could be of concern. In addition, the doctor will assess your health and immunization history, including drug allergies; offer preventive vaccines and advice; and prescribe medications for diseases you may contract while away.

“We are an internal medicine-based field, so we look at everything you need, from head to toe, and advise accordingly,” Dr. Hirsh said.

Evaluating Your Itinerary

In asking about your itinerary, a travel medicine specialist will want to know:

• Timing of the trip. Whether you are visiting a country during its wet or dry season can shed light on the level of concern related to mosquitoes or ticks.
• Altitude of the destination. This can indicate the likelihood of mosquito-borne diseases or altitude sickness.
• Mode of travel. Travel medicine doctors can prescribe medications in advance for motion sickness on planes or ships.
• Activities planned . Handling animals, visiting bat caves, or traveling through an area by bicycle — which can lead to encounters with dogs — may open the door to diseases such as rabies . Meanwhile, spending time in a rural area, where there may be more mosquitoes, could increase the risk of Japanese encephalitis.
• Typical level of food and water safety in the target area. For people not local to an area, the germs that live in food and water can cause illness, even at a five-star hotel. If that problem is likely, the doctor will recommend measures such as drinking only bottled water and remembering not to use tap water when brushing teeth.
• Prevalence of polio in the destination country. Three countries still have active polio cases and others continue to use an oral polio vaccine that can transmit the disease, so travelers planning visits can benefit from a preventive booster.

Vaccines and Other Medications

Based on a traveler’s trip itinerary and health history, travel medicine doctors can determine whether a patient needs preventive measures and care. These often include vaccines given in advance of a trip and medicines to bring along in case of illness.

Vaccines might be designed to protect against diseases in the destination region, such as typhoid, yellow fever, or cholera, or to ensure compliance with standard U.S. immunizations that the patient never received or is due to repeat, which protect against conditions such as diphtheria, tetanus , shingles , and hepatitis A.

“The preventive vaccine for yellow fever, previously recommended every 10 years for travelers, is now given once as a lifetime dose,” Dr. Hirsh said. “Better yet, while not every practice is licensed to give that vaccine, ID Care offers it. This is crucial, because travelers need to show certification that they’ve had the vaccine in order to travel in and out of certain countries. We are fortunate to carry all the travel-related vaccines that are available in the U.S. at all 10 of our locations, and we can give them onsite the day of a patient’s appointment.”

Travel medicine specialists might also prescribe:

• Preventive medications such as pills to prevent malaria.
• Antibiotics that target a disease the traveler may encounter, such as traveler’s diarrhea, along with instructions for when and how to use them.
• Altitude or motion sickness
• Medication to assist with sleep when adjusting to a new time zone.

Good Advice: The Other Preventive Medicine

In addition to medical care, travel medicine specialists provide helpful advice during a pre-travel appointment that falls into several categories:

• Practical safeguards, such as travelers’ health insurance policies, which can pay to transport a patient to a qualified treatment center in an emergency.
• Self-care, such as instructions for using insect repellant to prevent diseases including malaria and yellow fever, and for avoiding and treating traveler’s diarrhea using over-the-counter medications and hydration.
• What to know in an emergency , such as where to find help while traveling internationally – ideally at the largest teaching medical center in the closest city, where doctors are most likely to speak English and provide a good standard of care.

“It’s much easier to prevent a problem than to deal with complications later if something was missed or not handled well,” Dr. Hirsh said. “That’s why it makes sense to consult an expert like those at ID Care before leaving for a trip. Once you have been seen and are a patient of our practice, we can assist whenever you need us.”

Consulting Your Travel Medicine Specialist During a Trip

Those who get sick while traveling in a less developed or exotic area might be concerned about seeking care at a local hospital, especially if they do not speak the country’s language. Fortunately, patients who have already established a relationship with a practice such as ID Care have somewhere else to turn; they can reach out to their travel medicine specialists via telephone or telemedicine.

“We always have a doctor available to help guide our patients if they encounter health problems while they’re away,” Dr. Hirsh said. “We like to have the chance to intervene so that illnesses contracted overseas don’t turn into emergencies.”

When Care is Needed After Travel

The patients who need care after a trip are usually those who did not have pre-travel consultations.

“We get called from the emergency room with questions about how to treat these patients. In addition, doctors from other practices who are not infectious disease specialists and are unsure of how to handle exotic diseases also frequently refer their patients to us,” Dr. Hirsh said. “Fortunately, we have a deep well of knowledge because we see malaria and typhoid cases each year and are comfortable treating them.”

Although it’s unusual for those who are already ID Care patients to come home sick, those who do are swiftly seen by doctors in the practice for diagnosis, treatment, or medical guidance.

Travel Medicine Specialists and Employers: In Good Company

In addition to working with individuals, travel medicine specialists make great partners for organizations that send people on international trips.

At ID Care, specialists are retained by companies to:

• Give talks about the health dangers associated with travel, preventive measures, and how a travel medicine specialist can help with all aspects of travel care .
• Meet with employees one-on-one to evaluate itineraries, assess risk, make recommendations, offer vaccines, and prescribe medicine in case of illness while away.

ID Care Provides Comprehensive Travel Medicine Care

As infectious disease doctors, ID Care physicians are experienced travel medicine specialists who can provide advice and treatment before, during, and after a trip, even for the most medically complex patients. That’s why these specialists are preferred not only by individual travelers, but by organizations, and why emergency rooms and other doctors routinely refer patients to them for diagnosis and treatment of unusual symptoms following international trips.

“One of the benefits of coming to us ahead of a trip is that, if you get sick later, you are already our patient. Our 10 offices are always staffed so that our patients have convenient access to expert help,” Dr. Hirsh said.

Of course, doctors within ID Care are also well versed in preventing, diagnosing, and treating infectious diseases of all kinds, regardless of where they were contracted. To consult with an infectious disease doctor at ID Care or set up a travel medicine appointment for personal or business travel, call 908-281-0610 or visit idcare.com .

Home / Nursing Careers & Specialties / Travel Nurse

Travel Nurse

What is a travel nurse, how to become a travel nurse, travel nurse faqs, what does a domestic or international travel nurse do, travel nurse salary and employment, helpful organizations, societies, & agencies.

Travel nurses are RNs from various clinical backgrounds who work for independent staffing agencies. They are assigned to different care areas on a temporary basis to fill in short-term employment gaps.

Travel nursing is a specialty that took root when the field of nursing faced a nationwide shortage. Hospitals, clinics, and other care areas had unfilled positions, yet had patients needing care. To try and attract nurses to the open positions, employers offered higher pay, housing, and covered the cost of relocating.

Due to these shortages, health care facilities have vacancies that need to be filled—and travel nurses are often the ones to fill open positions. Not only do travel nurses work in health care in any state in the country, but they also work outside of the United States as international travel nurses. The adventure and excitement of new opportunities, along with higher-than-average pay, are facets of travel nursing that many RNs find attractive.

Why Are Travel Nurses Important?

Travel nurses are an important part of the health care team because they help bridge the gap between supply and demand in the field of nursing. Mandatory nurse-patient ratios have led to increased patient safety and lower patient mortality . While this is a positive finding, and more and more states are passing legislation to implement staffing ratios, there are not enough nurses to fill the openings. Travel nurses assigned those open positions help to increase patient safety and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, nurses from different educational backgrounds, care areas, and geographic locations bring a great deal to the practice of nursing. Sharing ideas and practices not only benefits patients, but also other nurses.

A travel nurse should have the following characteristics to excel in the role:

• Enjoys experiencing new cities, towns, and organizations
• Enjoys freedom. Travel nurses choose when and where they work, and choose their duration of employment
• Enjoys flexibility. Travel nurses create their schedules, benefits packages, and income based on which agency they choose to work
• Thrives on challenges. Moving to different states or overseas and being “the new nurse” repeatedly is challenging. Learning new organizational systems and workflows is particularly challenging
• Loves learning new things. Each assignment takes travel nurses to new health care facilities, some with higher levels of technology or different standards of practice. Each experience helps nurses build upon their knowledge base

Additionally, travel nurses should have supportive families and friends. It's difficult to either pack up and move an entire family or leave your family and friends behind. The flip side to this is that new relationships are formed in each new location.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Those interested in the specialty of travel nursing should first pursue a nursing degree through a two or four-year university. Obtaining an associate's degree ( ADN ) or bachelor's degree ( BSN ) in nursing is required. A BSN is not required to be a travel nurse, but some health care facilities only hire BSN-prepared nurses. The staffing agency in which the nurse is employed should match the nurse appropriately based on educational requirements.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure.

Most travel nurse agencies require a minimum of one year of hands-on experience in the chosen specialty of nursing. Additionally, some agencies will only hire BSN-prepared RNs. International travel nurses should speak the language of the country they are to practice in, as communication is an important part of effective healthcare delivery. Nurses are encouraged to research agencies when considering travel nursing.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

No additional exams are required for travel nursing. Based on the specialty, certification(s) may be required. Examples include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) may be required
• Stroke care certification
• Telemetry certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Critical care nursing (adults, pediatric, neonatal)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be required
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
• Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) certification

Additional specific requirements may be necessary for international travel nurses. These include:

• Acquiring a passport and work visa (usually handled by the agency)
• Additional immunizations
• Learning a new language
• Learning about diseases unique to the area

How Can a Travel Nurse Receive a Tax-Free Housing Stipend?

Housing is one of the most significant concerns for a travel nurse. There are a few options available, and it depends on the travel nurse agency/company regarding how accommodations are set up. Some companies provide housing (i.e., apartment, duplex, etc.). Some companies offer a housing stipend, or a fixed amount of money each month to apply towards housing.

First, nurses need to be aware of where their “tax home” is, as stipends are tax-free if working away from the tax home. Having a tax home is necessary to receive tax-free housing. A "tax home" is defined as the general vicinity of an individual's primary place of work (regardless of where the primary residence is). Generally, the IRS considers someone traveling away from home (i.e., their "tax home") if it exceeds one workday.

Different travel nurse agencies offer different stipends - it’s important to research what the living expenses are in a specific area to ensure housing is adequately covered. The General Services Administration (GSA) lists the maximum daily amount for lodging, meals, and incidentals with regards to travel expenses . The key word is MAXIMUM. It's not required that a company pay employees the listed stipend. In fact, some travel nurse agencies offer higher hourly wages instead of housing stipends. Additionally, the GSA rates are based on short-term travel - usually less than a month. Travel nurse contracts can last three months or more.

Are Nursing Licenses Valid When Traveling and Working in Other States?

Those interested in travel nursing may have questions about licensing; specifically, how are licenses recognized if practicing in another state.

Depending on the state, new licensure is not necessary. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the Nurse Licensure Compact which is an agreement between specific states to recognize nursing licenses without having to apply separately for licensure in another state. In other words, a nurse living in a "compact state" (one which is part of this agreement) can practice in another compact state without having to obtain additional licenses. There are now uniform licensure requirements that must be met when seeking a multistate license under the compact agreement. States that participate in the compact agreement can be found on the NCSBN website .

If not part of the compact agreement, some states allow nurses to obtain temporary licenses by endorsement. These are valid for specific lengths of time, so nurses must visit each state’s Board of Nursing website to determine specific temporary license requirements. If extending the assignment past the temporary license time frame, nurses must apply for a permanent license. Permanent licenses are also required for states that don't grant licensure by endorsement and don't participate in the NLC.

Travel nurses have a broad range of responsibilities and duties, and specific tasks depend on the specialty in which the nurse is trained. General nursing responsibilities and duties include:

• Using the nursing process of assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings
• Administering medications, and fluids, assisting with activities of daily living and patient mobility
• Reviewing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and imaging
• Provide monitoring and oversight in all aspects of patient care
• Collaborating with physicians in developing a plan of care
• Assessing the psychosocial needs of patients and families
• Recognizing and intervening in clinically unstable patients
• Providing resources for patients and referring as necessary
• Educating patients and families in all areas of healthcare maintenance and prevention
• Working in assignments anywhere from eight to thirteen weeks (on average) in the U.S., one to two years if outside the U.S.
• Learning various patient care systems/documentation
• Providing immediate medical care and aid for large populations during times of war or disaster

Domestic and international travel nurses also have different characteristics specific to their roles.

Domestic Travel Nurses

• Work within the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from eight to thirteen weeks
• Can respond to areas of the U.S that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks

International Travel Nurses

International travel nurses should have excellent communication skills, should be open to new experiences and challenges, and should have a strong desire to learn. These nurses are responsible for performing a wide array of duties. As stated previously, the tasks an international nurse will have to perform depend entirely upon their medical specialty. Some of the more general or everyday tasks that international travel nurses will perform include administering medication, wound care, and providing emergency medical services and care. Since there are often nursing shortages in many of the regions that international nurses travel to, another general role of these nurses is to educate family members and caretakers about the appropriate patient and medical care. In summary, international travel nurses:

• Work outside the U.S.
• Typically work assignments that range from one to two years
• Respond to areas that experience natural disasters or disease outbreaks, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
• Provide medical care and aid to underserved, rural , and remote populations
• Usually, must wait for document processing before traveling

Travel Nurse Working Conditions

As with any career, there are positive and negative aspects to working as a travel nurse. Nurses can suffer from stress as they may carry a heavy patient load and have many critical decisions to make. Additionally, travel nurses may suffer from feelings of isolation since they tend to relocate often. Having a strong sense of independence and a support system available, even remotely, can help.

Additionally, nurses may work in high-risk areas that may expose them to workplace violence, blood-borne pathogens, and chemicals. Travel nurses must always familiarize themselves with and adhere to safety standards set by the organization.

International travel nurses can face different challenges. Travel nurses must be familiar with the country's laws, and geographic-specific diseases, and always keep their overall safety as a priority.

Despite these considerations, travel nursing can be immensely rewarding. Many organizations and staff nurses appreciate the help travel nurses offer. Travel nurses help relieve staff nurses from burnout, as can happen when working short-staffed.

International travel nurses are also highly appreciated. They provide medical care and assistance to many patients in remote settings who otherwise would have no access to healthcare. They help with relief efforts in war zones or after disaster events, which can be both rewarding and enriching.

According to the American Nurses Association, as of 2015 fourteen states had mandatory nurse-patient ratios . Nurses are pushing for federal legislation supporting safe staffing and because of this, if more states pass safe-staffing laws, nurses will be in even more demand. Travel nurses will help mend the current and projected nursing shortage. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% overall growth for nurses until 2024, which is much faster-than-average growth for all occupations.

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Travel nursing has many incentives for nurses regarding pay and benefits including:

• Travel reimbursement
• Free housing
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans
• Assistance in obtaining passports/work visas
• Choice of location
• Selection of hours/shifts worked
• Competitive pay
• Higher-than-average pay for RNs

According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a travel nurse is $75,109. However, since pay is competitive in travel nursing, some companies are offering salaries of around $100,00 annually for domestic travel nurses.

International travel nurses tend to have lower salaries than domestic, except for assignments in some middle eastern countries. This is because, for the most part, nurses tend to make less outside of the U.S.

Salary is dependent on the agency, and nurses should research each company to find the right salary and benefits that best fit their needs.

• International Council of Nurses
• Professional Association of Nurse Travelers
• National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations
• American Travel Health Nurses Association

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Medical Tourism: Travel to Another Country for Medical Care

Traveling to another country to get medical care can be risky. Learn about the risks and how to minimize them.

Traveling Internationally for Medical Care

Each year, millions of US residents travel to another country for medical care which is called medical tourism. Medical tourists from the United States most commonly travel to Mexico and Canada, and to several other countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

The reasons people may seek medical care in another country include:

• Cost: To get a treatment or procedure that may be cheaper in another country
• Culture: To receive care from a clinician who shares the traveler’s culture and language
• Unavailable or unapproved procedures: To get a procedure or therapy that is not available or approved in the United States

The most common procedures that people undergo on medical tourism trips include dental care, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, and cancer treatment.

Medical Tourism Can Be Risky

The risk of complications depends on the destination, the facility where the procedure is being performed, and whether the traveler is in good health for the procedure(s). Other issues that can increase a traveler’s risk of complications include:

Infectious Diseases.  All medical procedures have some risk of infection. Complications from procedures performed in other countries include wound infections, bloodstream infections, donor-derived infections (in the case of transplantations or transfusions), and diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

Antimicrobial resistance.   Highly drug-resistant bacteria and fungi have caused disease outbreaks among medical tourists. Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs develop the ability to not respond to drugs such as antibiotics used to treat infections. Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem. Healthcare facilities in another country may not have adequate infection control practices and medical tourists could be at risk for getting a drug-resistant infection.

Quality of Care. Some countries’ requirements for maintaining licensure, credentialing, and accreditation may also be less than what would be required in the United States. In some countries, counterfeit medicines and lower quality medical devices may be used.

Communication challenges. Communicating with staff at the destination and healthcare facility may be challenging. Receiving care at a facility where you do not speak the language fluently could lead to misunderstandings about your care.

Air Travel.  Flying after surgery can increase the risk for blood clots, including  deep vein thrombosis . Delaying air travel for 10-14 days following major surgeries, particularly those involving the chest, will minimize risks associated with changes in atmospheric pressure.

Continuity of Care.  Travelers may need to get health care in the United States if they develop complications after returning. Follow-up care for complications might be expensive. Treatment might be prolonged and might not be covered by your health insurance.

How You Can Minimize Medical Tourism Risks

Research the clinician and facility.

• Check the qualifications of the clinician who will be doing the procedure and the credentials of the facility where the procedure will be done. Accrediting groups, including Joint Commission International, DNV GL International Accreditation for Hospitals, and the International Society for Quality in Healthcare, have lists of standards that healthcare facilities need to meet to be accredited. Please note that all surgeries carry the risk of complications and accreditation does not guarantee a positive outcome.
• If you go to a country where you do not speak the language, determine ahead of time how you will communicate with your clinician and others who will be caring for you.

Before you travel

• Get a pretravel consultation. See your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinician at least 4–6 weeks before the trip to discuss general information for healthy travel and learn about specific risks you may face because of your health status, the procedure, and travel before and after the procedure.
• Obtain international  travel health insurance  that covers medical evacuation back to the United States.
• Find out what activities are not recommended around the time of the medical procedure, such as swimming or hiking, and plan accordingly.

Maintain your health and medical records

• Bring copies of your medical records with you, including results of lab tests and other tests related to your condition and care. Inform the medical staff at your destination of allergies you may have.
• Pack a  travel health kit  with your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in their original packaging. Bring enough medicine to last your whole trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. Also, bring copies of all your prescriptions and a list of medications you take, including their brand names, generic names, manufacturers, and dosages.
• Get copies of all your medical records from the medical facility at your destination before you return home. You may need to get them translated into English.

Arrange for follow-up care before you travel

• Identify where you will be staying immediately after the procedure.
• Make sure you can get any needed follow-up care in the United States. Follow-up care for medical complications can be expensive and might not be covered by your health insurance. Travelers considering procedures outside the United States should understand the potential financial costs associated with follow-up care or emergency care in the event of complications, review their health insurance policies to determine what, if anything, is covered and plan for the possibility of paying for additional care out-of-pocket.
• Supplemental travel health insurance may also be available to cover follow-up or emergency care from procedures received abroad.

Related Resources

• CDC Yellow Book: Medical Tourism
• American Medical Association Ethical Guidance on Medical Tourism
• Organization for Safety, Asepsis, & Prevention's Traveler’s Guide to Safe Dental Care
• The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery guidelines for travelers
• International Travel (US Department of State)
• Your Health Abroad (US Department of State)

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Good Practice Guidance for Providing a Travel Health Service

Whilst travel medicine practice has seen a significant fall in demand due to COVID-19, the history of previous global pandemics proves that the need for pre-travel care will return, although with this global pandemic, recovery may take longer than we would all like. The standard of care delivered has never been more important and perhaps, as travellers’ raised awareness of the prevention of respiratory transmission via correct handwashing and respiratory etiquette so clearly shows, it is hoped that travellers will take more interest on the health advice they receive in the future.

In the United Kingdom, apart from the structure of governance for the administration of yellow fever vaccine due to International Health Regulations (IHR) stipulating that vaccine can only be administered at centres designated by the health administration for the territory in which they are situated, the practice of travel medicine is unregulated. A number of vaccines are provided under our National Health Service (hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera and polio within the combined tetanus, polio and diphtheria vaccine) and so a large proportion of travel health advice is delivered in primary care settings. In recent years, a growing number of pharmacists has also commenced provision of travel health services. In addition, we have a considerable number of private travel clinics and care is also delivered in a variety of other settings such as schools, occupational healthcare and the military. Inspection of such services is undertaken, in a variety of ways and by different official bodies, but there is no measure in place to ensure that a standard of care is consistent at the present time.

The Faculty of Travel Medicine (FTM)of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow ( https://rcpsg.ac.uk/travel-medicine/home ) is the only such Faculty in the northern Hemisphere and the College is also unique in its multidisciplinary membership. Founded in 2006 in a College which dates from 1599, the FTM's mission is

• • To provide leadership to Travel Medicine professionals
• • To support our membership through education, training, continuous professional development, examinations and assessment
• • To be a leading voice on health matters related to travel in order to set the highest possible standards of health care and assure the safety of patients and travellers

Whilst travel health services are delivered in the UK mostly by nurses and pharmacists, the FTM considers the most important aspect of delivering travel health care is not which professional group delivers the care, but that each person doing so exceeds the minimum standard of practice and meets the health needs of the traveller. It follows therefore, that a guidance document should be a key publication from the FTM.

‘Good Practice Guidance for Providing a Travel Health Service’ [1] sets out to define the standards of care every practitioner should achieve in their practice of Travel Medicine for the health and safety of the international traveller. It does not describe how to set up a clinic nor the basic skillsets required, but can be used as a self-assessment guide to identify key areas for continuing professional development, or continuous quality improvement, including effectiveness, efficiency and safety of the service. This Good Practice Guidance is intended for all those providing or planning to provide travel health services, thereby improving standards of care to international travellers. And although the document contains certain UK references, it is anticipated that the standards are universal and independent of the country of practice.

The document sets out the FTM's expected standards of practice in four key areas:

• • Service Delivery.
• • Operating/Facility Requirements for a Travel Service.
• • Assurance and Governance of Travel Health Services.
• • Recommendations for the Practice of Travel Medicine.

The fourth section is supported by two appendices to further enhance standards of practice and training:

• • Appendix B provides an example of a practitioner assessment tool for competency in travel health. This is also additionally available as a Word formatted document to allow completion as the practitioners progresses, forming a ‘living’ record of their competence.
• • Appendix C lists the training requirements in travel medicine.

These elements will be particularly useful for the practitioner new to this field of practice, but will also serve as a useful tool to identify the practitioner's current level of practice and further development requirements to support their Continuing Professional Development.

There is a comprehensive section of resources towards the end of the publication which could be printed off as a standalone resource, or if used online is fully hyperlinked including the index for ease of use.

At the end of the publication is a patient leaflet for travellers to understand what is the minimum standard of care they should expect to receive when they attend a travel consultation. This leaflet is also provided as a single downloadable file for practitioner convenience.

All the resources are available at https://rcpsg.ac.uk/travel-medicine/good-practice-guidance-for-providing-a-travel-health-service .

• What Do Travel Nurses Do?

Where Do Travel Nurses Work?

A day in the life of a travel nurse, pros and cons of being a travel nurse, is travel nursing right for you.

Becoming a travel nurse can be an exciting opportunity to not only experience new places around the country but also network and build lasting connections with healthcare professionals. But if you're considering starting traveling, you may be wondering, what do travel nurses do? 

This article will take you through the responsibilities of a travel nurse, including the day-to-day duties, where you can work, and the pros and cons of the job. Keep reading to determine whether this fast-paced, exciting, and adventurous career is right for you.

>> Click here to see available high-paying travel nurse opportunities!

What Do Travel Nurses Do? 

The specific duties of a travel nurse will vary depending on the unit and department you work. For example, the expectations of an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse will vary greatly compared to those of an obstetrics (OB) nurse or an operating room (OR) nurse. In this section, we'll discuss what travel nurses do, their duties, and their responsibilities.

>> Related: How to Become a Travel Nurse

Bedside Responsibilities

Travel nurses are responsible for taking care of patients from triage to discharge. Typically responsibilities may include, 

• Administer medications and monitor for adverse reactions
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including ambulation, feeding, dressing, and bathing
• Insert and manage IV catheters
• Perform vital signs at required intervals and recognize abnormalities and report to appropriate healthcare providers
• Perform physical assessments and recognize signs
• Prepare patients for bedside procedures and surgeries

A large portion of a travel nurse’s responsibilities include education. Specifically, travel nurses will need to provide education to the patient, if applicable, as well as to family and caregivers throughout their shifts. 

Time spent educating patients and families will vary depending on your specific unit. For example, a travel nurse that works in a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and is discharging patients after surgery will be required to spend more time on education than other typical bedside duties. 

On the other hand, an ICU nurse will spend far less time focused on education because of the severity of their patient’s illness and disease. 

Travel nurses also may be responsible for educating new nurses and orientees. While rare, it is possible for a travel nurse to be asked to work with new nurses.

Patient Advocacy

While not the most obvious job responsibility, advocating for a patient is an important job duty of a travel nurse. This can range from speaking to healthcare providers to advocating for tests or new medications. It also can mean speaking to family members about the wants and needs of the patient. 

Travel nurses can work in a variety of locations. Essentially, they can work anywhere that a staff nurse may work. However, not all healthcare settings will have a need for travel nurses. Some of the locations travel nurses work in include, 

• Home health
• Long-term care facility
• Government agency
• Private MD office
• Urgent care
• Specialty clinic
• Surgical center

Travel nurse days might look a little different than a staff nurse because they can be the first to be floated to another unit, depending on their contract. So, travel nurses will generally report to the floor they are contracted but may have to work their shift on another unit or even another hospital (depending on their specific contract).

1. Get Their Assignments

Most travel nurses will start their shifts either at 7 am or 7 pm. After getting an assignment, the first task is to get a report on your patients. This typically takes about 30 minutes but may take longer, depending on the unit and the patients! 

2. Looking Through the EMR

After the report, travel nurses will spend a little bit of time looking through the EMR to go over orders and medications, including times they are due, and to find any missing information that was not communicated during the report. 

3. Performing Physical Assessments

The rest of the morning generally consists of performing physical assessments on your patients, vital signs, assisting in ADLs, and administering medications. 

Healthcare providers typically round in the morning so it is important to try and touch base with the medical team to learn the plan of care for the patient for the day and any changes to the orders and/or medications. 

The rest of the day is similar to the morning/evening but maybe a little less hectic. There are more vital signs, reassessment of your patients, admissions and discharges (depending on the unit), and road trips for MRI or CT scans. 

While this is a brief idea of what a typical day might look like for a travel nurse, it will vary greatly depending on your specialty and work location. 

Being a travel nurse may sound like a great opportunity: You get to travel the country, earn a higher wage, and experience new cultures. But like every job, there are pros, and there are cons as well. 

Travel Nursing Pros

• Higher compensation
• New locations
• Meeting new people
• Expand your skillset
• Adaptability 
• Flexibility between contracts
• Choice of contracts and location

>> Related: Travel Nurse Salary Guide

Travel Nursing Cons

• Always the new person
• First to float, first to cancel
• Relocating every 13 weeks 
• New computer modules for each assignment
• Lack of local support system
• Managing multiple nursing licenses
• Finding temporary travel nurse housing

Travel nurse requirements are the same as a staff nurse, except most travel nurse jobs require 1-2 years of experience and prefer a BSN degree over an ADN. Not meeting these standards can make finding travel nursing jobs in desirable locations more difficult and may dampen your experience.

Another reason travel nursing may or may not be right for you is variety. As a travel nurse, no two assignments will look the same. So, it may not suit you if you prefer stability and routine.

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

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Travel nurses and patient outcomes: A systematic review

• PMID: 37615945
• DOI: 10.1097/HMR.0000000000000383

Background: The unprecedented use of travel and temporary nurses in recent years requires further investigation of the impact on patient care.

Purpose: We conducted a systematic review of empirical research investigating the relationship between travel nurses and patient care to identify if consistent significant associations exist and how structural and process variables may influence such associations.

Methods: A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of six databases resulted in the identification of 21 relevant articles.

Results: The existing research of travel nurse use differs widely in terms of the definition of travel nurse, study design, and included controls. The literature has failed to establish a consistent relationship between travel nurses and patient outcomes. Adverse associations between travel nursing and patient care may reflect staffing levels or work environments rather than the specific care by the travel nurses themselves.

Practice implications: Underlying structural and process variables, such as staffing levels and the practice work environment, may be confounding associations between travel nurse usage and quality patient care. Administrators and managers are urged to assess staffing and the work environment when employing travel nurses.

Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Publication types

• Systematic Review
• Administrative Personnel
• Nursing Staff, Hospital*
• Quality of Health Care

What is a Travel Nurse?

As the effects of COVID on our country’s hospital system continue to unravel, the term “travel nurse” has grown in popularity, becoming almost a household term. But what is a travel nurse really?

Travel nurses are simply nurses that fill gaps in staffing needs for hospitals and facilities across the country for specific (often short) periods of time. There are travel nurses for every specialty, and there are even managerial travel nurse positions. The staffing needs may be due to a lack of experienced nurses, an expected leave of absence like maternity leave, or seasonal population fluctuations. This is where travel nurses come in, to help bridge the staffing gap while the hospital fills the open full-time positions.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 275,000 additional nurses will be needed from 2020 to 2030 , which indicates the dramatic need for nurses to fill positions. Hospitals have to fill needs quickly, which is when they turn to travel nurses.

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Hospitals and healthcare facilities work with travel nurse staffing agencies to hire travel nurses to fill their staffing needs. To obtain a travel nurse contract, you’ll need to work with an agency. There are 340 travel nurse staffing agencies in the U.S. — 110 of which are certified through the Joint Commission . While it’s not a requirement for staffing agencies to be certified, Magnet hospitals and large academic teaching hospitals generally only work with travel nursing agencies that are. It’s important to keep that in mind if you’re looking to work at those types of facilities.

There are short-term and long-term travel nursing contracts. Typically, contracts are between 8 and 26 weeks, though the most common contracts last 13 weeks. If there’s a continued need in the hospital for your current position, they may offer to extend your initial contract. Due to the ongoing nursing shortage, more and more facilities are increasingly flexible with contracts.

Ultimately, it’s up to the travel nurse to decide if they want the stability of a long-term contract or a short-term contract in order to travel around the country more. Once a contract is signed, it becomes a legal document, and ending a contract early is rarely allowed. If you’re unsure which contract length is best for you, recruiters often suggest choosing between 10- and 13-week contracts to start. You often have the option of adjusting the duration of your contract for the next assignment or extending your current one if the staffing need is still there.

Hospitals and facilities do have the option of ending a contract early if there is no longer a need for your position. This doesn’t happen often, but if it does, you unfortunately won’t be paid through the end of your contract. Your staffing agency will work to find you another position quickly, but it’s still something to keep in mind when choosing an assignment.

How Do You Become a Travel Nurse?

1. have your rn.

First, you must be a registered nurse to become a travel nurse — there is no additional training or education required. That said, nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) are more marketable than nurses with only an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Most Magnet hospitals and large academic teaching hospitals want travel nurses with a BSN.

2. Experience Needed

In general, travel nurses need at least one year of work experience, oftentimes two, in their specialty before accepting their first contract. Travel nurses have a short orientation time on a new unit — typically 1-3 shifts. This orientation time is to learn the unit, experience the patient population, get to know your new coworkers and review the charting system. Time is not spent on learning basic nursing care, and for this reason, nurses must have the required experience.

3. Licensure

Travel nurses must also be licensed in the state where they’re accepting a contract. Most staffing agencies assist with this process, but it could take several weeks in order to obtain a new license, so keep this in mind when choosing your assignments. This is important if you want to travel between multiple states and accept shorter-term contracts.

Pro tip: Consider obtaining an Enhanced Nursing Licensure (eNLC), commonly known to nurses as a Compact License. This is one license that works for 39 states and means you can start assignments immediately making you more desirable for contracts.

4. Choose an Agency

It’s also important to research different travel nurse staffing agencies. Every agency provides different benefits, including health, dental, tuition reimbursement, vacation and sick time, and retirement, in addition to compensation rates. Each agency also has different agreements with hospitals, so it is advantageous for the traveler to talk to multiple agencies to increase their options. Experienced travel nurses suggest keeping a spreadsheet that includes all the benefits offered for each staffing agency as well as assignment lengths, housing and location options, and a number of available travel nursing jobs. This will help you compare multiple travel nurse companies at once. Or you’ll already have some homework done when it comes time to choose your next assignment.

Consider reaching out to other travel nurses to ask about their experiences with various staffing agencies and facilities. An experienced travel nurse can provide you with information that you may not get from a recruiter and can help guide you in what questions to ask.

How Do You Find Travel Nursing Jobs?

With the rise of travel nursing positions, there has also been an increase in accessibility to travel nursing job postings. The easiest and by far most common way to sign a travel contract is through a travel nurse agency, and we partner with several of them here at travelnursing.org. With hundreds of options available, it is important to prioritize what you are seeking most out of a contract because each company can offer a slightly different package.

Finding contracts has never been easier. There are apps and websites that allow you to compare different active posts through different agencies. It’s always important to remember why some companies are offering higher packages than others, and what benefits they may or may not be including.

From personal experience, I would recommend doing your research on which companies seem to fit your desired need, and then reaching out to 3-4 of them to begin the conversations.

One great starting spot is to look at how the companies compare with others, and there is a great chart to get you started here . This way, you have options, but you are not overwhelmed with 40 recruiters trying to get your business. They can answer the most basic questions like “what is a travel nurse?” to “what is the breakdown of a given contract,” and “what travel expenses can be reimbursed?”

Advantages of Travel Nursing

1. expand your nursing skill set and build your resume.

Working as a travel nurse gives you access to hospitals all around the country that you may not have otherwise considered. Taking a contract at a top-rated hospital boosts your resume. This nursing experience may help with graduate school admission as well as earning a staff position at other prominent hospitals. Here are some resume-building facilities to consider:

• Mayo Clinic
• Mount Sinai Beth Israel
• Cleveland Clinic
• John Hopkins Hospital
• New York Presbyterian Hospital

2. Earn a higher salary and other benefits

Between the non-taxable stipends, travel reimbursements, and other monetary incentives, travel nurses typically make more money than staff nurses. If they’re in a specialty that’s in high demand or are willing to travel to less popular places, especially at certain times of the year, the potential is even greater.

3. Travel to new and exciting places

New travel nursing assignments are available across the country every day for various specialties. And contracts are short (typically only 13 weeks), so there’s time to explore multiple locations throughout the year. If you have your heart set on a specific location and it isn’t available currently, don’t fret – chances are it will be in the future. A good recruiter can also help you find assignments in your desired destinations.

4. Personal and professional flexibility

Travel nurses have the option of taking time off between contracts to see family or travel. Some experienced travel nurses take 2-3 months before starting their next assignment due to vacation, holidays, or family schedules. It’s not a requirement to work back-to-back contracts. Also, some hospitals let travel nurses pick their own shifts and schedule, but keep in mind that this isn’t always the case. Travel nurses are hired to fill a hospital’s specific needs, and flexibility isn’t always an option.

Cons of Travel Nursing

1. live far away from close family/friends.

One of the hardest parts about traveling is the distance from family. Although it is possible to take contracts that are relatively close to home or travel to locations where family or friends might live, some travel nursing jobs take you far away from any familiar people in your life. If family or close friends are a priority in your life, this would be something to consider.

2. Harder time building roots

Although many travelers find a small community of people everywhere they live, when one is on the road and moving every few months, it is a lot harder to build deeper relationships. You could end multiple contracts with 50 new friends, but very few of them might have the depth of friendship to continue past that particular contract.

3. Loneliness

Many travel nurses take contracts by themselves in brand-new cities and locations. This can be extremely isolating and lonely at times. Those first few weeks of a contract can be full of quality alone time, and time to take some solo adventures. If this sounds daunting, find some other fellow nurses to travel with or rent a room with other nurses to ensure you have more time with others.

4. Minimal control over work schedule

Since travel nurses are essentially filling in the gaps in the schedule, many times there are no options for what shifts you will be working – rather, management simply assigns you shifts and dates. Although you have the option to request days off in your initial contract negotiations, the rest of your schedule is in the hands of your department’s management.

5. Different treatment in the hospital

Just like “nurses eat their young” is slowly becoming an outdated mantra, so is the fact that travelers are given bad assignments on a unit. However, it does still happen from time to time. Even if they aren’t intentionally giving you the harder assignments, oftentimes your abilities or qualities might be overlooked due to the label of being a traveler.

Where Can Travel Nurses Go?

Travel nurse assignments are available across the country. There are assignments in large hospitals, smaller community hospitals, and outpatient centers as well as assignments in large metropolitan cities and smaller rural towns. If you’re unsure of the type of setting or where you want to work, travel nursing gives you the flexibility to try them all.

To help narrow down the options, prospective travel nurses should determine why they want to become a travel nurse. Do you want to meet new people, travel the country, and experience life? Or do you want to earn higher pay to pay off student loans, buy a house, or just increase your bank account? Understanding the why will help you determine a location and assignment that fits your needs.

For example, Hawaii currently ranks as the lowest in affordability with the highest cost of living and the least affordable housing in the country. It’s also one of the most desirable states for travel nurses, because of the beaches, outdoor activities, and endless sun. It’s great for adventure, but you likely won’t leave the islands with a larger bank account.

California , New York, Alaska and Massachusetts are also among the least affordable in the country but are popular travel nurse destinations. California and New York generally pay the highest hourly rate for travel nurses, but when the cost of living for housing, food, and other living expenses are factored in, the take-home pay may not stretch as far as it would in a more affordable location.

A 2022 U.S. News & World Report recently looked at the top ten most affordable states in the country (listed in order):

• Mississippi
• West Virginia

A Note on Travel Nurse Housing

Travel nurses have two housing options during an assignment:

• Agency-placed housing – Generally, staffing agencies will rent one-bedroom apartments for their travel nurses in close proximity to the hospital.
• Housing stipend – A non-taxable monthly payment based on the average cost of living. With this option, it’s up to the travel nurse to find appropriate housing. Most experienced travel nurses choose this option for a number of reasons. It allows travel nurses to live with a roommate and save money, find an apartment in a different area of the city, find pet-friendly housing, or rent a larger place. If the cost of housing is over the stipend amount, then it’s the travel nurse’s responsibility to cover the rest. But if the cost of housing is less than the stipend the nurse banks the extra money.

So, what is a travel nurse to do for housing? For a more in-depth look at the breakdown of housing for travel nurses, check out our travel nurse housing guide .

Is Travel Nursing Worth It?

Travel nursing is an amazing opportunity for nurses looking to experience the country, advance their careers, and earn a competitive salary. There are positions available every day throughout the country in many different specialties. Travel nursing may be overwhelming at first, but with the support of a great recruiter and staffing agency, you’ll find a contract that fits both your needs and the hospital’s.

If you aren’t committed to a given city or region, you have the flexibility for a season to be away from family, and there are no large health limitations, I cannot recommend traveling enough.

• It gives you a broader perspective on medicine.
• You get to work alongside different cultures.
• It strengthens and pushes your boundaries in different challenging situations.
• It can bring some of the most incredible humans into your life.

Travel nursing can definitely come with challenges, but the rewards are far greater. Hopefully, the next time you sit down at Thanksgiving dinner and Uncle Bob asks you “what is a travel nurse?” you can add some personal insight and a few stories.

Make all the right career moves!

Don't miss out on your adventure., learn more about travel nursing.

Highest-Paying Travel Nurse Assignments | Salary & Location

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8 Best Places For Travel Nursing In The Summer

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Corporate travel safety 2024

Duty of care for business travel, what is duty of care.

• Health and safety,
• Food and drinks provided by the organization,
• Fire safety,
• Discrimination and bullying,
• And many more.

Business travel and duty of care

• Missing a flight
• Misplacing a passport or another important document
• Becoming ill while abroad
• Accidents requiring medical attention

Why is duty of care important?

Legal obligations, strategic planning and practical prevention.

Start writing your own corporate travel policy with our comprehensive template

Duty of care vs travel risk management, how to write a duty of care policy for travel, 1. assess your current travel program.

• Involve relevant stakeholders and discuss areas for improvement. Travelers offer first-hand experience in dealing with high-risk situations, and travel managers will lend insight into the logistics involved.
• Discuss what’s gone wrong in the past, research global risk trends, and agree on up-to-date security policies to follow.
• Share the burden with a travel management company . TMC expertise will help you to meet your duty of care requirements by providing advice and tools for travel safety.
• B2B travel companies are ideal as they understand corporate needs, provide live data and security reports, recommend strategic improvements to duty of care policies, and offer 24/7 support. This is vital as travelers need to be able to contact a reliable entity at any time for assistance of any magnitude.

2. Establish a pre-travel process

• Compile pre-trip risk assessment reports that detail globally consolidated data, particularly when traveling to high-risk destinations.
• Automate travel alerts and incorporate them into the travel itinerary. Your TMCwill likely provide live updates to travelers to inform them of potential risk developments.
• Ensure employee contact information and health records are easily available and current.

3. Domestic vs international travel

• Plan for domestic risk factors as well as those overseas. An accident can befall your employee while commuting to a meeting across town, so be sure you’re making safety provisions for your people at home as well as the jet-setters.

4. Have a plan B and C

• Incorporate contingencies into your employee travel policy , as well as into the plan for specific trips. Employees should know that there is a backup plan for emergencies that is reliable and up to date. Feel free to refer to our sample company travel policy for employees to find out what your policy should contain.
• Most importantly, this plan should contain information on where the nearest embassy or evacuation point is for foreign nationals.

Duty of care tips and tools

• Employee engagement : Besides helping to customize security measures, employees will appreciate being involved in the decision-making process. They’ll gladly comply because, at the end of the day, it’s their safety you’re talking about.
• Technology for security : Automated services provided by TMCs and travel management software have real-time tracking features to pin-point a traveler’s location for extraction if needed.
• Gadgets and equipment: If traveling to a high-risk area for pick-pocketing, for example, you may recommend to the traveler to use a money belt and book a hotel with a safe in the room to leave their valuables.

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What Is a Travel Nurse?

Discover what travel nursing is, the roles and salaries of travel nurses, and how to start your journey at this intersection of healthcare and travel with Trusted.

A travel nurse is a skilled nursing professional who combines an adventurous spirit and passion for travel with a lucrative and meaningful career. 

A travel nurse will work short-term contracts at healthcare facilities throughout the country. These facilities need more nurses, and they need them fast. Travel nurses fill these gaps and ensure patients receive high-quality and compassionate healthcare despite regional staffing challenges. 

Travel nurses are making a powerful difference- in their patient’s lives and in the healthcare industry. A travel nurse can work in a wide variety of healthcare settings. From bustling medical centers in large cities, to small clinics in remote locations- you can make the most of your nursing specialty everywhere you go. 

Here are some of the benefits you will enjoy as a travel nurse:

• Unparalleled flexibility
• Endless opportunities
• Great pay and benefits
• Living in, working in, and exploring vibrant locations
• The freedom to take extended time off between contracts

Are you ready for your next adventure? As a travel nurse, new environments, patients, and coworkers bring about refreshing changes with every move. Let’s combine your passion for healthcare, adventure, and exploration and dive into the world of travel nursing!

What Does a Travel Nurse Do?

A travel nurse delivers excellent nursing care to their patients- but their unparalleled adaptability sets them apart. Travel nurses are experts in their field, and they hit the ground running. 

Travel nurses seamlessly become a part of a unit’s staff and jump right in to provide high-quality care to their patients- often with only a few shifts of orientation. It can often take weeks or months to orient a new core staff member to a nursing unit, but travel nurses can fill these staffing vacancies and begin caring for patients significantly faster. 

While the core principles of nursing care remain consistent with your specialty, as a travel nurse, you will be able to:

• Thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Quickly integrate into a new healthcare team
• Understand and adapt to varying patient demographics
• Familiarize yourself with state-specific healthcare norms
• Learn new charting systems, new equipment, and adapt to different ways of doing things

Life as a travel nurse is always exciting, and flexibility is part of the beauty. Every travel assignment presents new challenges, lessons, and adaptations- and you will leave each contract with new insights, adventures, and memories.

How to Become a Travel Nurse

To become a travel nurse, you will need to have a nursing license plus a minimum of one year of experience as a registered nurse. You will also need to feel confident in your skills, judgment, and critical thinking as a nurse. You will be expected to provide excellent nursing care with minimal orientation, so you must be a solid and experienced nurse within your specialty. 

Embarking on a travel nursing journey isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. Becoming a travel nurse requires planning and preparation.

• First, complete your nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse.
• Then, gain the requisite experience in your specialty.
• While gaining experience, look into the nursing licensure requirements for states you are interested in exploring. You will also want to understand the nursing licensure compact to maximize your mobility.

You will also want to decide on a travel nurse agency. Travel agencies match nurses with the contracts, facilities, and locations they desire. They also assist with pay and benefits and act to support and advocate for the nurses that they employ. 

When you are a travel nurse, you are not an employee of the healthcare facility that you work at. You are employed by your agency. We know the journey to becoming a travel nurse can seem intimidating at first- and many of us here at Trusted have been travel nurses in the past! It's completely normal to wonder:

• How will I find a job?
• Where will I live?
• How will I make new friends?
• Can I make sure I am being compensated fairly?
• Will I feel supported?

Not all travel nurse agencies are created equally. Here at Trusted Health, we give you the guidance and support to make your travel nursing journey a smooth one. We are tireless advocates for our nurses and are here to help you every step of the way. Keep reading to learn more about how Trusted helps you become a travel nurse and our unique benefits!

Average Salary For a Travel Nurse

The average salary for a travel nurse varies based on location, demand, nursing specialty, and travel nurse agency. Pay is important- you deserve to be well-compensated in exchange for your nursing skills, dedication, and adaptability. 

According to data from Zip Recruiter, travel nurses in 2023 can expect to make an average of $2,391/week. Pay can range from $1,048- $3,654 weekly. You can earn significantly more if you work more than 36 hours/week or your specialty is in high demand. 

Travel nurses are not salaried employees- they are paid an hourly rate, along with stipends for housing, travel, and other expenses. These stipends can be tax-free if you are eligible . Your hourly rate and stipend will vary from contract to contract.

Travel nursing often comes with an attractive compensation package, and travel nurse pay can often surpass the pay scales of traditional staff nursing roles. However, how much travel nurses make can shift based on multiple factors. Here’s what to consider with a travel nurses salary:

• Specialty - Certain specialties may pay higher than others.
• Geographic location - Places with higher costs of living will often pay more than those with lower costs of living.
• Experience - Generally, the more experience you have, the higher pay you can be able to negotiate.
• Urgency of the need - Facilities will pay top dollar to get nurses on short notice.

At Trusted Health, We want you to be aware of and empowered by the value that you bring to both your patients and healthcare facilities- and we want you to be able to find the highest-paying travel nurse jobs .

The dynamic nature of travel nurse pay makes it crucial for prospective travel nurses to stay current on factors that affect their pay. To view transparent pay information, take a look at our Nurse Salary Guide .

How Does Travel Nursing Work?

Travel nursing works and operates on a contract-by-contract basis. Travel nurse contracts have a defined start and end date, with most assignments ranging around 13 weeks. 

Your contract will also note the hours you are required to work- 36 hours per week, 48 hours per week, and state dayshift, nightshift, or rotations. However, there's always room for flexibility.

To start, you will need to find a job through a travel nurse agency or company. Finding the job you want, when you want it, has never been easier with Trusted. We use your specific preferences to match you with travel jobs, and our platform makes the job search super simple - here’s some tips to get the job offer you want !

Next, you will need to consider pay and benefits. Trusted is transparent about these from the start. Here are some of the perks of traveling with Trusted:

• Day 1 medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Stipends for housing, meals, and incidentals
• Liability and workman’s compensation
• Health and wellness benefits
• Qualified license and certification reimbursement
• A dedicated Care Team
• A community of fellow nurses who provide support and camaraderie

Once you have a job offer and are satisfied with your pay and benefits, you will sign your contract and get started. Take advantage of our tips to maximize your travel contact, and enjoy the experience! 

Should any nurse fall in love with a particular location or team, contract extensions are always on the table.  Once you complete a contract, you are never under any obligation to begin another until you choose to. Trusted will continue to support you, advocate for you, and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Why Do We Need Travel Nurses?

Travel nurses and the travel nursing industry are needed to fill the gaps in a healthcare system often stretched thin. Patients still deserve the best care possible despite staffing shortages, and travel nurses meet that need. 

Travel nurses are pivotal in ensuring patient care remains uninterrupted, regardless of regional shortages. Here are some common reasons for staff shortages that travel nurses help fill:

• Seasonal population surges - Think about retirees traveling to warmer destinations over the winter and towns outside of National Parks that see increased visitors in the summer. Ski destinations also see an exponential boost in population over the winter.
• Sudden upticks in healthcare needs - These can occur in almost all locations throughout the United States during the flu and respiratory virus seasons or public health crises. Travel nurses step in to fill the gaps.
• Staffing needs - Facilities often use travelers to cover their own staff’s paid parental leave, vacation time, or disability leave. Travel nurses fill in when staff nurses leave their positions for any reason.

A travel nurse’s unique adaptability and willingness to relocate on short notice ensure that facilities can maintain suitable staffing levels to deliver consistent and quality care despite ever-changing circumstances. Travel nurses are needed and appreciated!

Pros and Cons of Travel Nursing 

There are benefits and downsides to travel nursing. At Trusted, we strive to be transparent about all aspects of traveling. It's a career filled with exciting adventures, meaningful moments, and competitive pay. Yet, it's not without challenges. 

If you are curious if travel nursing is a good choice for you and your lifestyle- here are some things to consider. 

Regular transitions mean saying frequent goodbyes, adjusting to varied work cultures, and sometimes coping with the unpredictability of assignments. For many, these challenges are part of the allure, but weighing the benefits against the downsides is always a good idea.

• Flexibility  

‍ Pros: You can generally work when and where you want to, or at least get close. Don't want to work the holidays? Great- you don't have to take a contract that falls over those dates!

‍ Cons: Flexibility can go both ways. For example, if you have your heart set on a specific location, you may need to be flexible on your dates of employment and vice-versa.

• Pay & Benefits

‍ Pros: As a travel nurse, your pay will typically surpass that of a staff nurse. You will enjoy a higher pay rate and have comprehensive benefits as well. 

‍ Cons: As a staff nurse, your pay rate is relatively consistent. As a travel nurse, your rate will vary from contract to contract . As a traveler, You can maintain health insurance between contracts, but the cost of benefits can increase during extended time off. 

• There’s Always Something New!

‍ Pros: If doing the same thing, working at the same hospital, and living in the same place isn’t satisfying to you- travel nursing will be a breath of fresh air!

‍ Cons: While some people love new challenges, others are creatures of habit. If beginning something new, learning a different healthcare system, or making new friends every few months doesn't sound fun- travel nursing may not be a good fit.

‍ Pros: Most people only experience new places for a week or so on vacation- you get to live in many different locations for months at a time. You can truly and fully experience a city in your time there as a travel nurse. And you don’t have to cram all the activities you want to do into a week! 

‍ Cons: Frequent travel also leads to incidental expenses and miles on your vehicle. Most travelers find that their stipends and higher pay rates make up for this.

• Work-Life Balance 

‍ Pros: Worried your staff job will never grant you the time off to do things important to you? Maybe you want to spend a few months in a different country. Or take a month off to be with your sister when she welcomes a new baby. The options are endless- and as a traveler, you can do these things and more between contracts!

‍ Cons: While working a contract, you accrue sick time and are eligible for a wide range of benefits, but travel nurses do not accrue paid time off for vacation days. If you desire specific dates off within your contract, get this written in ahead of time! It can be challenging to get time off approved once you have already begun working.

• Time With Family and Friends

‍ Pros: You can take time off between contracts to see your family and friends, and they can visit you in new places! You will meet tons of new people. Travel nurses often have an extensive network of friends spanning the country and world. 

‍ Cons: You may miss your friends and family back home while you are away on contract. To ease this, ask for specific dates off during your contract if travel back home is essential to you. Plan your time in between contracts, and don’t forget about FaceTime!

• Learning Different Policies & Procedures

‍ Pros: When you work as a travel nurse, you will learn so much! There will be new ways of doing things- both in and out of the hospital. You will take these experiences with you and become a stronger nurse. Changing your work environment from time to time is a breath of fresh air and helps prevent burnout. 

‍ Cons: On the flip side, you may sometimes become frustrated as a travel nurse. You may ask yourself, “Why in the world would they do it this way here?” As a traveler, everything is temporary! If you dislike aspects of a location, there will be positives, and your contact is not permanent.

Find a Travel Nursing Job With Trusted 

Your dream of blending passion with profession awaits! Kickstart your travel nursing journey by creating a free Trusted profile . Set your preferences, dive into personalized job matches, learn more about how traveling works at Trusted, and let us help you every step of the way. 

Your nursing knowledge and skills are valuable- and they can take you anywhere. Travel nurses are in demand, compensated well, and have a high rate of job satisfaction. The world is vast, and countless adventures await! Let’s start building the life you want.

Let's start building the life you want.

We're here to help, what is travel nursing.

Dive into the world of travel nursing—a dynamic intersection of professional healthcare and the thrill of travel. At its core, travel nursing offers medical professionals short-term assignments in various locations, often away from their hometowns. 

It's a fantastic avenue for those with a dual passion for healthcare and exploration. By moving from one place to another, travel nurses can enjoy new experiences, work in diverse settings, and gain insights into different healthcare systems and practices. And while the core principles of nursing remain consistent, the settings, patients, and colleagues bring about refreshing changes with every move.

Find your first travel nursing job with Trusted

A travel nurse is a mix of a skilled healthcare professional and an avid traveler. These nurses accept assignments in different healthcare settings, from bustling city hospitals to remote clinics - making the most of their nursing specialty everywhere they go. Each assignment varies, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months. 

The beauty of this role is its flexibility—every assignment presents new challenges, learnings, and adventures. It's an evolving journey where the process of adapting and learning never ceases.

Why do we need travel nurses?

Travel nurses play a pivotal role in addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring that patient care remains uninterrupted, regardless of regional demands. In areas experiencing staff shortages, seasonal population surges, or sudden upticks in healthcare needs—such as during flu seasons or public health crises—travel nurses step in to fill the gaps. 

Their unique adaptability and willingness to relocate on short notice ensure that hospitals and clinics maintain their staffing levels, delivering consistent and quality care to patients even in fluctuating circumstances. Essentially, travel nurses act as a flexible staffing buffer, helping healthcare systems adapt and respond to ever-changing needs.

Average salary for a travel nurse 

Travel nursing often comes with an attractive compensation package, most often surpassing the pay scales of traditional staff nursing roles. However, it's important to note that the exact figures of travel nurse pay can shift based on multiple factors: the nurse's specialty, geographic location, experience, and the urgency of the need. 

This dynamic nature of compensation makes it crucial for prospective travel nurses to stay updated and well-researched. Check out our Nurse Salary Guide page to view transparent pay information, and learn how to find the highest-paying travel nursing jobs . 

What does a travel nurse do?

At a foundational level, travel nurses deliver the same quality of care as their non-traveling counterparts. However, what sets them apart is their unparalleled adaptability. They must quickly integrate into new healthcare teams, understand varying patient demographics, and sometimes even familiarize themselves with state-specific healthcare norms. 

Every new assignment is an exercise in adaptability, making every day an opportunity to grow and learn.

Pros and cons of travel nursing 

Every coin has two sides, and travel nursing is no exception. It's a career filled with adventures, exposure to diverse work environments, enriching experiences, and competitive pay. Yet, it's not without challenges. 

Regular transitions mean saying frequent goodbyes, adjusting to varied work cultures, and sometimes coping with the unpredictability of assignments. For many, these challenges are part of the allure, but it's always a good idea to weigh the benefits against the downsides. Learn more about how travel nursing is still worth it post-pandemic . 

How does travel nursing work?

The world of travel nursing operates primarily on a contract basis. These contracts are time-bound, with most assignments ranging around 13 weeks. However, there's always room for flexibility. 

With Trusted, finding travel nurse jobs has never been easier.  Trusted uses specific preferences to match nurses with the job they want, when they want it. And our platform makes the job search super simple.  

Trusted is transparent about pay and job details from the start.   And that’s not all, from day 1, Trusted nurses get health and wellness benefits, a dedicated Care Team, and a community of fellow nurses who provide support and camaraderie every step of the way.  Check out how traveling with Trusted works. !

And should any nurse fall in love with a particular location or team, contract extensions are always on the table. It's a dance between commitment and flexibility, ensuring both the nurse and the healthcare facility benefit.

How to become a travel nurse 

Embarking on a travel nursing journey isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. It requires planning, preparation, and paperwork. From gaining the requisite experience in your specialty to understanding the licensure requirements for each state, every step is crucial. As a traveler, it’s important to understand the nursing licensure compact to make the most of your mobility.

The journey might seem tedious initially, but with the right guidance found here, becoming a travel nurse transforms into an adventure in itself.

Find a Travel Nursing Job with Trusted 

Your dream of blending passion with profession awaits! Kickstart your travel nursing journey by creating a free Trusted profile . Set your preferences, dive into personalized job matches, and let Trusted guide you every step of the way. The world is vast, and countless adventures await your expertise!

Travel Nursing Basics

Travel nursing in detail, browse high paying travel nursing jobs.

Travel Nurses and Patient Care: Their Impact on Patient Outcomes and How Hospitals Can Help Them Succeed

• Hospitals are using more travel nurses to fill staffing gaps.
• Travel nurses typically cost more financially than staff nurses.
• The use of travel nurses is sometimes associated with worse patient outcomes based on limited research.

Travel nurses help fill gaps in hospital staffing, but there are questions about their impact on patient outcomes. Hospitals have consistently relied on travel nurses for decades to fill temporary nursing shortages — and that number is only growing – so healthcare providers must understand the potential impact on patient care.

A recently published systematic review concluded that the relationship between travel nurses and patient outcomes is unclear. The use of travel nurses may be associated with some adverse events in patient care, but these events may be due to hospital staffing and work environment issues.

The review found limited or no impact on patient falls, the number of medication errors, or patient satisfaction but a consistent correlation with hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, the severity of medication errors, and the incidence of nosocomial infections (healthcare-associated infections).

Discover how hospitals can better accommodate travel nurses to reduce the effect on patient outcomes.

What Is a Travel Nurse?

Travel nurses take on shorter-term assignments at hospitals, often traveling out of town or state to fill staffing gaps. While many of them work to fill the role of a specific staff member absent for vacation, parental leave, illness, or other reasons, employers also use travel nurses to alleviate nursing shortages.

Travel nurses generally earn higher salaries than staff nurses because of the additional stress of travel, being away from home, and lack of benefits. Travel nurses must adapt readily to new situations, procedures, and colleagues. Registered nurses can become travel nurses as independent agents or through a travel nurse agency.

The total hours worked by travel nurses as a percentage of the total hours worked by hospital nurses grew from 4% in January 2019 to 23% in January 2022, according to the American Hospital Association .

How Does Patient Care Differ Between Traditional and Travel Nurses?

According to the review, staffing levels did show a consistent correlation with travel nurses and worse patient outcomes. This finding is unsurprising since hospitals employ travel nurses to address low staffing levels. There is also a strong and consistent evidence-based association between nursing staff levels and patient outcomes, according to a qualitative study.

Staffing levels were the key variable affecting patient outcomes, according to the systematic review. Some patient outcomes did not show a consistent correlation with the use of permanent/traditional nurses rather than travel nurses. The outcomes that did not show an association include:

• Patient falls
• Number of medication errors
• Patient satisfaction

However, some negative outcomes did show a consistent correlation with the use of travel nurses. These include:

• Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers
• Severity of medication errors
• Nosocomial infections (healthcare-associated infections)

Because the research on patient outcomes and travel nursing is still limited, the systematic review included only 21 articles. Many reviewed articles tracked only one or two patient outcomes, and sometimes, studies of the same outcome found different results. For example, some studies found better outcomes for some variables with greater use of travel nurses. More research is needed to further understand the relationship between the use of travel nurses and patient outcomes.

How Can Hospitals Better Accommodate Travel Nurses?

The review also examined how hospital structures, patient risk factors, and travel nurse experience levels impacted patient outcomes. Ultimately, the work environment strongly correlated to patient care.

The study did not find that the type of unit (such as critical care) had a consistent correlation with outcomes and the use of travel nurses. Similarly, patient risk factors and travel nurse experience levels did not show a relationship between travel nursing use and patient outcomes.

The work environment had the strongest impact on overall patient outcomes. Some, though not all, of the studies in the systematic review, indicated that work environment may be the underlying factor that determines whether travel nurse use is associated with adverse patient outcomes.

Some of the factors associated with a positive work environment include but are not limited to:

• Appropriate level of challenges
• Career advancement
• Collaborative work environment
• Control over work environment
• Manager support
• A non-punitive environment
• Nurse input into error prevention
• Job satisfaction
• Patient-centric culture
• Perception of being valued by leadership
• Support for education and development
• Workplace civility

Hospital work environments and staffing levels may have an association with greater use of travel nurses. If permanent staff find staffing levels inadequate or the work environment unsupportive, they may be more likely to leave. Negative work environments can fuel the nursing shortage, which may lead to greater use of travel nurses. Where adverse outcomes seem to be associated with travel nurses, it is entirely possible that the work environment and staffing levels are the underlying causes.

AHA Senate Statement on Examining Health Care Workforce Shortages: Where Do We Go From Here?” (2023). AHA

Blume K, et al. (2021). Staffing levels and nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes: Umbrella review and qualitative study . NIH

Kieft R, et al. (2014). How nurses and their work environment affect patient experiences of the quality of care: a qualitative study . NIH

Krupp A, et al. Intensive Care Unit Utilization Following Major Surgery and the Nurse Work Environment . AACN

Vander Weerdt C, et al. (2023). Travel nurses and patient outcomes: A systematic review . NursingCenter

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6 Wellness Treatments to Help Make Travel a Breeze

From gua sha and cold plunges to lymphatic drainage and acupuncture, here’s how to alleviate some of that travel stress.

The spontaneity of travel is one of the reasons people love it—the ability to go on adventures, ignore your regular schedule and make memories. It’s okay to let loose, relax and completely unwind . That said, there’s no denying that travel can wreak havoc on your body, from skin breakouts to back pain. 

One of the most common symptoms of static sitting (staying in one seated alignment for an extended period of time, which is often the case on an airplane, train or other forms of transportation) is swelling in the lower body, especially the ankles. Changes in eating and sleeping habits can also have adverse effects, including general puffiness, dry skin and muscle tension. This is only exacerbated by the weakened immune systems that are so often the result of travel. 

These are all symptoms of a general disruption in our body’s natural rhythm and flow. That disruption can cause your system to take a turn for the worse, according to Gabriel Sher, the chief of acupuncture at Ora Space . “In Chinese medicine, we believe that the system works best on a schedule. When one travels, one's schedule changes and the system is thrown out of balance,” he tells Observer. 

Getting enough sleep, moving your body and healthy eating are key to staying on track, but in order to ease this burden, why not treat yourself to a bit more self-care ? There are quite a few treatments out there featuring methods to prevent or reverse this disruption in your routine and get you ready for your next trip. Below, see the best treatments for jet-setters to try now.

The Best Wellness Treatments for Jet-Setters

Acupuncture facial, face gua sha and cupping treatment, recovery massage, immune iv drip, dry cold plunge, lymphatic drainage massage.

An acupuncture facial, which involves inserting needles into specific points on the face, can help balance the flow of energy, improve sleep and calm the mind. It typically involves very little pain and no numbing. The 75-minute resetting treatment at Ora Space is completely customizable, and can include a combination of acupuncture, gua sha, microcurrent, lymphatic massage and an adaptogenic tonic. This treatment is also a good pick if you are struggling with facial puffiness or neck tension.

Gwyneth Paltrow , Kaia Gerber , Olivia Rodrigo and so many more famous faces have spoken about their love of gua sha, a healing method that uses a smooth-edged tool to press-stroke your skin, can help reduce inflammation. According to Sandra Lanshin Chiu , a licensed acupuncturist at Treatment by Lanshin , a professional treatment takes this wellness treatment to a new level, targeting facial puffiness and neck and jaw tension. Their treatment utilizes gua sha and facial cupping, a therapy that uses suction cups to stimulate the skin. This combination is used to break up stagnation in the underlying tissues and restore balance for a more glowing appearance. If you are in need of an even deeper relaxation, the treatment is customizable and can incorporate acupuncture and deep skin moisturizing. 

Massages, especially those which focus on recovery like a deep tissue massage, are a great way to recuperate after travel. Recovery massages, like ones offered at Bamford Wellness Spa at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge , usually utilize slow strokes, direct pressure or friction movements that go across the muscle grain, to help stiffness, pressure and tension. This helps oxygenate the blood, improve circulation and thus reduce the inflammation and swelling often caused by plane travel.

IV drips are intravenous infusions that can be customized to help your body receive certain vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and minerals. These have been used for decades to help supplement the treatment of certain ailments such as respiratory infections, but have definitely gained popularity over the past several years. Dripology’s Immunity Plus IV  is formulated to help support your immune system; it contains a mixed fluid of lysine and vitamin C, which can help fight off viruses while also providing the extra nutrients you need to stay energetic and healthy during your trip, and also help restore you after a strenuous getaway.

Standing in a freezing cold cryo-chamber is probably not what you were planning to do after a vacation, but it just might be what you need for a post-travel refresh. Cryotherapy, the usage of extreme cold in medical treatments, utilizes the water's icy temperature to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling, which may help alleviate muscle soreness and speed up recovery; Lizzo , Harry Styles and Hailey Bieber have all touted the benefits. If you don’t want to actually get into a freezing tub of water, try a dry cold plunge experience in a Cryochamber, which is available at a few spas, including Chill Space NYC and LA Cryo . This hyper-cooling process energizes your body with pulsations of nitrogen mist at temperatures as low as -220 degrees, accelerating muscle recovery you need. This is an extremely easy way to wake up after a long flight and is also a great way to fight off jet lag.

The benefits of lymphatic drainage massages have been espoused by everyone from Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner to Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Aniston . A lymphatic drainage massage, which uses light physical pressure to activate the lymphatic system, drains the lymph node, which reduces swelling. It can also help diminish stress and fatigue. These massage sessions can include a traditional Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) or more vigorous fascia release and contour strokes. A MLD usually starts with the lymph nodes in the neck, groin and armpits, before moving to other draining areas in your body, to help spread and remove the congested lymph fluid.

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