If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably heard the term “side quest.”
A side quest is a small adventure that has nothing to do with your main objective. It’s the unexpected coffee shop you discover, the random festival you attend, or the scenic overlook you find while taking the long way home.
For healthcare travelers, side quests might be one of the best parts of assignment life.
After all, you’re already in a new city. Why not explore it?
Become a Tourist
Most people wait for vacations to explore new places.
Healthcare travelers don’t have to.
Instead of spending your days off catching up on chores every weekend, challenge yourself to visit one new place each week.
Try:
- Local museums
- Historic downtown districts
- Farmers markets
- Food festivals
- Art walks
Small adventures often become the most memorable experiences.
Visit a State Park
You don’t need a national park to find incredible scenery.
State parks often offer:
- Hiking trails
- Lakes
- Kayaking
- Wildlife viewing
- Camping
Many are located within an hour of major healthcare facilities.
Attend a Local Festival
Summer is festival season.
Nearly every city hosts events featuring:
- Food trucks
- Live music
- Cultural celebrations
- Craft fairs
- Outdoor markets
These events provide a great way to experience local culture while meeting people outside of work.
Take a Sunrise Challenge
Not every side quest has to be complicated.
Choose one day this summer to wake up early and watch the sunrise from somewhere beautiful.
It could be:
- A beach
- A mountain overlook
- A city skyline
- A lake
You’ll be surprised how memorable a simple experience can become.
Try Something You’ve Never Done Before
Travel healthcare naturally pushes people outside their comfort zones.
Take advantage of it.
Try:
- Paddleboarding
- Rock climbing
- Horseback riding
- Ziplining
- Surfing
- Fishing
The assignment itself may be temporary, but the memories last much longer.
Build a Summer Bucket List
One fun challenge is creating a side quest checklist.
Examples include:
- Visit a state park
- Attend a festival
- Watch a sunrise
- Eat at a local landmark restaurant
- Take a day trip
- Find a hidden gem coffee shop
- Explore a new hiking trail
You’ll quickly discover that your assignment location has far more to offer than work alone.
Assignment Life Should Be About More Than Work
Healthcare travelers often choose this career for flexibility and adventure.
This summer, take advantage of both.
The next amazing memory may be sitting just a few miles from your assignment.
All you have to do is say yes to the side quest.
Adventure doesn’t stop when your shift ends. Find your next assignment with TotalMed and discover where your next side quest could take you.
