Hidden Travel Gems

Being a healthcare traveler means having the freedom to explore new places that you’ve always wanted to see.  Our most common requests usually involve popular destinations such as Florida, Alaska, California and Colorado. However, we are often pleasantly pleased when our travelers send us photos of their assignments in the locations not often listed as a traveling hot spot.  Whether it’s hiking in Wyoming, or exploring the many caverns in Virginia, our travelers constantly remind us that there are less known gems throughout this great land of ours.  Below lists a few destinations to consider next time and if you don’t mind, comment on any other places you would like to suggest.

  • Salisbury, MD: Within 30 minutes of Ocean City, Salisbury offers great dining and shopping in a location that truly
    Salisbury, MD

    takes you back in history.  With many of the buildings retaining their Victorian charm, Salisbury offers a great backdrop when enjoying an afternoon stroll.  Take the time to visit the zoo or to check out a Shorebirds game.  You can also splash around at the beaches in Ocean City or Bethany Beach.  Salisbury is a snuggly get-away for the winter with great vacation homes available for housing.

  • Luray, VAIf you are looking for hustle and bustle, this is NOT your town but if you are looking for friendly faces and a place to kick your heels up, well, look no further.  Luray is
    Luray, VA

    located in scenic Shenandoah Valley and is famous for their breathtaking Luray Caverns.  Plenty to see and do in this “off the beaten path” locale including museums and resorts. The town is full of great people willing to lend a helping hand or even their own car (literally per our traveler) if need be.

  • Olympia, WA This is a great city to visit no matter what your interests are.  For outdoor adventurers, hike the many parks and trails, ski at nearby downhill slopes or take a sailing lesson at a nearby marina.  Known for its diverse music and art scene, Olympia offers a vast array of entertainment venues to satisfy all palates.  With an amazing view of Mt. Rainier, this city is simply beautiful and a picturesque destination that will not disappoint.
  • Carson City, NV:  This fantastic location gets overlooked by the bright lights of Las Vegas but once you’ve been there, you won’t forget it.  With awe-inspiring views of the Sierra Nevada and minutes away from Lake Tahoe, you are surrounded by things to see and do.  Kayak, hike, shop, dine or simply relax…with over 260 days of sunshine a year, you won’t be disappointed.
  • Greenville, NCLocated in eastern North Carolina, Greenville is perfect for those looking for a small town feel but with
    Carson City, NV

    the amenities of a bigger city.   Home to East Carolina University, there’s a constant young vibe in the city.  Sporting events, concerts, and art shows are just a few of the entertainment venues the community can take part in.  Drive just a short distance to the shore or spend the day golfing, there is something for everyone. Explore local museums or take a stroll down history lane in a village depicting life in Pitt County from 1840-1940. When we visit Greenville, our travelers take us to the local BBQ haunts which we are told is done in a unique style–we definitely like the flavor.  Try it out for yourself and let us know what you think.

We are lucky to have such great places to visit in this country of ours and with the unique field that you are in, you have the opportunity to do so.  I’ve only scratched the surface on different locations to try, there are many, many more.  Take a risk and step out of the usual or the ordinary and you might very well find yourself pleasantly surprised.   Safe travels!

Sun Hui (Sunny) Snook graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Truman State University and received a Master’s in Human Services from Bellevue University. She has been in the healthcare staffing field for 11 years, first working with nurses before moving to a nationwide work strategies consultant where her key responsibilities were to coach staffers and hospital managers on effective staffing. In 2009, Sunny started with Aureus Medical as an Account Manager in the Rehab Therapy division, working with both clients and prospective employees. Most recently, she moved to Student Outreach Coordinator. Prior to working in healthcare staffing, she served as an addictions therapist and residential treatment coordinator for five years.

Sunny Snook / 800.456.5857 ext 6578 / ssnook@aureusmedical.com / Facebook / LinkedIn