Accepting a travel imaging, radiology, surgical, laboratory, or respiratory therapy assignment in a new city is thrilling—new surroundings, new experiences, and new patients to serve. But when your partner or spouse is making the move along with you? That’s a whole different kind of excitement, adventure, and memories to be made. Relocating together can bring you closer, but it can also be overwhelming. Your partner may be stepping away from their own routine, career, or community, and stepping into the unknown. That’s why empathy and communication matter more than ever in this transition. This move may have started with your job, but it’s now a shared chapter for both of you.
Listen Like a Teammate
One of the most important things you can do during the transition into a new travel healthcare assignment as a couple is to listen—really listen. Your partner might have a mix of emotions about the move, especially if they’re leaving behind familiar people or opportunities. Licensed clinical social worker Michael Batshaw says, “The couples who stay the most stuck refuse to fully engage in the other person’s perspective.” So, take time to ask how they’re feeling. Be open. Be curious. And be willing to have the conversation more than once. It’s one of the best ways to avoid your partner feeling isolated or disconnected once you’re a few weeks into the assignment.
Do Your Homework—Together
Before you hit the road for a travel healthcare job, set the tone by researching your new city together. You probably already know what your work situation will look like, but your partner may not have that same clarity. Whether they’re planning to work remotely, find a local position, or simply enjoy a few months of downtime, it helps to dig into job options, commute times, hobbies, and local attractions they might enjoy. If you uncover opportunities that suit their field or lifestyle, share them. Put it all in a shared Google Drive or Google Calendar so they feel like an equal part of the planning process. This small gesture can go a long way in making them feel supported and included.
Explore Your New City Together
Whether you and your travel buddy like to wing it in new places or plan out every step, switching up your weekends with a little spontaneity can make your assignment even more memorable. Here are some light-hearted weekend challenges designed to get you out, explore like a local, and create some seriously fun stories along the way.
Weekend Challenges
Week 1 – 3
Saturday: Track down a local dive featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (or any food show). Snap a photo and rate it like you're the newest Yelp critic in town.
Sunday: Flip a coin at every intersection until you've made five turns. See where you end up.
Week 4 – 6
Saturday: Let fate pick your dinner—ask a stranger where they'd go for their last meal in town. No Googling, just go.
Sunday: Pick a direction and walk for 30 minutes. Turn off your GPS and see what you stumble into—maybe a mural, a vintage shop, or your new favorite coffee spot.
Week 7 – 9
Saturday: Seek out the strangest roadside attraction or “world’s largest” thing nearby. Take the cheesiest tourist photo you can. Bonus points if you send it to your recruiter.
Sunday: Chill and recharge (you’ve earned it).
Week 10 – 13
Sunday: Map out a 3-stop route of weird or offbeat landmarks within a 2-hour drive. Hit them all in one day and crown a winner for the quirkiest stop.
Create Comfort in the Unknown
Before you hit the road, take time to plan for the realities of being a one-income household—especially if your partner is stepping away from their job to join you. Having open, honest conversations about finances, expectations, and what success looks like for both of you can make a big difference. If possible, build a savings cushion before your move to help ease the transition. It’s not just about covering expenses—it’s about giving your partner the space to explore this new chapter with purpose and joy, even if that doesn’t mean bringing in a paycheck right away. Thoughtful planning now can help both of you feel supported and grounded once your assignment begins.
Shared Adventure, Shared Success
Relocating for a travel healthcare assignment can be one of the most rewarding seasons of your relationship. You get the chance to not only grow professionally but also to explore life with your favorite person in a way that’s intentional, spontaneous, and full of discovery. With a little planning and a lot of heart, you’ll both come out of it stronger—and maybe even a little more in love.
