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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
| 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 |
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.