Locum tenens work comes with lots of perks - namely freedom, more money, and the ability to travel. Lots and lots of travel! But frequent travel does not have to mean living out of a suitcase and spending all of your off-time in whatever drab hotel room your recruiter chooses. If you’re going to be away from home for weeks at a time on an assignment, ask your recruiter if they can reserve cozier lodging accommodations through vacation rental agencies such as Airbnb. This will give you a “home away from home” environment to come back to after a long shift, and you may even have a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and other amenities that are nice to have when away from home for so long.

With the traveling physician in mind, we've compiled some of our favorite Airbnbs located near hospitals and medical complexes in the Northeastern states. From down-to-earth, charming abodes to truly unique experiences, these Airbnbs are sure to turn your locum tenens work into a work-vacation trip of a lifetime.

1. Portland, Maine

You would never guess that the West End Barn was ever a barn when you see the soft brilliance of this exquisite dream house. The interior decorator at this classic slice of paradise truly outdid themselves by crafting a domestic space that is so down to earth and comfortable, you'll come back from a shift taking decorating notes. Of course, that's only if you can manage to do anything but bask in its luxuriously comfortable garden-side hometown feel. 

2. Ellsworth, Maine

With a perfect five-star review, the Dome House (aka "Nomad's Rest") in Acadia National Park is perfect for the solo traveler who requires the utmost peace and quiet after busy back-to-back shifts. Enjoy stunning views of Branch Lake 24/7 from within a spectacular forest setting; Nomad's Rest is an experience that is sure to imbue your trip with lasting memories. Your mind might not even be able to tell if it's more vacation or business that brings you to the geodesic Dome House.

3. Bangor, Maine

For quick and easy access to your assignment at the several hospitals and medical centers in Bangor, this modern loft could make your friends and family back home jealous – best to pretend it's not the uptown main-street penthouse it truly is. You'd never have thought that such modern amenities could be had in a space made in 1833!

4. Saint Johnsbury, Vermont

This charming and finely-kept rustic space has all the country charm you need, and staying here almost brings the sense of spending time with a longtime friend or family member. The vaulted ceilings give the Colonel Fletcher House annex a sense of being cared for while right off one of St. Johnsbury's most historic and scenic streets. You'll be pleasantly close to the forested mountain getaways on your days off while still having easy access to the several hospitals in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

5. Burlington, Vermont

If the giant University of Vermont Medical Center brings you here, consider staying in this prime location that keeps you within easy access to your assignment. Its clean and elegant modern feel will give you a sense of class and style as you unwind from your hard work. Enjoy some much-deserved relaxation while staying in this Burlington Bungalow while maintaining quick downtown access, as well as proximity to several parks and lakeside spaces.

6. Lebanon, New Hampshire

This exceptionally well-kept traditional-style farmhouse is an amazing value for what it offers. It's located on the main street in the heart of the Upper Valley for easy access to the large Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital and its humbler sister site at the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital.

7. Nashua, New Hampshire

With no less than four hospitals, Nashua is a frequent destination for traveling medical professionals. In fact, this Airbnb even bills itself as the ideal studio suite for traveling medical professionals. It's easy to see the reason why, being so near several medical centers, only an hour's drive from the White Mountains as well as the beach, and a mere 50 minutes from Boston airport.

8. New York, New York

For medical assignments in the Big Apple, stay comfortable in this Bowery Queen Studio. Billing itself as an "aparthotel," its high ceilings and large windows give you the feeling of a successful uptown lifestyle on one of the most uniquely historic New York streets imprinted with over 400 years of culture. Be anywhere in Manhatten in just minutes from this modern downtown suite.

9. Buffalo, New York

Treat yourself to the home-away-from-home comfort you deserve after caring for patients in this fully remodeled Buffalo house. It's easy to see why this 1890-built house has been the object of local fanfare and style-magazine featurettes. Its modern domestic amenities make it hard to want to leave – and with a location so close to the best restaurants and entertainment in town, you'll be sure to want to come back.

10. Boston, Massachusetts

With over a dozen hospitals and medical complexes, our list would not be complete without a selection from the Boston area. This full condominium, located in Boston's historic Little Italy section of North End, has a gorgeous modern design built with attention to the finest detail. You'll have easy access to all of Boston – and might just feel the historic energy of the neighboring Old North Church, where Paul Revere famously warned his community with the "one if by land, two if by sea" lantern signal.

Locum Tenens With Style

Finding the right place to stay makes all the difference when living the locum tenens lifestyle. Which of these unique stays would you like to book for your next locums assignment? Contact Med X to learn more about job opportunities in these areas to make your work-away-from-home experience that much more comfortable.