I did a similar post to this a while back while working in Maine in 2020. This was after a few years of travel and it struck me again that it would be good to sit down and express some thoughts on our experience as travelers since we just passed the 6 year mark. (Click here if you want to read part 1 of this post)

Over six years ago, Kari and I took off on what we thought would be one great adventure to Alaska, and we were terrified. I find it hard to truly express the sense of how it felt back then, but it’s the feeling you get during a new experience where everything is exciting, but terrifying at the same time. That mixture of fear and adventure. Fear of the unknown, and uncertainty, as well as excitement for new beginnings and taking the risk of trying something you’ve never done before. There really is no way to understand or try to predict what is going to happen. We put in so much planning, and of all places, driving to Alaska? Really? I mean, when we arrived, we literally told ourselves, “I don’t think we can do this, no matter how much it costs, let’s just drive back home”. We weren’t joking either. Up to that point, it was one of the most uncertain times of our lives and deciding to stay (basically had to lol, I mean we drove to Alaska) was the best decision of our lives. Sticking with that first assignment led to so much growth, both professionally, but more so individually and as a couple. This was, after all, our very first time living together alone since we were married. Prior to this we lived with family. So we had a lot of firsts in 2017.

Now, over 6 years of travel, we are still absolutely in love with everything about this lifestyle. The excitement, the moving, the adventure, as well as the challenging aspects like trying to find housing and the stress of negotiating a new contract. We still get nervous, pretty much every contract, but some more than others. The hardest part for us, and I think a lot of therapists is the moving and trying to find safe/suitable housing on assignments. Don't even get me started with one of our most recent housing issues (Monterey, Ca). If you want to know more about that, send us a message and maybe we will write a blog on that crazy story.

So, what have I learned in the last 6 years and how has life changed through travel therapy? For starters, I have a different appreciation for life experiences. It’s not something that can be easily explained, but moving often, meeting new people, developing new friendships, and then moving again, only a few months later, you realize just how fast everything goes. Life is quick, and breaking it up into 13 or 26 week segments makes it go even quicker. I have memories that I cherish from past co workers, and some that have become lifelong friends. Speaking of memories, that’s something unique in and of itself as a traveler. While seasons and years do break time up for me, I typically categorize all my memories by the assignment I was on and the people I was around at that time. I think that is something very unique to the travel world. “Oh remember, it was when we were in Maine”, or “remember that sand storm while working in Arizona”.

Snorkeling at Honolua Bay

Sleeping in a Yurt Eagle River Alaska

Can you guess our location?

Monterey Cannery Row

I’ve also learned that no matter where you are working, life is so similar, yet different at the same time. What do I mean by that? I used to day dream a lot, still do, but sometimes I would just wonder “what is out there?” “ What is someone else doing right now?” “Is life different somewhere else?” So many questions and just unknown answers. Having now worked in 9 states and 5 different parts of California, over the course of 13 assignments, I can say, it’s all the same, while being different at the same time. Work, no matter where you go is the same; being a PT doesn’t change, you always work with those who stress and those who don’t. Some coworkers dislike their job, others love it. Some want to experience more and move, and other’s want to stay. No matter what location we are heading to, I can guarantee there will always be those constants. As for different, just about everything else changes. Winter in Alaska and Maine was sure different than on the California coast and Southern Arizona. And what about living the dream for 3 months on Maui. I can see what draws people to live on island time. They have no rush and no worries….except money, things were VERY expensive there. By far one of my favorite aspects of travel, is just getting to know what is it like to not just vacation at a location, but actually live THERE! It’s a way of life that you couldn’t otherwise experience. Vacation trips are designed to either relax you or allow you to enjoy the more touristy things. But, taking an assignment, living and working at a location, allows you to see the good and the bad of the area. Plus, the locals usually love to show off their town and we take full advantage of every opportunity to see and do whatever we can to learn about a new culture and about the area we are currently living. I think that will remain my absolute favorite thing about all of our assignments.

Travel has also completely changed how I look at what is possible to accomplish. Prior to living “everywhere” and moving to so many new locations, I never truly thought I would visit, let alone live in so many places. It may sound cliche, but taking a risk as big as traveling all over the country for work has made it much easier to say “yeah, we can hike that”, or “hey, let’s do a half marathon”. I’ve been pretty open to most physical adventures my whole life, but even more so now. Building self confidence through completing challenges in both our professional career as travel therapists as well as through adventures has led to self growth and helped me find something that has been rewarding and enjoyable.

Grand Prismatic Spring Yellowstone

Hawaii moped adventure

Biking at the Grand Tetons

Spencer beachin in Hawaii

Ok let’s wrap this up…

It’s become easy to pick up all our things, draw a line on Apple Maps, and head out on a 2000 mile road trip to another assignment. Our biggest challenge now is trying to condense our stuff to ensure we can actually fit everything in our cars before driving away. Though this has really been a problem since day one haha. I can’t begin to count how many darn clothes hangers I have broken and thrown away in frustration. Over the course of 6 years of traveling as physical therapists, I can say we have improved. Improved at what? Well just that, traveling. Just like any career, it started out very challenging. There were not only the dynamics of handling a new career as a PT, but also trying to learn about travel therapy in general. There have been times where it was very easy, and other times where it was actually very difficult, but with practice, we have really made this lifestyle ours. If you are considering trying travel therapy, just know, it is a great way to explore new places and experience a way of life that is unlike what most people have a chance to do. But know that it is still work. There are many upsides and downsides, but they can all be handled if you put in the effort. I think that is something many people should remember. It’s stressful, but with practice comes progress. You are learning an entire different way of living than what most people do. So reach out, not just to us, but anyone who you want to ask questions too. The community of travel therapy as well as traveling nursing is full of people who can help and are usually happy to answer questions. As always, if you have any questions, or just want to reach out to say hi, feel free to contact us via email, or even easier, instagram! Alright, back to work!

6 Years As a Traveling Therapist; Here Are My Thoughts