can i do local travel nursing

Can You Do Local Travel Nursing? | Pros & Cons

One of the most common myths about travel nursing is you have to travel across the country, or even work out of state. You may have heard your travel position has to be at least 50 miles away from your permanent residence in order to collect the tax-free stipends of a travel nurse.

Click here for high-paying travel nursing assignments near you!

But this is one of the most common myths about travel nursing. The IRS does not have a specific ‘50-mile rule’ describing a certain distance you have to work away from home. This 50-mile or 100-mile radius is used by many hospital facilities as a general rule of thumb, to prevent their own full-time staff nurses from picking up the contracts themselves.

So, that being said, you can do local travel nursing without spending a small fortune on flight costs, additional housing, or traveling across state lines. For more specifics on the actual tax deductions you can claim while working local contracts, check out our travel nurse tax guide and consult with a tax professional who can give you the most accurate information for the laws in your specific state.

How To Be A Local Travel Nurse

I first learned about local contract nursing from a nurse I use to work with. She explained to me she actually worked at another hospital across the city, and she was under a short-term contract with our hospital for 3 months as a float nurse.

She ended up getting an extension as well, so she was actually there for a total of 6 months while working her other “local” healthcare job at the same time. She did this to save up for her wedding and was actually able to pay for the whole thing in cash.

She managed this by making sure her scheduled shifts didn’t conflict with each other and allowed for time to eat and sleep in between. She also rented a small apartment on the other side of the city to stay in while she worked her three, 12-hour shift days at that hospital.

Travel benefits include free housing, travel reimbursement, and a sign-on bonus.  Get started now.

When those three days were through, she would drive a few hours home and work her normal job.

If you’re wondering whether local travel nursing could work for you, here are some of the pros and cons of taking a travel nursing assignment in your home state.

Pros of local travel nursing

• Limited travel costs
• You’ll likely receive perks including a housing stipend which means more money in your pocket per shift
• It’s possible to still keep your day job while making extra money
• No messing with tons of luggage or furniture
• Home is still accessible through a short drive
• You’ll be more familiar with the area, making it easier to find a nice hotel or apartment
• You’ll never have to miss a family function (but you’ll still have a good excuse if you don’t want to go)
• Feelings of homesickness can be quickly remedied
• You’ll still have the security of friends and family being close to you

Cons of local travel nursing

• You don’t get to travel far to see other parts of the country, like California , Alaska , or New York .
• Drastically narrows your opportunity of getting a travel contract
• You lose the ability to work with different patient populations
• You’re basically working a job but with a longer commute and temporarily living in two locations
• You still need to set up housing
• You lose the true experience of life as a travel nurse

A lot of first-time travelers would prefer to try something close to home, in order to “test the waters” and see if they actually enjoy it. When you do, you’ll find out what is important for you, and decide why you want to be a travel nurse. Is it for the experience of being out on your own, forced to make new friends and keep yourself entertained?  Or is it more for the money, education, and career advancement?

Whatever your nursing career goals, travel nursing, whether local or across the country, can help you reach them.

Find your dream travel assignment here.

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Local Travel Nursing: Is it Possible to Be a Travel Nurse in Your Own State?

Table of Contents

Whether you are new to travel nursing or have been in the game awhile, there are always opportunities to explore and local travel nursing is one of them. Any nurse can be a travel nurse, yet, most nurses have families and other things that keep them from traveling around the world. 

But, is there a way to be a travel nurse and not leave your own state? 

Absolutely! You can become a local travel nurse. This opportunity gives you all the perks of a travel nurse like higher pay, flexibility, and choosing your own jobs without needing to leave your home state (or maybe even your hometown). Let us show you a new way to work with a staffing agency who can build your career while securing your next local contract. Land your ideal local travel nurse job faster when you travel with us!

Can I be a Travel Nurse in my Own State?

The answer is yes! Local travel nursing allows you to work at a hospital near you on a contract. It can be minutes away from your home or may be a bit farther away.

You may have heard of the “50-mile rule” so let’s address this. In the IRS publication 463 , the tax-free stipend is determined by whether you’ll need to stay somewhere, like a hotel, to rest because of your job location. If you drive too far to come home every night after working, that's when the tax-free stipend comes into play. It all comes down to the IRS and its regulations. 

Typically, travel nursing agencies say that taking a contract over 50 miles away can receive the tax-free stipend and in turn, you could make a little more money. If you have questions on this, talk to your tax professional. Wherever you chose to work, you will still have higher pay than a staff nurse. 

When you take an assignment with us, we help you build the career you want with the flexibility you deserve. You can take advantage of our professional development programs and advanced education platforms while on your local assignment to help take your career to the next level.

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Can I Do Local Travel Nursing in My Hometown?

You can be a local travel nurse right where you live and we can help you get started faster than other any travel nurse agency. Being a local traveler allows you to explore surrounding hospitals and how they operate. Some nurses will do this simply for the perks of travel nursing without going too far. The higher pay, flexibility, and not feeling “stuck” in the same place day in and day out are reasons they travel close to home. Travel nursing puts you in the driver's seat on finding your dream job!

As you pick your different jobs with local travel nursing, keep in mind the “50 mile rule” as it can determine the amount of pay received. If you chose a job that is under 50 miles away from your house, the pay will be lower than that of a job over 50 miles away. This is because of the tax-free stipend talked about in the previous section. With jobs that are under 50 miles from your home, you will not get the tax-free stipend that is given for additional costs like housing. 

Each contract (job) can have different compensation depending on the location from your home. The great thing about local travel nursing is this can change with every contract. If you take a job that is under 50 miles away from your home, you can work there 13 weeks and then leave. Your next contract could be over 50 miles if you choose, and your pay could be higher for that 13 week contract. 

The flexibility with local travel nursing is a key component for a lot of nurses to choose this journey. 

Pros and Cons with Local Travel Nursing

Like anything, there are pros and cons to traveling locally.  

Some of the pros include:

• You can go home to your family after work
• Your income increases even though you’re working the same amount of hours
• You can choose the length of time you work at a certain facility
• Short term commitment with hospitals as contracts are generally 13 weeks long
• You can choose to stay at a certain facility up to a year if you desire 

Some of the cons include: 

• Some assignments may be a longer commute for you 
• Being unfamiliar with hospitals when you first start

Writing out your own pros and cons list can help you see if local travel nursing is the right for you. Many nurses are feeling overworked, unhappy , and underpaid. Travel nursing gives you options that some nurses only dream of. 

Make that dream your reality. Give yourself an increase in pay without all the overtime shifts. Take control of your career faster with us. We offer a new way to think about travel nursing that allows you to work and live the way you want and experience the benefits traditionally only available to full time staff nurses. Get submitted quickly to top local travel nurse jobs and be first in line for an interview. Let us show you a new way to work with a staffing agency who can build your career while securing your next contract. Get connected with one of our recruiters and become a local travel nurse today!

Is it worth it to do local travel nursing?

As mentioned previously, this is a great opportunity to explore different hospitals and how they operate. This option gives you increased flexibility and pay while working the same amount of hours as a staff nurse. 

Can you be a travel nurse and stay local? 

Yes! Local travel nursing is where a nurse works on a contract through a travel nurse agency within their home state or even hometown. The drive can be minutes away from the nurses’ house or a little farther. Just remember the “50 mile rule” when thinking of location. If the contract is over 50 miles, you will get the tax-free stipend which will increase your pay. If it’s under 50 miles away, you won’t receive the stipend. Either way, you’ll make more than you did as a staff nurse and be able to come home to your family every night.

How Do I Become a Travel Nurse?

Before becoming a travel nurse, you will need experience working as a nurse. Typically, 1-2 years of experience is necessary before becoming a travel nurse . 

There are many travel nurse agencies that you can reach out to, like Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health. After you contact them, they will get you in touch with one of their recruiters . From there, they can help find your travel assignments faster than any other agency, wherever they may be. 

Each travel assignment requires a contract. The contract is between you, your travel nurse agency, and the facility. Generally, each contract is 13 weeks long. You can either leave after the contract is up to find a new one, or stay (extend) at your current assignment. You can stay at a given facility for up to one year. 

With travel nursing, you are in control. You never have to feel stuck at a job you don’t like. Take control of your career faster when you travel with us. Get started today .

Is your current assignment not a good fit? After the contract date is up, you have the option to leave and, with the recruiter’s help, find a new one!

Recruiters are fully invested in you as a nurse and want to get to know you as a person and a professional. This will help them find you the perfect travel assignment that meets your needs every time.

Brenly Hammond, RN has worked as a nurse for over five years, primarily on the medical/surgical floor. She has been a travel nurse for the last three years in Indiana, where she lives with her husband and two beautiful babies. Brenly is a bedside nurse who aspires to become a wellness/healthcare writer to help nurses and patients all around the world.

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The Guide to Local Travel Nursing

Table of contents, about the author.

Who said you can’t be a travel nurse and work in your same state?! Local travel nursing is a great option for new travelers dipping their feet in the agency waters.

What is local travel nursing?

Local travel nursing refers to taking 13-week contracts at a facility in a local area close to your primary residence. Some people consider local travel nursing when the contract is in their hometown and others consider contracts in neighboring states local. You can work locally in one of two ways; you can travel nurse or you can contract nurse. The real difference between the two is if you are duplicating housing expenses. Travel nurses duplicate housing expenses and are eligible for tax-free money, known as travel stipends. Contract nurses do not duplicate housing expenses and stay close enough to home to sleep in their bed every night. Normally if a facility is further away than one hour from their home, they will consider staying in a hotel or Airbnb. Don’t worry, our housing coordinator makes finding short-term housing easy!

The 50-mile: myth or reality?

If you are unfamiliar with the 50-mile rule , it is said to be if you travel over fifty miles to a facility you will automatically be eligible for tax-free money. The 50-mile rule is actually a myth. We understand traveling 50 minutes away from home, seems like traveling. However, it doesn’t matter how far you drive away to work. If you are not duplicating your housing expenses, you will not be eligible for tax-free stipends. This rule was set by the IRS. Agencies and facilities have no control whether or not you will receive tax-free money.

The Pros and Cons of Local Travel Nursing

Typically when people think of travel nursing they think of traveling the nation but that is not necessarily the case. The ability to travel close to home is alluring too! When debating between local travel nursing and cross-country travel nursing, both offer different benefits. We’ll break down the pros and cons of local travel nursing below!

Pros of Local Travel Nursing

• Short distance to work most times, not required to obtain second source of housing
• Limited travel costs
• Experience working with different patient populations
• No need to pack your belongings and move every 13 weeks
• Familiarity with the local area
• No homesickness – close to family and friends
• Networking with other professionals in your area

Cons of Local Travel Nursing

• No Tax-free Stipends if you don’t duplicate your housing expenses
• Won’t explore and travel around the nation
• Narrows the opportunities you qualify for
• Some facilities have mileage rules (example: must be 100 miles away to qualify)
• Most facilities want applicants who have travel nurse experience outside of their local area, so if you don’t have that it will limit your opportunities

Salary of a Travel Nurse Versus a Local Contract Nurse

Let’s talk money, honey! Salary is a huge factor in wanting to travel nurse.  On average a travel nurse will make 16% more than a staff nurse. During the pandemic with crisis rates, travel nurses were making upwards of 30% more than staff nurses.

So what is the difference in pay between local travel nursing contracts and travel contracts? Normally a local contract nurse will see a higher hourly wage than a travel nurse. This is because a travel nurse has their housing and travel built into their pay package. A travel nurse gets around $672 per week in tax-free stipends. If the traveler does not use all the money on their housing or travel, they get to pocket it! So even though a travel nurse makes less hourly, they can have a nice bonus at the end of the week if they do not utilize their full stipend.

How to Become a Local Travel Nurse

To become a local travel nurse you must first check all the boxes that you would for becoming a registered nurse . This includes: graduating from an accredited program, passing the NCLEX, and obtaining state licensure .

Once you are a registered nurse with a valid state license, you now have to get experience! This will set the course for becoming a travel nurse . You need at least one year of experience within the last two years in a given specialty to be eligible to travel nurse.

• Graduate from an accredited program
• Pass the NCLEX
• Obtain state license or compact license
• Get one year of experience
• Find the perfect healthcare staffing agency

After you have one year of experience it is time to look for the perfect healthcare staffing agency! This truly is like finding a glass slipper. You will want your agency to be Joint Commission Certified , and match your values. Sometimes it can be easier to click with a recruiter first and then join the agency they work for. Here are five qualities to look for in a travel nurse recruiter !

What to Look for in a Local Travel Contract

Healthcare staffing is a fast-moving industry. One moment a job can be live and the next hour it is already filled. This can make you feel like you have to act fast and sign your contract quickly to lock-in your position. The whole process can feel chaotic for new travelers. We break down what is in a contract and what key details you need to be aware of!

What is a Travel Nurse Contract

A travel nurse contract is a legally binding contract between you, the facility, and the agency. Reading through a contract can seem overwhelming with some of the law verbiage. Do not let the chaos make you skim and sign the contract. You will want to know what you are signing and what you are on contract for. Always review the contract before signing on the dotted line. These are the key things you will want to look for:

• Facility name
• Your certification and specialty
• Contract dates
• Requested time off
• Weekly and hourly pay
• Facility Information (time-keeping system, float policies)
• Agency Information (Cancellation policy)

Want to see what goes on behind the scenes of a contract? Hop over to the making of a travel nurse contract blog!

Verify all Information

I know, this sounds like a no brainer. If you don’t catch a mistake in the contract though you will be legally bound to a contract you didn’t intentionally sign up for. Double and triple check to make sure the facility name, location, wage, and all contract dates are accurate. If you find an error, don’t be afraid to point that out to your recruiter and account manager!

Ensure Vacation Days are Cited

If your vacation days are not in your contract, the facility does not have to give you vacation. You always want to make sure your vacation days are listed in the original contract. Make sure to chat with your recruiter beforehand about any big trips or family events you will need off for.

Review Facility Float Policy

Floating is when a nurse “floats” from their home unit to another unit in the facility because of staffing shortages. Nurses dread having their nurse managers say they need to float during a shift. Floating to a new unit with new patient needs and routines can be frustrating and stressful. Make sure you always feel safe in an assignment by only agreeing to float policies if you are comfortable. Since you are a travel nurse, you will most likely be the first to float.

Understand Agency Cancellation and Breaking Contract Policies

A travel nurse contract legally binds you, the facility, and the agency together. If you break a contract with no good reason it can be costly and hinder your future work opportunities. Facilities and agencies have cancellation costs you will have to pay out of pocket for, including housing. Cancelling contracts also looks bad professionally, so you may be added to a “do not hire” list at the agency or hospital system. The caveat is if you are uncomfortable with your assignment. Then you will need to talk to your recruiter and DON and they will work with you to get you a new contract. No contract is worth risking your license for!

Local travel nursing is a great opportunity for healthcare professionals who want to work in their home state or local region. This allows you to be closer to home and friends and family. Local contracts and travel nursing contracts both have their own pros and cons. Chat with your recruiter about which option fits your goals and lifestyle best! Start looking for local assignments here !

Also read our other articles about travel nursing!

Travel Nurse Salary Travel Nurse Housing How To Become A Travel Nurse Travel Nurse Licensing Learn How to Make a Winning Travel Nurse Resumé Understanding Travel Nurse Taxes Travel Nurse Apps Top Travel Nurse Podcasts Types of Travel Nurses Health Insurance For Travel Nurses

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8 benefits of local gigs for travel nurses.

Travel nurse Bob Goldnetz switched from world traveler to taking assignments close to home. In this article, he compares local travel nursing to life on the road.

Once I became a traveler, it didn’t take long to realize I could never go back to staff. Now that I’m a new papa, some of my perspective has changed, but for the most part it hasn’t altered my mindset. While I haven’t been able to put in the miles of my previous travel nursing life , taking local travel gigs has continued to afford me the many benefits of the travel nurse lifestyle.

1. The money

First off, no surprise, the financial incentive. As a new traveler several years ago, I was shocked when I got my first paycheck and realized I was netting more than double my previous staff job wages. More than double, for the same job!

Now, it is no secret that travel nursing pays better , but actually seeing it made it real. I never traveled for the money — I would have done it if they paid me less. But over the last several years, this allowed me to take an average of three to six months off to travel and still make what I made as a staff nurse.

Now before the naysayers have their say it is important to note there are extra expenses with traveling, the biggest being duplicating expenses. As a local traveler, it was the first time I had been anywhere long enough to meet the 365 rule. As such I became a “fully taxed” traveler and did not collect the non-taxable compensation such as travel housing, per diem , and travel reimbursement. Simply stated, working close to home you get taxed more, but on the other hand you are not duplicating expenses. With COVID rates for travel nurses in unprecedented territory in 2021, even being fully taxed I was able to save much more than I would have as a staff nurse.

At the end of the day, maybe you have other goals — maybe it’s all about working as much as possible to save up for school, pay off debt, or plan that wedding.

2. The flexibility

So, the money is still good, but many of the other amazing benefits of travel nursing also continue to play a key part. One that has always been among most important to me is flexibility.

For me travel nursing was always about freedom. As I stated before, I could easily take off months at a time and travel the world. More recently I was able to take a month off for the birth of my little man. It is true I was not paid during that time — I was fortunate to be in the middle of an extension so I kept my healthcare coverage — but I do not know many men who got to take a month off to help out their partner and be around so much for their little one.

So whether it is approved time off during your contract for a week of vacation, or spontaneous months off for whatever, the flexibility is unmatched.

3. The lack of politics

Another great aspect of traveling is the lack of drama or politics. In any work environment, you sometimes run into unreasonable or clique staff; this is true everywhere, in any job. I have been lucky enough in my travels to have no aggressive staff stories.

For the most part I have always started an assignment with my head down and come in as a blank slate. Once I get to know people, I will let my personality and opinions out. Every now and then I am perplexed as I see travelers who seem to go out of their way to not get along with staff. At the end of the day, I am there to do a job to benefit my life. I clock in to do my job to the best of my ability while I am there, then clock out and try to leave it all at the door. I have always enjoyed the decreased drama of a traveler. Usually by the time any politics or drama comes up it’s about time to hit the road.

4. Making deeper friendships

On to some of the pros I have found of being a local traveler and being around the area a bit longer. Contrary to what I recently stated about being a blank slate, I have many friendships I made over the years — both staff and travelers alike. There is something to be said for moving your life across the country, being in a new place, and finding some people to build a temporary life around.

As a local traveler, I have been able to extend these relationships. I have enjoyed getting to know people a little better and seeing them with more consistency. While traveling abroad — or traveling anywhere for an amount of time — you hit a point where you get in a roll of the same conversation: Where are you from? Where have you been? Where are you going? You may be in a spot for a night abroad or on a three-month assignment, so after a while it’s hard to retain the drive to meet people and form a connection on a moment’s notice.

Like some seasonal jobs, travel nursing for three-month increments can feel the same. You meet people, but you know you’re leaving, and they know you are leaving. The staff have seen HUNDREDS of people come and go, so why should they take the time? As a traveler you will meet people you vibe with but if there wasn’t a connection when you leave you may feel, ‘what’s the point?’ This exciting lifestyle can become routine, which is part of the reason why most travelers average about three years of travel nursing before wanting a change. So while I have gone to the wedding of someone I knew a month, and been on week-long backpacking trips with people I knew a day, it’s nice to see people and build some relationships, and still feel out of the politics.

5. Still being a traveler

At the moment, I have the best of both worlds. I feel accepted and liked by staff , but I can still play the ‘I am a traveler too’ card. I can help new travelers who feel overwhelmed or lost in the fray, since they have the same questions I did when I started and I can be a resource to them.

Also, depending on the environment, there is still the opportunity to learn by floating to different ICUs/ floors, seeing a different patient population, etc. If you are at one location a little longer, the staff will be more willing to train you on equipment or protocols you would not normally be privy to.

6. Professional growth

Another perk is the opportunity for personal growth I get by taking opportunities that were more difficult when I was picking my life up and moving consistently.

Picking up a side gig is something else you might be interested in. I’m sure you have a good overtime rate, but it’s nice to get out of the hospital. Most of us don’t work to live — many travel solely for the money, but it’s nice to delve into some other professional activities too. In the past I have utilized my nursing skills to work at IV therapy clinics. I did this in Denver and loved it. I met a lot of people in the mobile IV RV at Spartan races and helping people at the clinic. It was kush, fun, and low stress. If you aren’t looking in the medical field for supplemental income there are hundreds of other things you could do: teaching, coaching, volunteering — there is a side gig for everything.

7. Personal growth

Hobby growth is another thing I have been craving. In high school, I took some woodworking classes, and because I had no artistic or music ability I found this to be an interesting creative outlet. I will also admit it made me feel pretty manly! But it’s difficult to do woodworking projects when it takes a mini shop’s worth of tools and storage.

I found this true for many things. Say you like rock climbing and get involved at the local gym. I knew a guy who got into coaching at the local gym and loved it. He also got to climb for free and got involved with setting routes, something he had never done before. The same thing could be said for someone who loves volleyball or soccer, maybe you have always wanted to coach, or maybe you want to play in a league. I enjoyed an extended stay in Salt Lake City and was fortunate to be on soccer, kickball, and spike ball teams. Along with coaching, maybe you want to teach. You’re a yogi, you found a routine, instructor, and classes you like — maybe you are ready for teacher training. Really just about any interest that takes time: painting, pottery, sailing. I hope one day to start my pilot’s training. Of course, you could travel with your easels and paints, but for someone new getting involved or someone serious on a passion, a home base and consistency is key.

8. Being home more often

And then there are the sentimental reasons. Unfortunately, life isn’t always smiles and rainbows. Maybe you or your family have some healthcare needs or illnesses that need to be attended to. And at the end of the day, what is life without family and friends? We all miss holidays, birthdays, and celebrations. As a local, it’s nice to know you will be around. It’s easier to make plans when you know where you will be based. I have never been a planner, but it has been nice knowing I will be around and be able to have people come visit.

Although I miss the traveling and love road trips, I enjoyed not driving through Kansas this year. In addition, while I have had to unpack and repack the car with baby stuff, not having to repack my life (and endlessly browse the web for housing ) has been a bit of a relief. And at the end of the day, I was a gear guy, not a stuff guy — for a while my bike was worth more than my car! I have to say it’s been refreshing to have a nice blender, pots, pans, knives, a more regimented diet, bulk foods, tools, and books.

Looking for local travel nursing jobs? Give us a call at 800.866.0407 or check out RNnetwork’s latest travel nurse jobs .

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About the author

Bob Goldnetz

Bob Goldnetz is an ICU travel nurse whose goal is to follow his hobbies across the world and experience as many cultures, cuisines, and cups of coffee along the way as he can. When he’s not taking care of patients, he’s probably traveling abroad or out-of-cell-service backpacking, snowboarding, skiing, surfing, mountain biking, paragliding, or rock climbing.

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Is Travel Nursing in Your City, A Good Idea or a Bad one?

One of the most popular misconceptions regarding travel nursing is that it necessitates long-distance travel or employment outside your state. Many people believe that you must be at least 50 Miles from your primary residence to qualify for tax-free travel nurse pay. However, that is not true. Travel nursing in your city is quite a possibility.

 But is it a good idea to travel as a nurse in your city or state? 

Read on to learn how to become a travel nurse in your local state, the advantages and disadvantages of doing so, and more in the following sections!

Travel Nursing in Your State, Is it Possible?

Yes! Travel nursing is possible in your state. Although the specifics may vary depending on your state’s Board of Nursing, generally speaking, a travel nurse can work in any state as long as he or she has a current, active nursing license in good standing.

Many prospective travel nurses have no idea that they can work as travel nurses right in their state. You don’t have to leave your native state or go across the country to become a travel nurse. The “50-mile rule” may have you thinking, “I can’t be a travel nurse ever; I like to remain near home.”. But that’s the beauty of travel nursing: you can work ten miles from home, as long as you follow the requirements of the IRS and your employer’s agency.

But this leads us to our next question, i.e. can you be a travel nurse in your city?

Can You Do Travel Nursing in Your City?

You can do travel nursing in your city if a hospital nearby needs licensed travel nurses. Travel nurses can work in any location within a 50-mile radius despite the IRS’s restrictions of an overnight stay, and we’ll discuss this in more detail in the following lines. 

All you need to do is sign up with any travel nursing agency. You will collaborate with a recruiter to tailor your resume to the roles that attract you in your area — or elsewhere. Once you’ve been offered a job, there are some things you should be aware of. Check if the role is temporary or permanent. 

On the outside, this might look trivial, but it is not. Here is why.

50 Mile Rule.  What is it?

The 50 mile radius is more of a rule of thumb than a specific distance provided by the IRS.  To qualify for tax free stipends you must duplicate your home and living expenses. In general terms this means staying overnight away from your tax home while you are working.  Hospitals also enforce their own 50 or 100 mile rules to ensure they are not hiring travelers that could be permanent employees.  We always recommend contacting a licensed CPA to help determine your tax exposure and withholdings.  More information can be found here on the IRS website, https://www.irs.gov/publications/p463 . 

Travel Nursing Away From Your Home.

Suppose your primary residence (also known as your tax residence) is more than 50 miles away from your assigned facility. In that case, you may be eligible for special taxpayer subsidies for housing and food that are not subject to taxes.  

For your job at the hospital, you will need to take a break somewhere close to your destination because of the long distance back home.  In this case the IRS considers your expenses as duplicated.  You’re paying for your tax home and a temporary home near your work site. 

Travel Nursing in Your City within 50 Miles

As per the Internal Revenue Service, you may work as a travel nurse for a facility that is close or near your tax home. However, you will not be eligible for the same incentives (stipends) for accommodation and meals as other participants.

The Government does not want someone to be compensated for housing and food if they are not required or expected to do so, which makes sense.

This makes one wonder whether it is worthwhile to work as a local travel nurse if the additional subsidies are not available? The answer is can be YES. 

Perks for Travel Nursing in Your City.

Local travel nursing has several advantages, some of which are financial and some personal.

We’re sure you’ll agree with us after reading the next part. Following are some of the perks of travel nursing in your city. 

You get To Stay With Your Family

One of the perks of travel nursing in your city is staying with your family. People at times wonder

Is there a way to work as a travel nurse in my home state if I cannot travel with my family?

The answer is yes, it is possible. Local travel nursing is a great option if you love your work but aren’t ready to move or can’t take your family with you. One of the key reasons several nurses choose to keep their travel nursing jobs in their home city is that they can travel home on the weekends.

No Additional Licenses

One of the perks of travel nursing in your state is you won’t need any additional licenses . Additionally, if your state does not provide a compact nursing license, you won’t have to bother getting an additional nursing license, provided you go with local travel nursing.

However, If you’re on a tight schedule, getting a license in another state can be a burden, even if your travel nursing agency pays for it. A single state license is all you need to work as a travel nurse in multiple locations in the same area.

Market-Competitive Payrates

By doing travel nursing near your home, you’ll receive market competitive pay rates, if not better. As a travel nurse, even in your state of residence, you’ll generally earn more money than an ordinary staff nurse – even without the stipends for accommodation and food.

While working as a local travel nurse, you can step into a nursing job with little or no training because of the high demand in some locations or in an emergency.

Better Professional Connections

If you do travel nursing in your city or nearby, you’ll probably work at the same hospitals wherever you go. This will help you make better decisions regarding your future endeavors. Your chances of being selected for future assignments will increase as you get to know the hospital’s employees. Making a good impression on seasoned doctors and nurses is also an excellent approach to developing your resume and network. It will be easier to concentrate on your career when you are not distracted by the need to travel.

Better Work-Life Balance

Travel nursing in your city will help you manage your finances better. Aside from this, it is a well-known fact that traveling frequently can be a real strain on the body and mind. If you travel nursing locally, you will not have to abandon your loved ones, friends, pets, or home behind. You won’t have to stress about what you’ll be missing out on while you’re away. Working as a local travel nurse makes it less difficult to start a family if you desire. You can spare yourself a lot of worry by staying close to home if you’ve settled down or plan to do so in the coming years. 

Added Comfort

What good is it to give up a superb location in one of the finest states for nurses? Doing local nursing in your city wouldn’t have to bother about migrating to a new location. You can apply for projects in your home state. In addition to earning a good living, working as a local travel nurse will give you the flexibility to visit your family whenever you choose. It is possible to take advantage of the perks of travel nursing in your state while still getting a change of scenery by working at hospitals in the neighboring area.

The Downsides of Travel Nursing in Your City

As with other things, travel nursing in your city has its fair share of cons as well. Following are some of them.

Lack of Adventure

Despite the financial cost, traveling does instill a sense of adventure in minds. However, if you pursue travel nursing in your state, you might miss out. Doing travel nursing in your state means you won’t see the variety of climates and places that long-distance nursing offers. Travel nursing locally isn’t the ideal option to experience seaside towns, mountainous regions, and wide deserts. Travel nursing as a registered nurse across the country will fulfill your wanderlust. 

You Might Miss Out on Job Opportunities

If you restrict your job search to a smaller area, your career prospects may be fewer. Expanding your job search is necessary. Especially if you’re having difficulty finding work or aren’t getting paid as much as you’d want, to avert this, compare the pay and the cost of living in various regions. This way, you will be able to determine which one best suits your needs. Besides, you might miss out on several travel nursing perks. You must be working far enough away from home to be reimbursed for your travel expenses and meals. At the same time, it is possible to work locally as a travel nurse. But there is the potential for tax complications which need to be dealt with separately.

You may Lose Interest

It is no secret that exposure to the same environments for longer periods results in a loss of Interest. If you’re regularly accepting projects at the same hospitals, it’s possible that you’ll become bored. Nursing is indeed a fast-paced industry. But working as a travel nurse in your home city may not deliver the thrill you seek. Taking projects in new regions will help you broaden your horizons and avoid monotony or burnout by diversifying your experiences.

The hospital may have a radius rule

Hospitals can restrict how far away a traveler must live to be eligible for a travel position.  Most use the 50 mile rule, some go up to 100, and in rare circumstances 250 miles is required.  If you live within the radius they may offer a local pay rate.  

The Bottom Line

As with other career choices, travel nursing is also a very lucrative career option. However, one needs to evaluate the pros and cons before concluding properly.

If you want to pursue local travel nursing, there’s nothing that can stop you. However, you might need to introspect whether travel nursing is a wise choice or not.  There is no denying that your area might have lucrative job options. But you may miss out on pensions and tenured benefits like “no call”.  Travel nursing can be local, but the pool gets bigger and more lucrative once you start exploring options outside your local area.

If you want to pursue local travel nursing, jump right into it. There’s no better career path, given the work-life balance it has to offer.

PS- If you’re still undecided, I suggest reading our other posts about whether or not travel nursing is right for YOU. Click here to check it out!

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15 Tips To Land The Best Local Travel Nursing Jobs – 2023

Are you a registered nurse interested in new opportunities? Do you enjoy meeting new people and learning new things? Have you thought about travel nursing but worry about being too far from home? If so, a local travel nursing job could be a great way to start! Maybe you thought of becoming a local travel nurse but wonder, “Can someone tell me how to land the best local travel nursing jobs?” If that sounds familiar, you are in the right place. In this article, I am going to share 15 tips to land the best local travel nursing jobs in 2023. I will give you insight into the requirements, advantages, and disadvantages of local travel nursing and things to consider before taking on an assignment. When you finish reading, you will have a better understanding of local travel nursing and enough information to decide if local travel nursing is something you wish to pursue.

WHAT EXACTLY IS LOCAL TRAVEL NURSING?

What is the difference between a standard travel nurse and a local travel nurse, how long are local travel nursing assignments, are local travel nursing assignments easy to find, what are the requirements to apply for local travel nursing jobs, requirement #1: earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, requirement #2: apply for licensure to the nursing regulatory board, requirement #3: become a licensed rn, requirement #4: get some work experience, requirement #5: keep your bls and other certifications up to date, top pros of local travel nursing jobs, pro #1: you can work in various settings without traveling too far from home., pro #2: the income potential is awesome, pro #3: you can enjoy flexible scheduling based on your terms., pro #4: you can expand your professional network., pro #5: you can have the benefits of travel nursing without the expense of long-distance travel nursing., pro #6: you can gain new skills and boost your resume., top cons of local travel nursing jobs, con #1: contracts can get canceled at the last minute., con #2: your pay and benefits can vary from one job to the next., con #3: being in unfamiliar settings can be overwhelming., how to get the best local travel nursing jobs in 2023, tip #1: ask about float nurse opportunities at your current job, about the tip:, why this tip is important:, tip #2: get certified in one or more specialties, tip #3: learn about different travel nurse agencies, tip #4: network with other travel nurses, tip #5: find a recruiter, tip #6: keep your resume up to date, tip #7: make sure your medical records are current, tip #8: get letters of professional recommendation, tip #9: create a travel nurse portfolio, tip #10: tend to the “small things” now, tip #11: get ready for your interview, tip #12: ask lots of questions, tip #13: think about getting nursing malpractice insurance, tip #14: keep an open mind, tip #15: take care of you, 3 major challenges you will face in local travel nursing jobs and how to overcome, challenge #1: you may feel out of place., what is it:, how to overcome:, challenge #2: every facility has its own policies and procedures., challenge #3: you may have to “take what you can get.”, is there a demand for local travel nurses, how much do local travel nurses make in their states, how much do local travel nurses make in their city, along with salary, what other benefits do local travel nurses usually get, benefit #1: healthcare insurance, benefit #2: you will meet new friends and widen your professional network, benefit #3: travel reimbursement, benefit #4: license reimbursement, benefit #5: you can broaden your skillset, bonus 5 important factors to consider when deciding which local travel nursing job is right for you, factor #1: do you adjust to change easily, factor #2: are you quick to take on a challenge, or do you back down and leave the hard stuff to someone else, factor #3: are you self-motivated, factor #4: are you comfortable managing your finances, factor #5: how far is too far for a local travel nursing job, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. is local travel nursing worth it, 2. can i become a local travel nurse, 3. can i be a local travel nurse in my own state, 4. can i be a local travel nurse in my own city, 5. can i be a nurse where i live, 6. how many years of experience do i need to apply for local travel nursing jobs, 7. do local travel nurses work on holidays, 8. do local travel nurses have vacation time, 9. do local travel nurses get stipends, 10. on average, how much does a local travel nurse make per hour, 11. on average, how much does a local travel nurse make per day, 12. on average, how much does a local travel nurse make per week, 13. on average, how much does a local travel nurse make per month, 14. on average, how much does a local travel nurse make per year.

TravelNursing

Staying Local with Travel Nurse Jobs in Your Own Backyard

By Megan M. Krischke, Contributor

Did you know that travel nursing does not necessarily require traveling? Although it may sound like an oxymoron, RNs can sometimes find short-term local travel nurse jobs in their hometowns or in locations nearby, which make it easy to return home on their days off.

“Ten, or even five years ago, it was common that facilities would not accept travel nurses who lived within 50 miles,” explained Stephanie Gilliland, recruitment manager for American Mobile Healthcare. “But the market has changed. Different facilities have different rules and many are willing to bend their rules to meet their staffing needs.”

After Amanda Mahon, RN, BSN, and her husband moved from Reno, Nev., to Santa Cruz, Calif., Mahon originally had to keep her non-travel position in Reno, a six-hour drive from her new home.

“I couldn’t find a position in Santa Cruz in my specialty, which is neurology and neurosurgery,” said Mahon. “Taking a position as a travel nurse in or near my current location not only allows me the flexibility to learn about the different hospitals in the area and their philosophies, it has also allowed me to work in some of the larger hospitals in the Bay Area. At this point, any assignment that is closer than a six-hour drive is a move in the right direction.”

“Certainly being able to take the housing stipend in cash rather than housing is a benefit. I can be near my family and have some exciting jobs that I might not have been able to track down on my own,” concluded Mahon.

Rather than pursue a permanent position in their area, nurses may prefer signing on as a traveler for a number of reasons. Travel nurses usually work three shifts a week and have the option to work overtime, but it’s not mandatory. They are outside of workplace politics, and travel nurse positions often offer a higher compensation package. Travelers receive a living subsidy and a per diem for meals and if they are on assignment over 50 miles from their home, these two sources of extra income may not be considered taxable income.

“Nurses are sometimes hesitant to leave a staff position for a traveling one because they don’t want to lose their status at their current facility,” stated Gilliland. “Taking an assignment close to home can allow a nurse to stay on as a casual employee, working one or two shifts a month, at his or her current facility. This arrangement can serve as a step toward the transition from being a staff RN to a full-time traveler.”

There is also a common misconception among some nurses that travelers don’t receive benefits. At American Mobile, for instance, travel nurses receive medical, dental, vision, prescription and life insurance, as well as a 401K, and that’s in addition to free housing and daily per diems.

Ndidi Okugo, RN, who works as a medical-surgical nurse, was having trouble finding a permanent position in her hometown of Inglewood, Calif., so she turned to travel nursing.

“I want to be close to my family, but couldn’t find a long-term position,” remarked Okugo. “I know my city and how to get around here--that is a key benefit of taking a local assignment.”

Travel nurse jobs offer nurses an excellent opportunity to experience different ways of thinking, to learn new skills, such as how to work in a new computer system and to discover facilities where they would like to work long-term.

“Typically a nurse needs to complete one or two short-term assignments before a placement can become a permanent one,” said Gilliland. “But that opportunity does exist. If you want to stay close to home, be sure to let your recruiter know that you’d be interested if something came up locally.”

© 2012. Updated 2018. AMN Healthcare, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

What is a Travel Nurse? Everything You Need to Know

How to become a travel nurse.

• State Licensing
• Agencies & Recruiters
• Certifications
• A Travel Nurse's Journey
• Final Thoughts

The world of nursing is not confined to traditional hospital settings. For those seeking excitement, flexibility, and diversity in their nursing careers, travel nursing presents a unique and rewarding opportunity.

This guide will discuss  travel nurse requirements , essential steps, qualities, and perks of becoming a travel nurse, offering valuable insights into this exhilarating profession.

Want to learn how to become a travel nurse ? The first step is obtaining the necessary education and licensure.

Aspiring nurses can choose to pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. Opting for a BSN opens doors to a broader range of job prospects, including prestigious healthcare systems and trauma centers.

After completing their nursing education, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain their state nursing license, laying the foundation for their travel nursing journey.

As a travel nurse, certain certifications are commonly required and highly recommended to ensure the nurse’s readiness to handle various clinical situations and emergencies. The two critical certifications that travel nurses typically need are:

Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS certification by the American Heart Association is a fundamental requirement for all healthcare professionals. BLS training equips nurses with the skills to recognize and respond to life threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, choking, and respiratory distress.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): ACLS certification by the American Heart Association is essential for nurses working in settings where they may encounter patients with cardiac issues or in critical care situations. ACLS skills build upon BLS skills and provide additional knowledge and techniques to manage cardiac arrest, stroke and other cardiovascular emergencies. 

Depending on your specialty and the requirements from the facility you wish to travel to, other certifications such as PALS, NRP, and Stable may be required, so be sure to ask your recruiter before applying to travel nursing positions. Additionally, it's important for nurses to keep their certifications up to date, as they typically require renewal every few years.

>> Related: What do Travel Nurses Do?

The most important element to becoming a travel nurse is experience. Most travel agencies and hospitals require nurses to have a minimum of two years of nursing experience prior to applying for travel nursing contracts.

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

Navigating State Licensing as a Travel Nurse

Travel nurses frequently move between states, requiring them to research and understand each state's licensing requirements. Some states offer temporary "walk-through" licenses, enabling nurses to obtain short-term licenses swiftly. Familiarity with individual state licensing procedures and timelines is crucial for successful travel assignments.

Compact state licensure for travel nurses is a game-changer in the healthcare industry, streamlining the licensing process and making it easier for nurses to practice across state lines. By participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), qualified nurses can hold a single multi-state license, granting them the privilege to work in any other NLC state without the need for additional licenses. 

This simplification not only reduces bureaucratic barriers but also addresses the growing demand for healthcare professionals in various regions. Travel nurses can now embark on new assignments swiftly, providing crucial medical support where it's needed most, and ultimately enhancing patient care across the nation.

Key Attributes of a Travel Nurse

Effective travel nurses possess a unique set of qualities that enable them to excel in diverse healthcare settings. These attributes include:

Adaptability and flexibility : The ability to quickly adjust to new environments and handle various patient populations and healthcare systems

Strong communication skills: Effective communication is essential for collaborating with different healthcare teams, patients, and families

Problem-solving and critical thinking : Travel nurses encounter new challenges regularly, necessitating strong problem-solving skills and critical-thinking abilities

Compassion and empathy: A genuine love for patient care and empathy are vital in providing exceptional nursing services as a travel nurse.

Leadership abilities: Travel nurses should be comfortable assuming leadership roles when needed and confidently handling responsibilities

• Love for adventure: A spirit of adventure and a curiosity to explore new places and cultures is essential.

Benefits of Travel Nursing

Apart from competitive pay, travel nurses often enjoy an array of benefits:

Non-taxed stipends: Additional stipends for housing and living expenses on top of hourly rates if you qualify

Healthcare insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Retirement plans: 401K investment options for long-term financial planning

Bonuses: Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses as incentives

Continuing education: Access to free courses for continuous professional development

License reimbursement: Support for renewing and maintaining licenses

Reliable pay: Weekly or bi-weekly pay schedules

Tax advantage plans: Tax-saving options for travel-related expenses

Insurance coverage: Coverage for life, liability, disability, and worker's compensation

Travel reimbursement to and from your assignment

Support: 24/7 support from the staffing agency. 

Travel Nurse Salary

The compensation for travel nurses varies significantly based on location, specialty, experience, and the chosen agency ZipRecruiter.com reports the national average for travel nurses is $118,400 per year.  While the pandemic and nursing shortage temporarily drove higher wages due to increased demand, these exceptional rates have not since been sustained post-pandemic. 

​​Travel Nurse Salary by State

Source: ZipRecruiter

Wages for travel nurses involve more than a straight hourly rate. They can receive non-taxed stipends for travel nurse housing and living expenses. Stipends are paid on top of the nurse’s hourly rate.  Other benefits for travel nurses, depending on the staffing agency,  include, 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K investment options
• Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses
• Free continuing education courses
• License Reimbursement 
• Weekly/Bi-weekly Pay
• Tax Advantage Plan
• Life Insurance
• Liability Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Worker’s Compensation
• 24/7 Support

Additionally, you can increase your travel nurse salary through specialization or advancing your education. The average travel nurse practitioner salary is significantly higher than that of travel RNs.

What Are The Best Travel Nurse Agencies and How Do You Pick One?

Your travel nurse company and recruiter can make or break your experience, so this question should not be taken lightly. 

When you’re starting your travel nurse journey, one of the first steps you need to take is finding a travel nurse company and recruiter. This process might feel overwhelming because there are so many options out there. How do you know if you’ve found a good travel nurse company and a recruiter who has your best interest at heart?

When looking into travel nurse agencies, you should first make sure that they have these non-negotiables:

• A dedicated housing department of experts to help you find housing or do they give you a stipend to find your own housing
• Day 1 health, dental and vision insurance, and premium cost
• 401K that you can start contributing to immediately
• Travel reimbursement
• 24-hour customer support. Make sure to choose one with a clinical department that is available as a resource for you. 
• Have a variety and abundance of travel nursing jobs all over the country for your specialty.

Make sure to ask if they are Joint Commission credentialed. Agencies that obtain this certification must complete a strict qualification process, and it helps ensure that the company is upheld to the highest standards in the industry.

What to Look Out for When Working With Travel Nurse Recruiters

Travel nurse recruiters play a vital role in connecting nurses with suitable assignments. A skilled and honest recruiter advocates for the nurse's best interests, secures desirable contracts, and provides transparent and accurate information in a timely manner. 

Conversely, nurses should be cautious of unprofessional recruiters who submit them to assignments without consent or make false promises. In many cases, travel nurses build long-time friendships with their recruiters! You want to find a recruiter with whom you can connect quickly and establish a bond. They should be someone who helps put your mind at ease, has your back, and actively listens to what you want instead of pushing their agenda.

Don’t be scared to interview recruiters to find the right one. Working with a recruiter whose personality, values, and humor complement yours will make your travel nurse experience even more worthwhile.

We encourage you to work with travel nurse recruiters who have been vetted and highly recommended by fellow travel nurses or with our trusted partner, travelnursing.org.

Certifications for Travel Nurses

While there are no specific national nursing certifications for a Travel Nurse, having advanced RN certifications can make an individual look more desirable to hospitals. There are a plethora of nationally recognized certifications including, 

• CCCTM - Certified in Care, Coordination, and Transition Management
• CDN - Certified Dialysis Nurse
• CMSRN - Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
• CNN - Certified Nephrology Nurse
• CNOR - Certified Nurse Operating Room
• CPAN - Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse

The most common certifications for travel nurses are,

• CPN - Certified Pediatric Nurse 
• CCRN - Certified Critical Care Nurse
• CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse

What Are the CEU Requirements for Travel Nurses?

Continuing education is essential for all registered nurses, including travel nurses, to maintain their active licenses. Each state has specific continuing education requirements that nurses must fulfill to remain compliant.

Examples of continuing education requirements for RNs are as follows: 

• Washington - 8 contact hours every year
• Texas - 20 contact hours every 2 years
• Florida - 24 contact hours every 2 years
• California - 30 hours every 2 years
• Hawaii - 30 contact hours every 2 years 
• Arkansas -20 contact hours every 2 years
• Florida -24 contact hours every 2 years
• Illinois - 20 contact hours every 2 years
• Iowa -36 contact hours every 2 years
• Pennsylvania -20 contact hours every 2 years

Some states do not require CEUs to maintain an RN license. Examples include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. Several states also require HIV/AIDS education such as New York, Minnesota, and Kentucky. It is important for nurses to check their state’s RN credentialing body for exact CEU requirements. 

Nurse.org has a comprehensive list of CEUs by state for RNs here .

Brandy Pinkerton's Journey to Becoming a Travel Nurse

Brandy Pinkerton shared with us why she decided to become a travel nurse and what her journey was like.

Why did I decide to become a travel nurse ? I was burned out in my staff job and needed to renew my passion for nursing. After finding a great company and a trustworthy recruiter, I embarked on my first assignment solo with my two doggies in tow and never looked back! 

Since pursuing a career as a travel nurse and completing over 15 assignments, I’ve had adventures in Florida , Colorado , Nevada , South Carolina , Texas , and Montana . Becoming a travel nurse was the best decision I could have made for myself! While I’m grateful I made the decision to become a travel nurse, I also know that there are a lot of logistics involved in getting started. I’ll tell you all there is to know about travel nursing, so that you can feel prepared to take the leap into this exciting, rewarding profession!

Here are a few things travel nursing has given me:

• A better compensation package with benefits. Because of this, I could pay most of my debt, and I no longer had to work two jobs. 
• More time off and flexibility with my schedule. You can imagine all the wonderful things that can happen when you have more time back.
• Experiences that I would never usually get to have. Through these experiences, I discovered what I like and some new hobbies.
• Less burnout – this is HUGE!
• New relationships and friendships all over the U.S.
• More confidence. I have grown both professionally & personally.
• The ability to build my resume. I’ve been able to try out so many hospitals and have great takeaways from them. Who knows? There are some I may go back to one day.

Final Thoughts on Travel Nursing

Becoming a travel nurse is a thrilling journey that promises adventure, personal growth, and unique experiences. From education and licensure to acquiring experience and embracing essential attributes, travel nurses embark on a profession that combines professionalism with exploration. With competitive salaries, a range of benefits, and the potential to make a meaningful impact on patients across various locations, travel nursing offers a gratifying and fulfilling career path like no other! 

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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How to Practice Local Travel Nursing

August 29, 2023

View all blog posts under Articles | View all blog posts under Master of Science in Nursing

Opportunities in the nursing profession abound, and job growth projections look promising for years to come. For example, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is expected to expand by 45% during the same period ― primarily to replace workers who are moving to other occupations or retiring from the nursing workforce.

Nursing is a rewarding profession, but it can be challenging. The role sometimes requires long hours, and the work can be emotionally and physically taxing. Nurses who want more control over their schedule or simply need a change of pace may find that local travel nursing is a good option.

Learning how to do local travel nursing includes understanding what these professionals do, how to become one, and salary expectations. To become a local travel nurse, experience as a registered nurse is typically required. While a graduate degree in nursing is not necessary, it may help applicants become more competitive for the role.

Why Become a Local Travel Nurse

Motivations for becoming a local travel nurse vary. Common reasons registered nurses choose to move into local travel nursing roles include the following.

Greater Flexibility

Local travel nurses typically work short contracts for health care providers in their hometowns or nearby. Such work allows them to explore different work options while remaining close to family. For example, a local travel nurse might pursue a contract with a nearby facility to try a different role or experience a different setting — without having to move or relocate. Local travel nursing can also be an option for nurses who are situated in regions where local long-term positions aren't available.

Improved Work/Life Balance

A nurse may have 12-hour shifts from Monday to Wednesday one week, then Thursday to Saturday the following. The constant change can interfere with sleep patterns, family life, and mental health. When a nurse feels too fatigued and begins questioning the value of their work, it may be time for a change. Local travel nursing roles typically work per diem, which allows them to have more predictable schedules because they are able to choose when they want to work.

Opportunities for New Experiences

The local travel nursing role can be attractive to nurses who seek new experiences. Working at different facilities and interacting with multiple patient populations can provide a change of pace. It also increases opportunities to practice transcultural nursing , which helps nurses build cultural competency skills that can improve patient outcomes.

Exposure to Different Work Settings

Local travel nursing enables individuals to explore multiple work environments, and short-term contract positions sometimes lead to other roles. A local travel nurse can discover the type of setting that works best for them should they decide to pursue a full-time role at a facility.

What Do Local Travel Nurses Do?

Local travel nurses typically perform the same duties as nurses who are employed in a single location, including assessing patients’ conditions and recording their medical histories and symptoms, administering medicines and treatments prescribed by a physician, operating and monitoring medical equipment, and more.

Depending on their experience and training, some local travel nurses might be assigned to work as generalists or as specialists, such as working with older populations in a residential care setting or with children in a pediatric unit of a hospital.

Local travel nurses work in all types of health care settings, including hospitals and private practices. The typical length of a contract is 8 to 26 weeks. However, health care organizations may opt to renew a contract, also known as an extension assignment.

How To Become a Local Travel Nurse

The pathway to entering the field can vary depending on an individual’s education and experience levels, as well as their work setting preferences. Common steps to become a local travel nurse are outlined here.

Step 1: Complete BSN

Local travel nurses typically have their BSN degrees because it is the most common pathway to becoming a licensed registered nurse. By completing a BSN program, an individual can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare for the steps involved in obtaining the RN credential.

Step 2: Obtain RN Credential

Upon completion of a BSN, a nurse must pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s NCLEX exam to acquire the RN credential. It is important for individuals to research other requirements in their state. For example, the process of obtaining a Hawai‘i nurse license includes passing the exam, meeting endorsements requirements, and undergoing a background check.

Step 3: Gain Experience

Organizations hiring for local travel nurse roles typically prefer candidates with some experience working as a nurse. It is common for facilities and organizations to require at least a year of experience for a candidate to qualify for the role.

Step 4: Look for Opportunities

With education, an RN credential, and experience in hand, an individual is ready to seek out potential local travel nurse assignments. They can go the direct route and check with health care facilities. This can include reviewing internet job listings. Another common route is to work through a travel nursing agency, which can provide individuals with the guidance and support to take on assignments.

Step 5: Further Advance Your Knowledge

While a BSN is often all that is needed from an educational standpoint, an MSN can help make a candidate more competitive for roles, especially for those that are similar to nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners.

Local Travel Nurse Salary

The starting median salary for a local travel nurse is approximately $80,965 based on data from the compensation source Payscale. It is important to note that local travel nurses are typically contract workers and may not receive traditional annual salaries. Instead, they may receive hourly compensation as part of a contract. The annual median hourly wage is $35.72 an hour, according to Payscale.

Compensation may vary based on different factors. For example, the annual median salary of a travel nurse in the Chicago, Illinois area is among the highest in the nation, according to Payscale. The lowest annual median salary can be found in Tucson, Arizona, and Columbus, Ohio. An individual’s experience level can determine compensation, too. For example, the average hourly compensation for nurses with 1-4 years of experience is $34.38 an hour, according to Payscale, while individuals with 5-9 years can earn $39.60 an hour.

As contract workers, it is typical for local travel nurses to work without health care benefits. However, those working through travel nursing agencies may qualify for benefits, as well as bonuses.

Other factors to consider when discussing salary include how local travel nurses may receive stipend payments for living and commuting expenses. Nurses who receive travel stipends should make sure they understand the tax implications.

Prepare for a Career as a Local Travel Nurse

Local travel nurses benefit from opportunities to explore different settings and gain new experiences. The path to becoming a local travel nurse typically involves earning a BSN and RN licensure. Candidates for nursing positions, including local travel nursing roles, become more attractive as they gain experience and training.

Hawai‘i Pacific University’s online MSN program enables students to customize their education with one of three in-demand concentrations: family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and adult gerontology nurse practitioner. Each concentration offers an advanced core curriculum, and as students take specialized electives specific to their chosen concentration, they acquire clinical hours that can provide essential experience.

Discover how this MSN program can help you achieve your nursing goals.

Recommended Reading:

FNP-BC VS FNP-C: Certification Differences

APRN VS PA: What's the Difference?

Non-Bedside Nursing: 8 Alternatives Beyond The Bedside

Incredible Health, "What is a Local Travel Nurse?"

NCSBN, "Nursing Regulation"

Payscale, "Average Travel Nurse (RN) Hourly Pay"

TravelNursing.org, "How Does Travel Nursing Work? | Salary and FAQ"

TravelNursing.org, "Travel Nurse Tax Guide 2022"

Trusted Nurse Staffing, "Local Travel Nursing: Is it Possible to Be a Travel Nurse in Your Own State?"

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners"

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Registered Nurses"

Verywell Health, "Best Travel Nursing Agencies"

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Many travel nurses opt for temporary assignments because of the autonomy and opportunities − not just the big boost in pay

Travel nurses take short-term contracts that can require long commutes or temporarily living away from home. Time and again, they have to get used to new co-workers, new protocols and new workplaces.

So why would staff nurses quit their stable jobs to become travel nurses?

Well, for one, they get bigger paychecks . But U.S. nurses have other rationales besides making more money, according to a study I conducted .

To do this research, I interviewed 27 registered nurses based in different places.

Many of the people I interviewed disclosed that they left permanent positions to combat burnout. Although they welcomed the bump in pay, travel nursing also gave them the autonomy to decide when and where to work. That autonomy allowed them to pursue personal and professional interests that were meaningful to them, and it made some of the other hassles, such as long commutes, worth it.

On top of earning more money, travel nursing “gives you an opportunity to explore different areas,” said a nurse I’ll call Cynthia, because research rules require anonymity. “When you actually live there for three months, it gives you a chance to really immerse yourself in the area and really get to know not just the touristy stuff, but really hang out with the locals and really be exposed to that area.”

Other study participants said they enjoyed the novelty and educational opportunities.

“You don’t get bored or stuck in a routine,” Michelle said. “You’re always trying to learn new policies at the new hospital that you’re in, learning about the new doctors, nursing staff, new ways of doing things, where things are located. That helps keep me from feeling burned out so quickly.”

Said Patricia: “I want to see how other operating rooms across the country do things and how they do things differently. I do learn a lot of things going from place to place.”

Why it matters

A growing number of U.S. nurses were obtaining temporary assignments before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

But travel nursing became much more widespread in 2020, when hospitals were scrambling to keep their staffing levels high enough as millions of Americans were becoming infected with the coronavirus, straining capacity in many communities.

While compensation varies widely, the median pay of registered nurses in 2022 was US$81,220 , about 35% less than the $110,000 that registered nurses who traveled earned .

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel nurses could earn an even bigger premium . Many were paid twice as much as staff nurses.

Once the number of Americans with severe symptoms fell, that premium declined too . But there are still over 1.7 million travel nurses in the U.S. Hiring them is one of the main ways that hospitals cope with a long-term shortage of nurses .

But nurses with permanent jobs can get aggravated by this arrangement when they learn how much more travel nurses earn for doing the same work, as I found through another research project .

What other research is being done

Research supports a widely reported trend: More Americans have temporary jobs and freelance employment than in the past.

While travel nurses can help hospitals, nursing homes and doctors’ offices meet staffing needs, there are signs that patients don’t always fare as well with their care.

And a Canadian study found that when hospitals let staff nurses work part time and offer other alternative arrangements, their retention rates may rise .

The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

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Ivan Gan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: A look at the traffic impact and alternate routes

By Rohan Mattu

Updated on: March 29, 2024 / 5:01 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday  led to a major traffic impact for the region and cut off a major artery into and out of the port city. 

A bridge column was hit by a large container ship around 1:30 a.m., sending bridge workers and vehicles into the Patapsco River. A water search for six missing workers turned to a recovery effort Tuesday night.

Drivers are told to prepare for extra commuting time until further notice.

Alternate routes after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Maryland transit authorities quickly put detours in place for those traveling through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 who travel the bridge every day will need to find a new route for the foreseeable future. 

The outer loop I-695 closure shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. 

The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed. 

Alternate routes are I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. 

Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie. This will add significant driving time.    

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? 

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. 

The bridge is the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor and the final link in Interstate 695, known in the region as the Baltimore Beltway, which links Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 

The bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity and experienced heavy congestion almost daily, according to the MDTA. 

Tractor-trailer inspections

Tractor-trailers that now have clearance to use the tunnels will need to be checked for hazardous materials, which are not permitted in tunnels, and that could further hold up traffic. 

The MDTA says vehicles carrying bottled propane gas over 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).  

Any vehicles transporting hazardous materials should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels, officials said. 

• Francis Scott Key Bridge
• Bridge Collapse
• Patapsco River

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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The 80+ Best Deals From Amazon's Big Spring Sale (And Across the Internet) This Week

It's the last day of the  Big Spring Sale , with Amazon's newest manufactured sales event promising continued savings on cleaning gear, outdoor essentials, electronics, clothing, and home goods until midnight Pacific time.

We've assessed the deals on offer. Most didn’t make the grade, and many have ended already, so we once again dug in to find those that are truly worth the spend.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best remaining deals from Amazon and other retailers offering competing sales and discounts to find you only the best  spring deals  on our expert-approved picks.

The best deals on:

Lawn and garden, outdoor, camping, and hiking, luggage and travel, kitchen and appliance, tech, laptops, and tv, spring clothing and shoes, home, furniture, and personal care.

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 Fire Pit — Our Pick Target deal price: $200 in cart ; street price: $250

What we like: Our lightweight smokeless fire pit pick for moving in and out of storage. Also recommended in multiple Wirecutter gift guides. Simple and easy to load. Half the weight of our other picks. Removable ash pans and grates make it easier to clean. Radiates less heat than other heavier models.

Other things to know: Plain aesthetic won't be appealing to everyone. No “smokeless” fire pit is truly smokeless, but smoke is reduced by 70% to 80%. Price reflects in cart. Target RedCard holders save the typical additional 5%.

Read our ode to the Solo Stove Bonfire .

Eley 5/8-inch Polyurethane Garden Hose (50 Feet) — Upgrade Pick Eley deal price: $103 ; street price: $122

What we like: Our upgrade garden hose pick. Much lighter, easier to loop, more durable, and resists folding or kinking compared to other options. Large brass fittings at the ends are easy to tighten by hand or wrench. Absolutely hosetastic—the best we’ve ever tested.

Other things to know: Pricey—even when on sale—but if you want a hose that's better in every way and are willing to pay for it, this is the one to get. 10-year warranty. Deal price is for the 50-foot length.

Read our review of the best garden hose and hose reel .

Fiskars 28" Power-Lever Bypass Lopper — Also Great Target deal price: $20 with store pickup or Target RedCard ; street price: $23

What we like: A larger variant of the lopper pick in our guide to lawn and garden gear to get your yard cleaned up. A lopper cleanly cuts branches too big for pruners, and because it requires just one simple snip, it works far faster than a saw. It’s great for dealing with low-hanging limbs.

Other things to know: Might not be necessary if you already have a pruners and saw. This 28-inch version is good for bigger and harder-to-reach branches. With store pickup. Target RedCard holders get free shipping and save an extra 5%.

Read our review of the best lawn and garden gear to get your yard cleaned up .

Govee Outdoor String Lights (96 Feet) — Another Good Option Amazon deal price: $65 with clipped on-page coupon ; street price: $90

What we like: Another good string light in our guide to the best smart outdoor lighting. Affordably priced and available in a 48-foot set and a 96-foot set. They provide far more special-effects options than our string light pick.

Other things to know: Very overwhelming app. The strands have fewer bulbs per foot than our string-lights pick, and they don’t feel as sturdy. Frosted bulbs. Deal is for the 96-foot length; be sure to clip the on-page coupon.

Read our review of the best smart outdoor lighting .

Ego LM2135SP Power+ 21″ Select Cut Lawn Mower with extra battery — Runner-Up Lowe’s deal price: $600 with store pickup ; street price: $950

What we like: Our runner-up pick for the best lawn mower, bundled with an extra Ego battery. Battery-powered self-propelled mower can run for about an hour on a single battery charge. No need for gas, oil checks, or fuel storage, and no noxious emissions. Considerably quieter than gas mowers.

Other things to know: First deal we’ve seen since Black Friday. Minimal maintenance compared with gas models. A little less powerful and shorter run time than our top pick, but additional battery easily makes up for primary battery’s capacity. Extra Ego BA2800T battery has 56-volt, 5 Ah, 280 Wh capacity, usually between $200 and $300 when purchased separately. Store pickup required.

Read our review of the best lawn mower .

Sawyer Products Permethrin Fabric Treatment (24 Ounces) — Also Great Amazon deal price: $14 ; street price: $18

What we like: Our bug repellent pick for clothing and gear (but not your skin). As effective as similar formulas at repelling ticks and mosquitoes, and its trigger spray is easier to control and apply evenly. Each application provides about six washings (or six weeks, whichever comes first) of protection.

Other things to know: The 24-ounce bottle should be enough to treat four outfits (shirt, pants, socks). The set of two 24-ounce bottles offers a slightly better price per ounce if you need to stock up.

Read our review of the best bug repellents .

Yeti Tundra Haul Hard Cooler — Our Pick Moosejaw deal price: $340 with single-use discount and free Dick's ScoreCard account ; street price: $425

What we like: Our pick for the best cooler with wheels. Easy to haul across long distances. Durable wheels. Thick-gauge welded aluminum handle won't strain or bend. Feels similar to wheeling around high-end luggage.

Other things to know: No internal divider. Contents may shuffle a bit when tipped at an angle. Available in six colors. You have to sign in with your free Dick's ScoreCard account to get the discount on a single full-price item from Moosejaw. Shipping is free.

Read our review of the best coolers .

Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 (18 Ounces) — Our Pick Supergoop deal price: $54 with code WC24 ; street price: $68

What we like: One of our chemical sunscreen picks that's available in bulk. Good for face and body. Rubs in easily and is nearly transparent once applied. Light, pleasant scent. SPF 50 rating offers a high level of protection. User-friendly pump bottle.

Other things to know: None of Wirecutter’s testers experienced a white cast, but some reported that it left them feeling greasy. The 18-ounce jug is the most affordable size on a per-ounce basis. Use code WC24 .

Read our ode to Supergoop sunscreen .

NiteRider Swift 300 Bike Light — Budget Pick REI deal price: $24 with single-use code MEMBER24, REI membership required ; street price: $30

What we like: Our headlight budget pick for the best commuter bike light is small and sturdy, with a swiveling strap and decent side visibility. Can emit 300 lumens for up to two hours and flash for 12. Adjusts to fit most sizes and shapes of handlebars.

Other things to know: Not suited to longer or darker routes. Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, one-year warranty on its rechargeable battery cells. Already affordable but rarely sees discounts. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24.

Read our review of the best commuter bike lights .

Blundstone Original 500 Series Boot — Staff Favorite REI deal price: $168 with single-use code MEMBER24, REI membership required ; street price: $210

What we like: A casual leather boot loved by Wirecutter staff and many others around the world. Pull-on, ankle-high, with an elastic panel. Comfortable, durable rubber sole. Uppers made of extra-thick leather. Ergonomically engineered to reduce fatigue. Can last for years with daily wear.

Other things to know: Exceptionally light for a pair of boots, about 14 ounces per pair. Unisex. Best price and size availability is for the stout brown color. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24.

Read our ode to the Blundstone boots .

Panel Sound USAPA Approved Fiberglass Pickleball Paddles — Staff Favorite Amazon deal price: $20 in select colors ; street price: $35

What we like: A staff-favorite pickleball paddle set. Lightweight and comfortable to hold. Grippy handles and rubbery faces absorb some of the ball’s velocity. Good for beginners.

Other things to know: Set includes two paddles, four indoor balls, a carrying case, and two cooling towels. Deal is for the red paddle set.

Read our review of the best pickleball equipment for playing at home .

Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot (Men’s Sizes) — Also Great REI deal price: $96 with single-use code MEMBER24, REI membership required ; street price: $140

What we like: Our more flexible hiking boot pick. Offers all the comfort of a trail-running shoe with the ankle support of a hiking boot. Lighter weight (just over 2 pounds per pair) is good for longer hikes. Substantial enough to support you while carrying a heavy pack.

Other things to know: Runs narrow—we recommend ordering at least a half-size up from your street-shoe size. Takes longer to break (about 10 miles) in than our top pick. On sale in nutria color for REI members with single-use promo code  MEMBER24 .

Read our review of the best hiking boots .

Snow Peak Ti-Single 600 Cup With Hotlips — Staff Favorite REI deal price: $34 with single-use code MEMBER24, REI membership required ; street price: $43

What we like: A larger version of an ultralight titanium mug we like for campfire cooking and making coffee on the go. Durable, smooth titanium design. Roomy flip-out handle. Attach to a carabiner for external storage. Food-grade silicone HotLips help mitigate potential scorching.

Other things to know: Cup may be too hot to drink from on its own at first pour. Can also be used as a single-serving pot for boiling water. Hotlips only fit on Snow Peaks mugs. Use single-use coupon code MEMBER24 . REI membership required.

Read our review of our favorite campfire cooking tips tricks and gear .

Read why the Solo Stove Bonfire is our favorite smokeless fire pit .

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Carry-On Travel Backpack — Our Pick REI deal price: $160 in select colors with single-use code MEMBER24, REI membership required ; street price: $200 Moosejaw deal price: $160 in select colors with single-use discount and free Dick's ScoreCard account ; street price: $200

What we like: Our pick for the best small carry-on travel backpack for most situations. Easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps. Has handles on all four sides. Protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon and includes a rain fly.

Other things to know: Minimal amount of administrative organization. We’d love to see a permanent all-nylon alternative to the TPU-lined front panel, which can flake over time. On sale in the river color for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24 or for the public at Moosejaw with a single-use promo and free Dick's ScoreCard account.

Read our review of the best carry-on travel backpacks .

Monos Hybrid Trunk — Also Great Monos deal price: $410 with code ANOTHERYEAR ; street price: $455

What we like: Our pick for the best trunk for checking. Made of a robust polycarbonate with aluminum corner guards and an aluminum frame around the center seam that reinforces the body of the luggage. Has two TSA locks, which close with a satisfying latch.

Other things to know: Due to the design, some travelers consider trunks to be easier to pack and to maneuver. Does away with the standard zipper closure. Doesn’t have a ton of built-in organization. Lifetime warranty. Use code ANOTHERYEAR . Sold out in silver, but available in champagne and black colors.

Read our review of the best suitcases for checking .

Apple AirTag Bluetooth Tracker (4-Pack) — Top Pick Target deal price: $80 ; street price: $100

What we like: Our pick for the best Bluetooth tracker for iPhone users. Impressively accurate in pinpointing an item’s precise location. Leverages Apple’s extensive Find My network. Can swap in a new battery as needed. Water-resistant.

Other things to know: Doesn’t have any way to ring your phone. Cannot attach to your stuff directly. Cannot be shared with another person. Additional 5% savings available for RedCard members.

Read our review of the best Bluetooth tracker .

Apple AirTag Bluetooth Tracker (Single) — Our Pick Amazon deal price: $24 ; street price: $29

What we like: Our pick for the best Bluetooth tracker for iOS users leverages Apple’s huge network of devices to find lost goods. Impressively accurate. Replaceable coin battery. If you lose an AirTag (or an item containing or attached to one), you can use the Find My app to see its location or ask Siri to trigger an audible alert.

Other things to know: Doesn’t have any way to ring your phone. No built-in method of attaching to anything. Solid deal for an individual tracker, though the sale for a set of four above offers a better price per tracker.

Bellroy Tokyo Tote Second Edition — Our Pick Amazon deal price: $89 in select colors ; street price: $129

What we like: Our pick for a durable, water-repellent polyester laptop tote bag. Tough yet polished. Transitions perfectly from the coffee shop to the conference room. Thoughtfully designed, with features like internal popout bottle pockets and leakproof zippers.

Other things to know: Fabric shell is abrasive and may make some sweaters and blouses pill. The weave also attracts pet hair like a magnet. Only available in ranger green. Lowest price we've seen so far.

Read our review of the best laptop tote bags .

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $320 ; street price: $400

What we like: Our pick for the best air fryer toaster oven, and our upgrade pick for the best toaster oven. Performs just as well as an air fryer as it does a toaster oven. Specific settings for dehydrating, proofing, and slow cooking. Crisps up food faster than traditional toaster ovens. Large two-rack capacity. Multiple fan speeds.

Other things to know: Even on sale, notably more expensive than our other picks. "Super convection" fan speed is incredibly loud. Didn't toast bread quite as evenly as other picks. Very heavy, and we'd prefer a pizza stone over the included nonstick pizza pan. Matches previous low.

Read our review of the best air fryer toaster oven .

Simple Modern Classic Tumbler (28-Ounce) — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $21 ; street price: $26

What we like: Our upcoming new pick for the best tumbler. Affordable and leak-resistant. Stainless steel and double-walled; keeps hot or cold drinks at an ideal temperature for hours. Only tumbler we tested that comes with both a straw lid and a flip-top lid.

Other things to know: Dishwasher-safe. Sale is on several colors, including black, dark blue, and almond birch.

Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo — Also Great Amazon deal price: $800 ; street price: $1,000 Williams Sonoma deal price: $800 ; street price: $1,000

What we like: Our pick for the best indoor countertop pizza oven. Preheats up to 750 °F in 15 minutes and can cook a pizza in just over 90 seconds. Comes with preset functions, precise temperature control, a timer, pizza peel, and pan.

Other things to know: A costly, specific-use appliance. Almost twice the price of our top outdoor pizza oven pick when not on sale. Doesn't get as hot as our outdoor oven picks. Deal matches previous low, though that $800 price is a recurring one.

Read our review of the best pizza oven .

Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker (ICE-21) — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $56 ; street price: $60

What we like: Our top ice cream maker pick. Made some of the smoothest and most delicious ice cream in our tests. More affordable than a compressor model. Churns ice cream faster than the competition.

Other things to know: Bowl insert must be pre-frozen overnight, which requires planning. Extra freezer bowls, required to make multiple batches in a row, sold separately.

Read our review of the best ice cream maker .

OXO Easy-Clean Compost Bin (1.75 Gallon) — Pick Variant Bloomingdale's deal price: $26 in cart ; street price: $32

What we like: A larger version of our simple, compact compost bin pick. A lightweight, no-nonsense plastic pail. Easy to clean. Hinged handle for carrying.

Other things to know: Attached lid isn't airtight. Worked well in our freezer (to go a couple weeks between compost drop-offs). Price reflects in cart.

Read our review of the best kitchen compost bins we love .

OXO Good Grips Glass 9" Pie Plate with Lid — Top Pick Bloomingdale's deal price: $12 in cart ; street price: $15

What we like: Our top pick for the best pie plate. Simple and sturdy. Holds more filling than the competition. Handy lid allows for easier storage and transport. Minimalist design.

Other things to know: Made of borosilicate glass. Two inches deep. A little too big for store-bought crust. Price reflects in cart; free shipping.

Read our review of the best pie plate .

Thermos Funtainer Food Jar (10 Ounces, 2-Pack) — Also Great Amazon deal price: $15 for a 2-pack ; street price: $22

What we like: A two-pack of our kids pick for best food thermos. Durable and easy for small hands to open. Never leaked in our tests, and the lid never cracked during drop tests.

Other things to know: 10-ounce container is best for kids (or for a small adult lunch). Doesn't retain heat for as long as our top pick (130 °F after 6 hours, vs 144 °F for our top pick). Best suited for keeping foods hot, not great for keeping foods cold. Deal price is for a 2-pack.

Read our review of the best food thermos .

YouCopia StoraLid Lid Organizer (Large) — Staff Favorite Amazon deal price: $16 ; street price: $20

What we like: A staff-favorite lid organizer we like for keeping things tidy in the cabinet. Keeps food-storage container lids organized and easily accessible with minimal human effort. Adjustable tabbed dividers for separating lid sizes.

Other things to know: Only as useful as your willingness to use it and organize. Needs large empty space to fit into a cabinet. Deal for the large size, recurring sale price.

Read our ode to the YouCopia StoraLid Lid Organizer .

Atlas Coffee Club 2-Bag Subscription — Gift Pick Atlas Coffee Club deal price: $14 with code WCMARCH50, new subscribers only ; street price: $28

What we like: A coffee subscription service we recommend in multiple gift guides. Atlas Coffee Club delivers satisfying coffee at a low price, with plenty of customization, and you always have something new to try. Sources beans from countries all over the world. Each bag of coffee includes a postcard with fun facts about the country’s coffee industry.

Other things to know: The subscription is highly customizable. New subscribers can use code WCMARCH50 for 50% off their first two-bag subscription. Matches the best previous pricing we've posted.

Read our review of the best gifts for coffee lovers .

OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker — Another Good Option Amazon deal price: $140 ; street price: $180

What we like: A speedy drip coffee maker we like that can make pour-over-quality single servings in addition to full pots. Small footprint and simple design. Brews coffee with well-rounded flavor. Can brew directly into the thermal carafe or a mug.

Other things to know: Lacks auto-brew function, clock, and timer.

Read our review of the best drip coffee maker .

Philips GoZero Sparkling Water Maker — Budget Pick Amazon deal price: $54 ; street price: $64

What we like: Our budget soda maker pick has a sleek and attractive no-frills look. Makes good-tasting seltzer with lively bubbles. Surprisingly good quality for the price.

Other things to know: Assembly can be a pain. CO 2 cylinder is sold separately for around $30. If you have empty cylinders, you can exchange them for a discount.

Read our review of the best soda maker .

Tovolo Dino Popsicle Molds (Set of 4) — Also Great Amazon deal price: $10 ; street price: $16

What we like: A small-ish dinosaur-shaped popsicle mold we love for kids (or dino-loving adults). Slightly smaller size and cute shape are perfect for fun frozen treats and experimenting with new flavors. Dishwasher-safe, so they're super easy to clean.

Other things to know: A little fussy to fill. Silicone mold is easy to peel off frozen pops—doesn't require pre-soaking or rinsing in warm water.

Read our review of the best popsicle molds .

Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $24 in select colors ; street price: $30

What we like: Our longtime top pick for the best two-slot toaster. Produced the most evenly browned bread in our testing. Wide range of settings and easy-to-use controls. Wide slots for thick-cut bagels.

Other things to know: Three-year warranty. Available in white. Plastic body and levers don’t look quite as nice as a metal finish. Heating-element wires of modern toasters are subject to corrosion over time.

Read our review of the best toaster .

Cuisinart CPT-142 4-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster — Top Pick Bloomingdale's deal price: $40 in cart ; street price: $50

What we like: Our longtime top pick for the best four-slot toaster. Consistently produces four slices of perfectly golden brown toast. Offers a wide range of settings and easy-to-use controls. Housing remains cool to the touch, even after multiple batches.

Other things to know: Heating element wires of modern toasters are subject to corrosion over time. Only available in white. Price reflects in cart.

Ryobi 18V One+ HP Cordless Pet Stick Vac Kit with Dual-Roller Bar — Our Pick Home Depot deal price: $225 ; street price: $300

What we like: Our heftier cordless stick vacuum pick. Sturdy and versatile. Has several useful attachments and a large dustbin (twice the capacity of our Dyson pick). Did an excellent job of picking up all kinds of debris off different types of surfaces. Charges especially quickly. Has a generous three-year warranty and replaceable parts.

Other things to know: Heavy, and it may be uncomfortable to use. Ryobi products are sold exclusively through Home Depot and we've noticed stock issues with vacuum-only model. Ordering replacement parts is inconvenient. Only returnable in store.

Read our review of the best cordless stick vacuum .

Dyson V8 Origin+ Stick Vacuum (Refurbished) — Another Good Option eBay deal price: $168 ; street price: $300

What we like: Another good option when considering Dyson model stick vacuums. Less powerful than the V12 Detect Slim and the V15 Detect, but still a great value. Its bin capacity lies between that of the other two models, and it comes with useful attachments. Provides up to 40 minutes of power on full charge. Dyson is a reliable brand with a well-earned (if particularly devoted) following.

Other things to know: Equipped with docking station, Motorbar cleaner head, combination tool, and crevice tool. Certified refurbished and sold by the Dyson eBay storefront; includes a two-year Allstate warranty. Use code DYSONDIRECT at checkout for the deal price.

Roborock Q5+ Robot Vacuum — Our Pick Roborock deal price: $370 with code ROBOROCKS ; street price: $550

What we like: Our self-emptying robot vacuum pick. Better battery life, app navigation, mapping, and voice command response to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant than other bots. Large bin. Excels at cleaning hard floors and low- to medium-pile carpets.

Other things to know: Comes with a charging station that empties debris into a disposable bag. Like nearly all bots we tested, it struggles with debris near thresholds and baseboards. A new low price, but not by much. Use coupon code ROBOROCKS .

Read our review of the best robot vacuums .

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022, 13″, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) — Top Pick Best Buy deal price: $900 ; street price: $1,000 B&H deal price: $900 ; street price: $1,000

What we like: Our top pick for the best MacBook. Compared with previous generations has a brighter display, better webcam, MagSafe magnetic port, and other design updates that make for an overall better experience. Great option for everyday work tasks, browsing the web, watching movies, and playing App Store games.

Other things to know: We expect to see better deals in the coming year now that the M3 processor is out, but still a worthwhile pickup if you need a laptop now or aren't worried about having the fastest processor. Not ideal for editing photos, videos, or processing large media files for extended periods. Specs include the newly dethroned M2 processor, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD.

Read our review of the best MacBooks .

Anker PowerConf C200 2K Webcam — Budget Pick Amazon deal price: $48 ; street price: $60

What we like: Our budget pick for the best webcam. Easy to set up. Provides 2K HD resolution. Offered the best image quality of any webcam we tested under $70. Has a switch to use the privacy screen. Software is basic but works well.

Other things to know: Sharpness, autofocus, and auto white balance aren’t as good as that of our top picks. Can’t swivel from side to side.

Read our review of the best webcams .

$100 Xbox Gift Card (Email Delivery) — Pick Accessory Newegg deal price: $90 ; street price: $100

What we like: Essentially free money toward your next purchase from the Microsoft, Windows, and Xbox online storefronts. Great for games and accessories associated with our Xbox game console picks. Can also be used towards the purchase of devices, apps, movies, and TV shows.

Other things to know: Use promo code SSDQ2545 at checkout for deal price. Email delivery. Non-returnable and non-refundable.

Read our review of the best game consoles .

$100 Apple Gift Card + $10 Target Gift Card (Email Delivery) — Pick Accessory Target deal price: $100 ; street price: $110

What we like: A gift card that can be used for purchasing Wirecutter-recommended Apple products, accessories, and apps. The $10 Target gift card is essentially free money for Target shoppers when you purchase the $100 Apple gift card.

Other things to know: Apple gift card can be used for purchases at Apple Store locations, as well as on the Apple website and App Store. Limit one Target gift card per customer. Cannot be returned or redeemed for cash or credit.

Read why we think the iPad is the best tablet .

Soundcore Space One Noise-Cancelling Headphones — Budget Pick Amazon deal price: $80 ; street price: $100

What we like: Our budget pick for the best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones offer impressive noise cancellation and good sound for less than $100. Comfortable and lightweight. 40-hour battery life with ANC on. Offers dual-device connectivity, hear-through mode, and quick-charge feature.

Other things to know: The three noise-reducing microphones can make voices sound compressed and somewhat distant to callers. Sound is customizable via the Soundcore app.

Read our review of the best noise-cancelling headphones .

Anker Soundcore Space A40 Earbuds — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $50 ; street price: $80

What we like: Our top pick for best wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Solid sound quality, great battery life, and active noise cancellation. Each earbud can be used independently. Dual-device connectivity. Should fit most ears comfortably.

Other things to know: Does not support voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Siri. IPX4 water-resistance. 18-month warranty. Limited touch controls. This deal lacks the $5 gift card we typically see bundled with these earbuds.

Read our review of the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds .

Acer Aspire 3 Spin 14 (A3SP14-31PT) — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $350 ; street price: $420

What we like: Our top pick for the best Windows laptop under $500. Fast enough to meet most people’s computing needs for a few years to come. 8.5-hour battery life. Accurate and reliable keyboard and trackpad. 360-degree hinge allows you to flip the display around for use as a tablet.

Other things to know: No fingerprint reader. Mediocre webcam. Shipped with Windows 11 S mode, but you can switch to Windows 11 Home for free. Specs include Intel Core i3-N305 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB SSD.

Read our review of the best laptop under $500 .

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition + Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Bundle (No Disc Drive) — Also Great Target deal price: $400 ; street price: $450 Best Buy deal price: $400 ; street price: $450

What we like: The new "Slim" version of our top PlayStation game console pick without a disc drive, plus the new Spider-Man 2 2 game we loved in our recent review . Slightly narrower and shorter than the OG. 1 TB storage (up from 825 GB).

Other things to know: The Digital Edition doesn’t include a disc drive, so you can’t watch Blu-rays or take advantage of new or used games, or old PS4 discs. Still some backwards compatibility issues with PS4 games and exclusives. No Dolby Vision or or DTS:X support. Despite being called the "Slim," it's still quite large and bulky. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 digital code included.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Instant Photo Printer — Top Pick Best Buy deal price: $90 ; street price: $100 Target deal price: $90 ; street price: $100

What we like: Our top pick for best instant photo printer. Ultra-portable and compact. Quickly delivers vibrant, credit-card-sized film-like prints. Easy to set up and use with an intuitive app.

Other things to know: Printer body feels fragile. Prints take four to six minutes to fully develop and may lack fine detail and clarity. Uses the same film packs as Fujifilm’s Instax cameras. Recurring deal price, but has yet to drop lower. Available in black, white, and pink.

Read our review of the best instant photo printer .

Sonos Move Speaker (First Gen) — Our Pick Costco deal price: $280, Costco membership required ; street price: $400

What we like: Our pick for a portable smart speaker for your outdoor space. High-quality and wireless. Sounds good. All the benefits of the Sonos system. Supports Airplay 2, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. IP56-rated water resistance. Solid 10-hour battery life.

Other things to know: Audio is notably directional, with a dead spot directly behind it. The charging base is not waterproof. No stereo separation. Sonos released the second generation model last year. Available in black for Costco members.

Read our review of the best smart devices for making the most of your backyard and garden .

Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) — Budget Pick (For Now) Walmart deal price: $700 in select colors ; street price: $750

What we like: Our soon-to-be-replaced budget pick from our guide to the best MacBooks. Still enough memory and storage for most day-to-day work. Approximately 14-hour battery life. Lightweight with solid construction, a comfortable keyboard, and industry-leading customer support. M1 processor still good enough for everyday tasks, non-power users.

Other things to know: M3 processor is finally out and the M1 is starting to show its age after three years. Still a worthwhile everyday laptop, but we will likely see better deals in the future as M3 adoption becomes more widespread. Comes with 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, 13.3-inch Retina display, one 3.5mm jack, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Available in select finishes. $30 below the previous lowest price.

Vantrue N4 Dash Cam — Top Pick Vantrue deal price: $175 with code WIREVAN4 ; street price: $220

What we like: Our top pick for best dash cam. Crisp, super-high-resolution footage day and night. Front-facing, interior, and rear-facing cameras. 24-hour parked-car monitoring. Compact and relatively unobtrusive. Includes 12-volt car charger.

Other things to know: Performance suffers in temperatures below 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Lacks app connectivity to remotely view and download video. Use code WIREVAN4 for deal from Vantrue. Matches low.

Read our review of the best dash cam .

Google Pixel 8 (128 GB, Unlocked) — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $500 ; street price: $620

What we like: Our top pick for the best Android smartphone offers the best version of Android with guaranteed security updates through fall 2030. Has one of the best smartphone cameras we’ve tested. Excellent build quality. Crisp 6.2-inch OLED display and solid wrap-around aluminum frame.

Other things to know: More expensive than previous models. Videos can often look a little grainy but have good color reproduction. Deal is for an unlocked phone with 128 GB of internal storage.

Read our review of the best Android phones .

Garmin Forerunner 255S GPS Running Watch — Runner-Up Amazon deal price: $250 ; street price: $350

What we like: One of our runner-up picks for the best GPS running watch. One of the most feature-packed, top-performing models we’ve tested. Accurate distance and route tracking. Solid heart-rate monitoring. Multiband GPS.

Other things to know: Decent battery life (about 14 days), but much shorter than that of our top pick. No touchscreen. Not quite as accurate at tracking road runs as our top pick. One-year warranty.

Read our review of the best GPS running watches .

Garmin Forerunner 255S Music GPS Running Watch — Runner-Up Amazon deal price: $300 ; street price: $380

What we like: Our runner-up pick for the best GPS running watch if listening to music is important for your workouts. Still one of the most feature-packed, top-performing GPS running watches we’ve tested. Includes music streaming and storage capabilities.

Other things to know: Accurate distance and route tracking. Solid heart-rate monitoring. Multiband GPS. Decent battery life, about 14 days. Lacks touchscreen. Much shorter battery life than our top pick. In tracking road runs, it’s not quite as accurate as our top pick. One-year warranty.

Cricut Explore 3 Electronic Cutting Machine — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $228 ; street price: $300

What we like: Our top for the best electronic cutting machine. Intuitive and easy-to-use software is great for beginners. Superior selection of images and ready-to-make projects.

Other things to know: Faster than other cutting machines but significantly louder. Doesn’t come with a cutting mat and can only cut materials that are 6 inches or longer. Only the second deal we’ve posted on the Explore 3 so far. After another drop, now down to the lowest price we've seen to date.

Read our review of the best electronic cutting machines .

Brother P-Touch Cube Label Maker — Budget Pick Amazon deal price: $45 ; street price: $60

What we like: Our budget pick for the best label maker. Easy to use. Good for occasional label making. Produces the same high-quality labels and uses the same great design suite as our top pick.

Other things to know: A stripped-down version of our top pick. Lacks automatic cutter and built-in rechargeable battery. Recurring deal price, but rarely drops lower.

Read our review of the best label makers .

Aura Carver Mat Digital Photo Frame — Pick Variant Amazon deal price: $143 in select colors ; street price: $180

What we like: A variant of our top digital photo frame pick. Offers easy setup, vivid display, pleasing design, and near-zero pillarboxing. Loading photos and videos remotely is a breeze. Features two frame layers that give the look of a mat picture frame.

Other things to know: The 16:10 aspect ratio isn’t our preferred 4:3. Free Aura app works with iOS and Android phones. Available in black or clay color with white mat.

Read our review of the best digital photo frame .

Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 15 Case — Our Pick Amazon deal price: $16 in select colors ; street price: $20

What we like: Our pick for the best basic phone case for the iPhone 15. A one-piece case made of soft, rubber-like plastic (TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane), and provides more than adequate coverage and protection. Easy to install but won't stretch out. Affordable but doesn’t feel cheap.

Other things to know: Has been our pick for the best basic iPhone case for years now and continues to maintain that spot, but is a plain case with not much going on. Select colors on sale. The iPhone 15 Plus, Pro, and Pro Max versions are also on sale in a few colors.

Read our review of the best iPhone cases .

IUGA High-Waist Yoga Pants — Our Pick Amazon deal price: $20 in select colors and sizes ; street price: $24

What we like: Our cheap and surprisingly soft leggings pick. Fit and felt better than other leggings we tried in the same price range. Soft, comfy, and generally flattering cut. Gentle but supportive compression. Functional, convenient pockets.

Other things to know: Some may find the one-inch elastic waistband to be constricting. A little loose at the ankle for some testers. We found the fabric lost its shape a bit over time. Deal price is for select colors and sizes.

Read our review of the best leggings .

Sungait Vintage Round Sunglasses (Polarized Lenses, 2-Pack) — Our Pick Amazon deal price: $15 with clipped on-page coupon for a 2-pack in select colors ; street price: $18

What we like: Our cheap round sunglasses pick. Also recommended in gift guides and outdoor guides. Comfortable and sturdy. Complements a variety of face shapes. Keyhole nose bridge. Mini screwdriver provided with purchase. Logo-free and unisex.

Other things to know: Lifetime warranty (rare at this price). Some Sungait pairs sold on Amazon don't have polarized lenses, double-check before buying. Deal is for a 2-pack in select frame colors. Clip on-page coupon to get deal for some colors.

Read our review of the best cheap sunglasses .

Lunya Washable Silk Tulip Back Set — Gift Pick Lunya deal price: $150 with code FOR-WCSLEEP ; street price: $188

What we like: A slinky silk pajama set we recommend in our guide to the best gifts for girlfriends (that are great for anyone). An everyday indulgence. Can be hand- or machine-washed, unlike many silk pajamas. Cut of top (with its criss-crossed back) is flattering on many different body types.

Other things to know: 100% Mulberry silk. More playful silhouette than some of our pajama picks. Abbreviated crop top exposes some midriff. Available in a variety of colors and sizes. Use code FOR-WCSLEEP .

Read our review of the best gifts for girlfriends .

A.L.C. Renzo Pleated Midi Dress — Our Pick Bloomingdale's deal price: $446 ; street price: $595

What we like: Our pick for the ultimate little black cocktail dress. Delicate pleats, a high neck, and exposed shoulders make this a refined choice for an evening out. Breathable polyester felt softer and more luxurious than many silk dresses we tested.

Other things to know: The priciest dress we recommend, but worth the investment. Designed to hit midcalf, but may hit closer to ankle level if under 5-foot-5. Sold in sizes 00 to 14.

Read our review of the best little black dresses .

Paige Cindy Jeans — Top Pick Paige deal price: $164 with code PAIGEFAMILY24 ; street price: $219

What we like: Our decadently soft and stretchy women's jeans pick. Straight-leg, high-rise style, fitted through the waist and hips. Body-conscious yet totally lounge-able. Testers of different sizes and shapes found these jeans flattering and wildly comfortable.

Other things to know: Stretchier denim tends to (you guessed it) stretch out over time. 28-inch inseam may be too short for some. Destroyed hem isn't for everyone. Run slightly large; we recommend sizing down if between sizes. Use code PAIGEFAMILY2024 . Doesn't quite compare to deals we saw over Black Friday, but still a good value.

Read our review of the best women's jeans .

Nike Blazer Mid '77 Vintage Sneakers (Men's) — Staff Favorite Nike deal price: $72 in select colors with code SPRING, free Nike membership required ; street price: $105

What we like: A staff favorite alternative to Nike Air Force 1s. Versatile mid-height sneakers with a vintage feel. Sleek, leather upper with suede details. Solid rubber sole provides strong foot support and traction.

Other things to know: Free Nike membership required to use coupon code SPRING and for free shipping. Several colors are on sale, but the tan option offers a wide range of sizes for a neutral color.

Read our ode to the Nike Blazer Mid '77 Vintage Sneakers .

Crocs Dylan Clog — Gift Pick Amazon deal price: $33 in select colors ; street price: $55

What we like: A more sophisticated pair of Crocs we recommend in several of our gift guides. Belies the brand's ugly reputation. Textured to look like full-grain leather. Clean profile with a notably unperforated toe box.

Other things to know: Easy to wash thanks to proprietary resin construction. On sale in select colors in women's and men's sizes. New low.

Read our review of the best gifts for boyfriends (that are great for anyone) .

Other things to know: Fabric shell is abrasive and may make some sweaters and blouses pill. The weave also attracts pet hair like a magnet. Available in ranger green. Lowest price we've seen so far.

Bonobos Soft Everyday Tee (pack of two) — Our Pick Bonobos deal price: $50 when you add two to cart ; street price: $70

What we like: Our boxier, more relaxed white T-shirt pick. Extremely soft with some stretch and sturdily constructed. Especially loved by our plus-size testers for quality, fit, and comfort. 100% cotton.

Other things to know: Generous fit may not work for people with smaller frames. Available in a variety of colors and sizes. Choose between crew neck or V-neck and slim or standard cut. Add two to your cart to get the deal price.

Read our review of the best men’s white T-shirts .

What we like: A casual leather boot loved by Wirecutter staff and many others around the world. Pull-on, ankle-high, with an elastic panel. Comfortable, durable rubber sole. Uppers made of extra-thick leather. Ergonomically engineered to reduce fatigue. They can last for years with daily wear.

Etsfmoa Unisex Beanie with Light — Gift Pick Amazon deal price: $13 in select colors ; street price: $15

What we like: A combination beanie and headlamp recommended in multiple Wirecutter gift guides. A bright, rechargeable light embedded in a soft, warm hat. Light charges in about two hours via USB port and has three brightness settings. Beanie comes in 24 different colors and patterns.

Other things to know: Great for walking the dog after dark or staying hands-free during house projects (also makes a good Father’s Day gift). The black and gray hats, the typical colors we see on sale, are both down to $13.

Read our review of the best gifts under $25 .

Idegg No Show Socks (Unisex, Six Pairs) — Our Pick Amazon deal price: $12 for a 6-pack in select colors and sizes ; street price: $15

What we like: Our thin and inexpensive no-show socks pick. Made from a lightweight and breathable cotton blend. Terrific value, especially when on sale. Great for wearing with snug-fitting shoes. Won’t slip or bunch.

Other things to know: Thin material doesn’t provide much padding or support. Not as soft and smooth as our other no-show sock picks. Deal is for a medium six-pack combination of black, gray, and whites (add $1 for large).

Read our review of the best no-show socks .

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (Refurbished) — Upgrade Pick Walmart deal price: $220 ; street price: $300

What we like: Our longtime upgrade hair dryer pick. Unique design makes for an extraordinarily pleasant user experience. No vibration whatsoever. Simple-to-switch magnetic attachments make styling a breeze. Consistently our favorite hair dryer to use since we first tested it in 2016.

Other things to know: Pricey, and doesn’t make your hair look any different than cheaper options. Manufacturer refurbished. On sale in select finishes. One-year Dyson warranty and 30-day returns. Doesn't match short-lived $207 deal we recently saw, but still a good value.

Read our review of the best hair dryer .

Govee Wi-Fi Water Sensors (2-Pack) — Another Good Option Amazon deal price: $20 ; street price: $40

What we like: Another good, budget-friendly option in our guide to the best smart water-leak detector. Compatible with Alexa. Loud siren. Uses a plug-in Wi-Fi hub to function.

Other things to know: Alarm can only be silenced on sensor itself. No alert if device loses Wi-Fi and/or power connection. Deal includes a two-pack of sensors and one hub. Clip the on-page coupon.

Read our review of the best smart water-leak detector .

Eufy P2 Pro Smart Scale — Runner-Up Amazon deal price: $41 ; street price: $75

What we like: Our runner-up pick for the best smart scale is accurate and consistent. Exceptionally water-resistant. Has a robust and easy-to-use app. Connects via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Compatible with Apple Health, Google Fit, and Fitbit.

Other things to know: Typically double the price of our top pick and is slightly smaller and less consistently accurate. Requires more frequent battery replacement than our top pick.

Read our review of the best smart scale .

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt (Century Trim) — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $183 ; street price: $230

What we like: Our top pick for the best smart deadbolt lock. A low-profile, no-fuss lock with a foolproof keypad and the ability to connect to Wi-Fi without requiring a plug-in adapter. Particularly easy to install, and using it is intuitive. Battery life has been excellent, lasting six months or more at a time.

Other things to know: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but not Apple Home. Relatively loud and slow, which sometimes leads to accidental lock jams when people open the door while it’s still retracting the bolt. The Schlage app is not great. Deal for the century trim in the satin nickel finish. Clip the on-page coupon.

Read our review of the best smart locks .

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Kit (22 Treatments) — Staff Favorite Amazon deal price: $30 ; street price: $46

What we like: An at-home teeth-whitening solution that is a staff favorite. Low-tech, effective, and very affordable. No dentist visits required. Comes with 10 days' worth of Professional Effects treatments and two 1-Hour Express treatments.

Other things to know: Slower than professional treatments—results take several sessions over the course of a few weeks. Not as good as the typical Costco Crest 3D Whitestrips deals we see, but a good discount for those without a Costco membership.

Read our ode to Crest 3D Whitestrips .

Yamazaki Home Tower Shoe Rack — Upgrade Pick Amazon deal price: $94 in select colors ; street price: $115

What we like: The investment-worthy upgrade pick from our guide to the best shoe racks. Slim enough to fit in a closet, but sleek enough for an entryway. Stores up to 24 pairs of shoes. Steel and wood veneer. Top could double as an entryway shelf. Two hooks on the side for keys or an umbrella.

Other things to know: The rack assembles quickly but will require using a screwdriver. Only holds adult-sized shoes; tiny shoes will tumble through. Only on sale in white.

Read our review of the best shoe rack .

Sabai The Essential Sofa — Our Pick Sabai deal price: $1,408 shipped ; street price: $1,640

What we like: Our favorite eco-friendly three-seater sofa pick. Cushions remain plump and unworn after years of use. Available in multiple configurations, fabrics, and colors. Many components are replaceable and recyclable.

Other things to know: Low back and shallow seating may not be the comfiest for lounging. Deal price reflects sample configuration with included shipping cost. The Essential Sofa is made to order and ships within two to four weeks.

Read our review of the best the best sofas you can buy online .

Threshold White Waffle Weave Shower Curtain — Our Pick Target deal price: $20 with store pickup (free shipping for RedCard holders) ; street price: $25

What we like: Our longtime pick for the best classic waffle-weave shower curtain. Simple, timeless, and durable. Easy to clean. Neutral design will complement just about any bathroom.

Other things to know: Available in white or gray. Select store pickup or make a combined order of $35 or more to avoid shipping fees. RedCard holders get free shipping and save an extra 5%.

Read our review of the best shower curtains .

Apotheke Charcoal Candle — Our Pick Bloomingdale's deal price: $33 in cart ; street price: $44

What we like: Our elegant, monochromatic pick for a warm and woodsy scented candle. Notes of charred sandalwood and cedar after a heavy rain. Fragrant but not heavy or overpowering. Sleek matte-black vessel is as stylish as it is adept at hiding soot streaks, fingerprints, and other smudges.

Other things to know: About 70-hour burn time. We wish it came with a lid or dust cover. Jar is reusable, but the company name is printed on the glass, so it’s impossible to remove. Price reflects in cart. We've seen better deals for the 3-wick size, but this is a solid deal for this size.

Read our review of our favorite scented candles .

Lutron Caséta Wireless In-Wall Smart Dimmer Switch (2-Count Kit) — Another Good Option Amazon deal price: $136 ; street price: $170

What we like: A good smart light dimmer switch if you don’t have great Wi-Fi. Easy-to-use keypad for dimming and powering lights manually. Easy to install. Works reliably with many smart-home devices. A pick when we started this guide, and we will continue to sing its praises.

Other things to know: Includes two switches, required Lutron Caséta Smart Bridge, and two wireless remotes. Uses ClearConnect wireless. Neutral wire required (which may be an issue in homes with old wiring).

Read our review of the best in-wall smart light switch and dimmer .

Akron Street Mysa Bed (Queen) — Our Pick Akron Street deal price: $1,166 in cart with code TOTHETRADE ; street price: $1,295

What we like: Our pick for a no-frills, all-oak modern bed. Supremely simple, clean aesthetic with a low profile. Solid white oak construction. Supported by 15 acacia pine slats. Easy-to-assemble. Built to last. Works especially well with tall mattresses and small bedrooms.

Other things to know: Has 11.5-inch height, with an under-bed clearance of 6.8 inches. No warranty. Price reflects in cart or use code TOTHETRADE . Standard shipping is free.

Read our review of the best modern bed frames to dress up your bedroom .

Homeasy Fabric Shaver — Our Pick Amazon deal price: $22 ; street price: $25

What we like: Our favorite electric fabric shaver. Features six sharp blades, a wide head, and intuitive controls. Very effective at getting rid of fuzz during our tests. Quiet and comfortable to hold. USB-rechargeable.

Other thing to know: Three to six hour battery life on a full charge. Includes two replacement blades. About $2 higher than the lowest sale price we've seen, but still a good value.

Read our review of the best laundry aides to help your clothes look better and last longer .

Revival Rugs - 25% Off Jute Area Rugs — Our Pick Revival deal price: $219 with code WCJUTE25 ; street price: $290

What we like: Our pick for a natural-fiber rug that comes in several colors. Flexible and finely woven, giving it a more delicate, flat appearance. Feels soft underfoot and barely sheds. Easy to vacuum and lightweight enough to shake out outside.

Other things to know: Best for dining rooms, kitchens, hallways, or layering in living rooms or bedrooms. Spot-clean only, as jute is very susceptible to water and humidity. Use code WCJUTE25 to save 25% on all jute rugs. Deal price is for the 5-by-8-foot size, but pricing varies depending on total cost; no minimum spend.

Read our review of the best area rugs .

Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser — Runner-Up Amazon deal price: $58 ; street price: $80

What we like: Our runner-up pick for the best water flosser is just as effective as our top pick and comes with a similar three-year warranty. Easy to use and clean. Ten pressure settings, including a “massage” setting that emits pulses of water.

Other things to know: This is a corded model and requires a power outlet during use. Takes up more counter space than our top pick. Recurring deal price; $10 more than the deal we saw during Cyber Week.

Read our review of the best water flossers .

Amazon Basics 8-Sheet High-Security Micro-Cut Shredder with Pullout Basket — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $62 ; street price: $69

What we like: Our top pick for the best paper shredder. This high-security shredder offers the best balance of ease of use, sheet capacity, and price. It can run jam-free for nearly 10 minutes without overheating. Micro-cuts documents and has a separate CD/DVD shredding slot.

Other things to know: Slightly bigger than eight-sheet shredders with lift-up tops. The overload LED indicator didn't work like we expected it would. We recommend unplugging any shredder when not in use.

Read our review of the best paper shredders .

Black+Decker Pet Hair Remover — Staff Favorite Walmart deal price: $10 with store pickup ; street price: $16

What we like: A lint roller for pet hair recommended by the Wirecutter staff. Reusable and tape-free. Effectively catches stray fur on fabric surfaces. The brush is made of velvet and silicone that grips the fur and traps it in a bin behind the roller. Works great on bedding.

Other things to know: Roll it back and forth on your bedding, couch, or clothing to pick up hair, and press the button to empty it once the bin is full. Opt for store pickup to avoid shipping fees or add to a combined order over $35 for free shipping.

Read our review of the best pet hair removers .

PetKit Eversweet Solo 2 Water Fountain — Upcoming Pick Amazon deal price: $40 ; street price: $50

What we like: An upcoming pick in our pet water fountain guide. Only five main parts to keep track of. The easiest fountain to take apart and clean in testing. Nearly silent wireless pump has a convenient auto shut-off feature, so it doesn’t burn out when the water level gets too low.

Other things to know: Also comes with a companion app, which lets you set up cleaning and refill reminders, but it has a limited feature set.

Read our review of the best water fountain for cats and dogs .

PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge — Upgrade Pick Amazon deal price: $68 ; street price: $80

What we like: Our pick for the best cat bed for multicat households, this doubles as a scratcher, too. Both the largest bed we tested and the nicest scratcher we found. Big enough to sleep four cats comfortably. You can flip it over and use the underside when the top side shows wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.

Other things to know: Large, about 39 by 14 inches. Cardboard may be too densely packed for some cats to comfortably scratch.

Read our review of the best cat beds (according to our cats) .

Editor’s note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter’s expert-approved picks.

This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow.

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Wirecutter Staff