Being able to travel across the United States and experience new places, foods, and cultures is one of the top reasons physicians, PAs, nurse practitioners, and dentists choose locum tenens work. However, there are a lot of perks that come with traveling for business that you might not have considered. Below are some tips to help you get the most out of your locum tenens travel.
Sign up for hotel and airline rewards programs Loyalty rewards programs allow you to stock up on points that eventually could add up to free travel or hotel stays. Loyalty programs are free to enroll, and you can earn points even if the company is covering the costs of your travel and lodging. Simply give your travel coordinator any reward accounts you have so they can store the number in your travel profile. Then next time you book at a preferred hotel, your reward number will be applied automatically to the reservation. You can even earn points without having to stay at the same hotel on every assignment. Each airline and hotel chain has a rewards program, so if you are enrolled in Marriott rewards, you can earn points at different Marriott properties (Residence Inn, Courtyard, and Spring Hill Suites). You are then able to redeem these points for your personal leisure (free vacations!)
Take advantage of hotel perks Hotels offer perks as a benefit for choosing to stay at their chain. Such perks can include free breakfast, best flexible rate, and rates for restaurant packages. The restaurants that are promoted are usually in the hotel, or in close proximity to the hotel, for your convenience. They may even have savings and discounts at local retail stores, which is perfect if you want to pick up some souvenirs! Traveling specifically as a locum tenens provider can result in further hotel benefits. Generally, hotels have negotiated rates with local hospitals, since they benefit from the business that the hospital generates. Hotels recognize this, and will often upgrade a standard room reservation to a suite as appreciation for the business.
