For many travel nurses, holiday assignments provide unique experiences while helping communities in need. With a bit of planning, you can make the most of the holidays, wherever your assignment takes you. Here are some tips to bring warmth and joy to your holiday season, even while away from home.

1. Plan in Advance

Before accepting a holiday assignment, think through your ideal holiday experience. Location matters and travel nursing offers you the flexibility to choose your climate, proximity to events, and assignment length. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

Climate Preference: If you’d like a warm winter, consider assignments in places like Florida, Arizona, or California. If you prefer snow and colder settings, places like Colorado, Oregon, or Washington might be perfect.

Special Holiday Events: Do some research to see if there are unique holiday events near your potential assignment. Whether it’s holiday markets, winter festivals, or light displays, experiencing new traditions can bring an extra layer of excitement to your season.

Proximity to Home: If possible, choose an assignment close to home or a familiar area to ease homesickness and make the most of any available family time.

Assignment Length: If family gatherings are a priority, shorter assignments or those that wrap up just before the holidays can let you celebrate at home after your assignment.

2. Explore Local Traditions or Start New Ones

Every location has its holiday traditions. Whether it’s a local festival, Christmas market, or New Year’s parade, immerse yourself in your temporary community’s celebrations. Collect new traditions, and carry them forward as part of your holiday memories.

If you feel homesick, bring a touch of home to your surroundings. Decorate your space with lights and ornaments, bake your favorite holiday treats, or plan a cozy movie night. Or, try something new—celebrate the holidays at a beach if you’re used to snowy scenes, or explore seasonal outdoor activities unique to your assignment location.

3. Give Back by Volunteering

Volunteering during the holidays can bring you closer to the community and give you a sense of purpose. Community centers, soup kitchens, and local charities often look for extra support during this time, offering you a way to spread joy and connect with others.

4. Unplug from Social Media

Staying off social media can help you stay present and avoid comparisons. Spending time away from the online world lets you focus on what makes your holiday special, not on what others are doing. If you want to document your travels, consider keeping a private photo journal or writing in a travel log for a more personal memory-keeping experience.

5. Earn Extra Income

Working through the holidays often comes with financial perks. Many facilities offer premium holiday pay or overtime during this period, helping you earn extra income. Use this time to boost your savings or reward yourself with a little something special once your assignment is complete.

Holiday assignments offer travel nurses a chance to embrace new experiences while bringing comfort and care to communities. With a little planning and a positive mindset, you can create memorable holidays, wherever you are.

Ready to plan your next holiday adventure?

If you are taking an assignment for the holidays this year, try incorporating some of these ideas into your holiday travel adventure. If you are looking for a travel nurse assignment, visit our job board today!