Starting a new travel assignment can be exciting, but it could also feel a little lonely if you don’t know anyone in the area. The good news? Making new friends as a traveling healthcare professional is easier than you might think.
Whether you’re a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, or medical imaging professional, here are some of the best ways to meet new people and build real connections while on assignment.
1. Join Local Fitness or Recreation Groups
Healthcare professionals know the value of staying active, so why not combine wellness and socializing?
Many allied health travelers find great communities through:
- Local gyms or CrossFit boxes
- Yoga and Pilates studios
- Adult sports leagues or hiking clubs
Websites like Meetup.com or Eventbrite are perfect for finding groups near your temporary home. Plus, being part of a regular class helps you see familiar faces each week, and friendships can form naturally from there.
2. Connect with Healthcare Coworkers Outside of Work
Even if your travel assignment is short-term, your coworkers can be a great social circle. Invite someone to grab coffee after a shift or join a team lunch. You might find that other travelers (or even locals) are also looking for new friends.
Pro tip: Be curious and open, for example asking for restaurant or hiking trail recommendations can easily spark engaging conversations.
3. Explore Professional Communities
As a PT, OT, SLP, or radiology professional, you already share a bond with others in your field. Look for local professional associations, continuing education events, or networking nights, as these can be fantastic ways to meet like-minded professionals who “get” the travel lifestyle.
Even better: follow state chapters of organizations like APTA, AOTA, ASHA, or ARRT on social media. Many host meetups or volunteer opportunities for visiting professionals.
4. Attend Local Events and Festivals
From art walks to farmers markets to live music nights, local events are full of people open to conversation. Ask your facility staff what’s happening around town, as travelers can often discover hidden gems this way.
Sites/apps like Facebook Events, Nextdoor, and Eventbrite (linked to above) can help you see what’s coming up in your area.
5. Volunteer for a Local Cause
Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back and meet others who care about their community. Whether it’s helping at a food bank, running a 5K for charity, or joining a park clean-up, volunteering helps you connect with locals while doing good.
Many allied health travelers say volunteering helped them feel “at home” faster in a new city.
6. Join Online Travel Healthcare Communities
Social media can make meeting people easier, sometimes even before you arrive. Join Facebook groups or Reddit communities for travel PTs, OTs, SLPs, or imaging professionals. You may find others on assignment nearby or travelers who’ve been where you’re headed.
A few places you may want to start:
Travel Therapy Thread on Reddit
Travel Radiology Thread on Reddit
Preferred Healthcare Staffing’s LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook pages (connect with other Preferred travelers!)
7. Use Social Apps to Find Friends
You don’t have to rely on dating apps to meet new people. Platforms like Bumble For Friends (BFF), Yubo, or Meetup (linked to above) are designed for making platonic connections. Set your profile to your travel assignment city, list your hobbies, and start chatting. You might meet your next travel buddy or hiking partner within days.
8. Join a Hobby Group, Community Center, or Church
If you enjoy structured communities or shared interests, check out local:
- Book clubs
- Choirs or music groups
- Community centers
- Faith-based organizations
These can provide both social interaction and a sense of belonging, especially if you’re in a smaller or more rural assignment location.
9. Say Yes More Often
Sometimes the best way to make friends is simply to be open. Say yes to the group outing, trivia night, or weekend day trip, even if you’re tired from a long shift. You never know which “sure, why not?” moment will lead to a lifelong friendship.
Final Thoughts
Meeting new friends on travel assignments takes a little effort, but it can be one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. Each new location offers a chance to grow your professional skills and your personal circle. At Preferred, we believe you should feel both excited and supported when traveling, because when you feel connected, your in position to thrive.