If you’re chasing high-pay travel nurse jobs in 2026 while exploring the country, this west-to-east coast road-trip plan is made for you. With three 13-week assignments and coast-to-coast travel built in, your year as a travel nurse becomes a true journey.
Assignment #1 (Jan–Mar 2026) — Seattle, Washington — Weekly Pay: $2,500–$3,300
Why this works for travel nurse jobs: Seattle offers strong winter demand for specialties such as ICU, ER, and telemetry. Start your year with an assignment that pays and places you in a vibrant city.
Where to stay: Furnished Finder apartments in Fremont, Ballard, or Capitol Hill; RV parks near Bothell; extended-stay hotels like Element Seattle.
Explore on days off: Pike Place Market, Mt. Rainier snowshoeing, ferry rides, Olympic Peninsula excursions.
Job link: All Travel Nurse Jobs in Washington
🚐 Road Trip Leg #1 (April 2026) — Seattle ➜ Salt Lake City (~840 miles)
Route: I-90 → I-84 through scenic Washington, Idaho and into Utah.
Stops: Boise (Greenbelt trail), Twin Falls (Shoshone Falls), Bonneville Salt Flats for photos.
Assignment #2 (Apr–Jun 2026) — Salt Lake City, Utah — Weekly Pay: $2,300–$3,000
Why this works for travel nurse jobs: Utah has sustained demand for ICU/ER travel nurse jobs. Spring weather is great and the cost of living is relatively lower.
Where to stay: Sugar House or Millcreek furnished apartments; KOA for RV; Extended Stay America in Midvale/Sandy.
Explore on days off: Zion & Bryce Canyon, Wasatch Range hikes, Salt Lake Food Truck League.
Job link: Travel Nurse Jobs in Utah
🚐 Road Trip Leg #2 (July 2026) — Salt Lake City ➜ Nashville (~1,500 miles)
Route: I-80 → I-70 through Colorado and the Midwest.
Stops: Denver (Red Rocks), Kansas City (BBQ), St. Louis (Gateway Arch), scenic small towns along the way.
Assignment #3 (Jul–Sep 2026) — Nashville, Tennessee — Weekly Pay: $1,600–$2,700
Why this works for travel nurse jobs: Summer specialty demand hits Nashville hospitals in ER, med-surg, telemetry, giving travel nurses strong weekly pay.
Where to stay: Donelson or East Nashville furnished homes; KOA Resort for RV; Sonder apartments near downtown.
Explore on days off: Broadway live music, Great Smoky Mountains day trip, kayaking on the Cumberland River.
Job link: Travel Nurse Jobs in Tennessee
🚐 Road Trip Leg #3 (October 2026) — Nashville ➜ Boston (~1,050 miles)
Route: I-65 → I-71 → I-90 through Kentucky, Ohio, and into New England.
Stops: Louisville (bourbon trail), Columbus, Cleveland (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame), the Finger Lakes region for fall foliage.
Optional Final Assignment (Oct–Dec 2026) — Boston, Massachusetts — Weekly Pay: $2,700–$3,800
Why this works for travel nurse jobs: Boston winter contracts are among the highest paying in the U.S. for travel nurses. Major hospitals + holiday season = premium pay.
Where to stay: Cambridge or Somerville furnished apartments; Normandy Farms Campground for RV; extended stay hotels in Quincy/Brookline.
Explore on days off: Freedom Trail, Salem trips, Cape Cod (off-season calm), holiday lights.
Job link: Travel Nurse Jobs in Massachusetts
Full Itinerary Summary
| Months | Location | Type | Weekly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar | Seattle, WA | 13-week travel nurse job | $2,500–$3,300 |
| April | Road trip west to Utah | Travel month | — |
| Apr–Jun | Salt Lake City, UT | 13-week travel nurse job | $2,300–$3,000 |
| July | Road trip to Tennessee | Travel month | — |
| Jul–Sep | Nashville, TN | 13-week travel nurse job | $2,200–$3,200 |
| October | Road trip to East Coast | Travel month | — |
| Oct–Dec | Boston, MA | Optional 13-week travel nurse job | $2,700–$3,800 |
Final Tips for Your 2026 Travel Nurse Jobs Road Trip
- Plan specialty-specific travel nurse jobs ahead of time (ICU, ER, OR, L&D) to maximize weekly pay.
- Use Furnished Finder, RV parks or extended stays for flexibility and comfort during assignments.
- Maintain digital organization: contract docs, licenses, housing receipts, travel reimbursements.
- Schedule rest/travel days every 300–350 miles to avoid burnout and enjoy the journey.
- Pair high-pay locations with affordable housing markets to boost your net earnings.
Ready to kick off your year of travel nurse jobs and nationwide exploration? With this itinerary, you’ll not only work across high-demand markets — you’ll live a travel nurse adventure like no other.
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