Nurses, you deserve a vacation! And because your time off is precious, we're here to help you get the most of it with these essential nursing vacation tips, plus some nurse vacation deals to help you save money, too.
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6 Essential Nursing Vacation Tips & Deals
Vacations are essential for everyone's well-being. And that goes double for nurses! As you know, nursing often comes with long hours and emotional demands — and vacations are an important way to take a break, avoid burnout, and continue being the best nurse you can be, all year long.
But there’s more than one way to take a vacation, and some important things to consider when you’re planning one, too. With that in mind, here are 6 essential nursing vacation tips, plus some info on getting the best possible deals.
Tip #1: Plan ahead
Planning ahead is key to any vacation. And as a nurse, you’ll have a better chance of getting the time off you want when you request it in advance. You'll also get better deals on flights, hotels, and other travel essentials.
- Deal alert! Stretch your budget with hotel booking services that offer special deals for nurses.
Timing is also key when choosing your destination. For instance, if you’re looking to check Austin, Texas off your bucket list, do you want to go during a big event like the South by Southwest music festival, or when it’s quieter, less crowded, and more affordable? Whichever you choose, planning ahead is key.
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Pro tip: Taking time off in advance is easier with the Go HWS Mobile App!
Tip #2: Figure out what type of break you need
Not sure where to go? Or how to plan? If you work in a fast-paced or stressful setting, then you might want to spend your vacation relaxing at a beach or spa. But if you’re feeling bored and craving action or variety, it might be time to hit up the big city for concerts, clubbing, shopping, or other excitement.
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Deal alert! Heroes Vacation Club offers a huge variety of vacation options specially priced for nurses.
If you're looking for relaxation over excitement and adventure, then focus on self-care with a vacation centered on wellness. A good way to do that is at a place that's known for its beaches, spas, or retreats. They can be found all around the U.S.A., and there are probably more of them than you realize!
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Pro tip: You don’t have to wait until your next vacation to focus on self-care — you can practice active living any time, and anywhere.
Tip #3: Try a travel nursing assignment
While travel nursing isn’t the same as being on vacation — after all, you're still working a full-time job — it might be the next best thing, because you're getting paid to explore new places while still developing your career.
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Deal alert! Travel jobs include housing stipends, so you literally get paid to live somewhere else!
Travel assignments are temporary — usually 13 weeks — and located 50 miles or more from where you live. That could be in the neighboring county, clear across the country, or someplace in between. And many assignments are three 12-hour shifts per week, leaving you with plenty of extra time to explore (or relax).
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Pro tip: Combine work and fun at these top travel nursing destinations
Tip #4: Take weekend trips or mini-vacations
Mini-vacations and weekend trips are great low-key alternatives to full-on vacations, and you only have to take off a day or two from work — or maybe none at all! After all, if you work a 12-hour schedule, you get a long weekend every single week.
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Deal alert! Take a budget-friendly weekend trip with special discounts on car rentals and other travel essentials
You don’t have to be a travel nurse to take mini-vacations, but it helps! Even if you never leave your home state, though, you probably have more opportunities around you than you realize, from hitting up a concert or sporting event to staying at a nice hotel to exploring museums, state parks, or other attractions.
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Pro tip: These 4 states have plenty of options for mini-vacations.
Tip #5: Try a local contract job
Sometimes the best vacation is a stay-cation. And when you work local contract jobs — especially on a 12-hour shift schedule — you'll have more time to spend long weekends at home, simply relaxing or spending time with loved ones.
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Deal alert! With HealthTrust, every contract shift you work can be a chance to earn points redeemable on travel gear, hotel gift cards, and much more.
Local contracts are temporary jobs — like travel assignments, usually 13 weeks long — that are located less than 50 miles from where you live. In addition to long weekends, you can also take breaks between contracts for extra vacation time.
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Pro tip: Discover how to choose the best local contract jobs here.
Tip #6: Know where to find the best nurse vacation deals
Last but definitely not least, nurses have plenty of discounts to choose from when traveling. And that makes it easier and more affordable to take a well-deserved vacation, mini-vacation, stay-cation, or whatever you prefer!
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Deal alert! Discover your new favorite discounts in our list of 40+ nurse vacation deals
Nurses also get special deals on vacation packages from CheapCaribbean, extended-stay booking sites like VRBO, and popular attractions like zoos, Broadways shows, and even Disneyland® and Universal Studios. Learn more here.
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