Locums for a Small World Blog

How to pack for an international locum tenens assignment

Posted by Kari Redfield

When it comes to an international locums assignment, how and what you pack matters. Most international flights only allow one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person. How do you get what you need for six or 12 months into that? By following these packing tips from veteran international locums.

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Did you know: You get generous amounts of PTO during international locums

Posted by Kari Redfield

Learn to scuba dive, taste the best food in Tokyo, explore the world’s most famous glowworm caves… It sounds like a trip of the lifetime, doesn’t it? These are how many physicians adventure while on an international locum tenens assignment.

When you take on an assignment in an international location, you not only get immersed in that area’s culture, but you also benefit from their approach to vacation time — which is often very generous. During that PTO, you can explore the beaches right near where you work and live and fly for cheap to other nearby destinations.

Here’s just how much vacation time our physicians typically receive while on assignment: 

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8 holiday survival tips for every locum traveler AKA how to stay sane in a heavy travel season

Posted by Everett Fitch

The nature of locum tenens makes frequent fliers of us all, but sometimes the holidays have a way of making travel less than joyful. Stick to these tips and you just might stay sane.


1.
Get a few extra workouts in before you travel. It can help you adjust to being sedentary on the long flights. It can also boost your immune system, help with circulation and aid digestion, but you knew that.

2.
Give yourself plenty of time. You probably know this, too, but the holiday season means more people. Allow for traffic jams and slow-moving security lines as you plan the prerequisite two hours before boarding time.

3.
Taking kids? Prepare them for potential pat downs at security, especially if they haven’t traveled before. On the same token, reassure them that you’ll be okay if you’re pulled aside for a pat down yourself.

4.
 Keep extra essential medication in your carry-on. More people at the airports and the likelihood for delayed or lost luggage are directly related!

5.
Know the 3-1-1 liquids rule? If not, here it is straight from the horse's (TSA's) mouth: "Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less per container; must be in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin." Oh, and keep in mind, this rule applies to gifts, too. Jams, jellies, sauces, syrups...yep, they’re all subject.

6.
Take some snacks and water. There’s nothing worse than being cranky at an airport because you’re hungry or dehydrated. Or worse, having cranky-hungry-dehydrated kids.

7.
Be wise about what you take with you. Although gifts and bulkier winter clothes are a must during the season, you'll avoid pricey baggage fees if you take time to ship the big gift, or if you leave behind the big coat. Plus, lugging heavy jackets and bags through crowds might make you less jolly.

8.
Last but not least, always be courteous to airline workers and fellow travelers. You don’t have to kill them with kindness, but don’t be the bad-tempered traveler either.


Remember, some of the best holiday stories often come from the worst holiday experiences. The extremely chummy (AKA talkative) person next to you on the plane; the sprint to a missed connection; the gift you wrapped beautifully only to have security tear into. They all make for great stories, but hey, that’s what holiday traditions are all about, right?

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