Locums for a Small World Blog

Global Medical's top 5 regions for locum tenens doctors to explore in 2015

Posted by Everett Fitch

Global-Medical-Top-5-Regions

We’re all explorers in one way or another. And we all have a great story or two to tell from our travels. We bet there are places you’ve recommended to friends and family and they’ve gone to these same places simply because of the passion present in your travel-borne stories. When you recount your epic tales with such force others can’t help
but journey to the same soil. We'd like you to think of the below as a collection of brilliant travel recommendations from a friend.

Now we know it’s not an exact science when it comes to choosing top destinations. In fact, it’s not even a science; it’s more of a feeling. Over the years, we’ve heard stories recounted by doctors who've returned from locum tenens assignments near and far. We’ve also done a bit of traveling ourselves. It’s about time we turn these quiet observations into a loud manifesto for all to hear.

We've compiled a list of beautiful regions from around the world that deserve notice (based on first- and secondhand experience). And you deserve to see them—if not today, if not tomorrow, then someday. Without further ado, we give you our list of top 5 regions to explore in 2015:


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#1 Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada

Should we lead with something that has more bravado, more grandiosity? Believe us, Vancouver Island has just as much verve as any other island—perhaps more. For starters, it has one of the most diverse ecosystems the world over: we’re talking marshes, meadows, rainforests, rivers, bogs and beaches (take a stroll along Mystic Beach in Juan de Fuca Provincial Park at sunset and you’ll set a personal record for the highest number of awe-induced exclamations in a given day). There are a slew of towns and wineries scattered throughout this Pacific Island, ripe for exploring, too.

How to make it the ultimate trip:

Head to Hot Springs Cove in Maquinna Provincial Park for a world-famous soak—it’s worth it. The springs fall down a cliffside into dozens of coastal pools. And the ocean water mixes in to make the perfect temperature. Many tour companies provide day trips to Hot Springs Cove paired with other mini-trips like whale-watching and hiking.


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#2 The Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, Australia

Welcome to the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. Over 135 million years of rainfall has shaped this explosively fertile land. Life moves at an infinite pace here and you can feel how ancient it is with every step. Some noteworthy facts: “The Daintree Rainforest contains 30% of frog, marsupial and reptile species in Australia, and 65% of Australia’s bat and butterfly species. 20% of bird species in the country can be found in this area. And it all lives in an area that takes up only 0.2% of the landmass of Australia.” This cross-section of land is truly a scientific and natural marvel.

How to make it the ultimate trip:

If you really want to appreciate the Daintree Rainforest (really breathe it all in), take a tour with the some of the original inhabitants, the Kuku Yalanji people. They’ll show you around their home, Mossman Gorge, and you’ll learn how they’ve survived for centuries off the land. Take a Dreamtime Gorge Walk. If you’re lucky you might get to take a dip in the crystal-clear Mossman River.


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#3 Marlborough Region on the South Island of New Zealand

There’s nothing so beautiful as the surrealism of the Marlborough Region. You’ll be held captive by its sharp elegance for years. Blenheim is a must if you’re a wine enthusiast. Havelock is a must if you’re a seafood lover (hint: dive at the opportunity to try green-lipped mussels). And D’Urville Island is a must if you’re a lover of all-things outdoors—you’ll see all sorts of birds, plus it’s a great jumping-off point to visit Marlborough Sounds.

How to make it the ultimate trip:

Take a day-trip in Queen Charlotte Sound. You can cruise across the almost see-through waters and spot marine life. Then jump ship, tramp the eponymous Track and catch ridgeline views of the Sound. This way you get the best of both land and sea. Choose from a one-hour trip all the way up to full-day cruise.


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#4 Yellowstone National Park by way of Wyoming, Idaho or Montana

Home to half the world’s geysers and some of the biggest land mammals (think grizzlies and bison), no national park screams the American West as loud as Yellowstone. It may seem chaotic but trust us, it’s pure harmony. Everything in Yellowstone is broken and rebuilt day and night—it’s a wonderful, kaleidoscopic ecosystem. Its stunning natural grittiness and bold beauty is unparalleled. That’s why it has so many tourists knocking at its door (more than three million each year). It’s a good thing we shaped up and gave this magnificent land national-park status. In fact, Yellowstone was the first national park in the US, it was signed into law clear back in 1872.

How to make it the ultimate trip:

We’ve all heard of Old Faithful. Don’t get us wrong, it’s great and you shouldn’t miss it, but you’ll probably be vying with hundreds of other tourists for a front-row seat—especially at peak times. If you want commanding views of Yellowstone, hike up Mount Washburn (it's a 3.2 mile/5.1 kilometer-hike one way). You’ll see all sorts of wildlife, forest, geysers, meadows and the forever-sprawl of Hayden Valley.


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#5 The magnificent three (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, USVI)

Hmm, what to say, what to say…The year-round 80° F (27° C) weather should be enough to persuade almost anyone to spend a few days on a US Virgin Island. If not that, then maybe the glassy, blue waters and the sun-stained beaches will. What we’re getting at is these islands are the very definition of picture-perfect. St. Thomas offers 32 square miles (82.8 square kilometers) of sailing, snorkeling and sightseeing. St. John is 60% Virgin Islands National Park and 100% ideal Caribbean getaway. And St. Croix is chock-full of culture (Spanish, English, Dutch, French, Danish, and American). Its festival and arts scene is on point, too. Visit Christiansted and Frederiksted for a unique glimpse of Danish-Caribbean history.

How to make it the ultimate trip:

Three words: Magens Bay Beach. It's on St. Thomas. If you’ve been to any US Virgin Island, you’ve most likely heard of this idyllic stretch. It’s lauded as the most photogenic (and swimmable) shore in all the Virgin Islands. There’s more to it than sunbathing and swimming though. Hike the Magens Bay Nature Trail and catch views like you’ve never seen. You’re also welcome to rent a kayak, paddle boat or sail boat and live it up under the Caribbean sun.

In the everlasting words of Kerouac, "There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars." And in our words, no matter what, this new year, be sure you take time to create new experiences. Be sure you take time to tell new stories. Be sure you take time to explore anew.

Happy 2015 travels!


Topics: Yellowstone National Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Queensland, Daintree Rainforest, Southland, USVI, St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Australia, New Zealand