How to Optimize Travel Time: The Art of Moving Efficiently as a Locums Doctor

Time is our most finite currency. For the traveling physician, it’s not just about how we spend our hours—but how we move through them.

Between airport terminals and unfamiliar highways, in hotel rooms between shifts and during layovers that stretch into twilight, lies an opportunity: the art of transforming transit into something purposeful. Every journey, if crafted wisely, becomes a path not only toward income but also toward insight, rest, and even inspiration.

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Here’s how I optimize travel time as a locums physician—turning movement into momentum.

Book Smarter

In the world of locums, assignments are often confirmed with little notice. That means flexibility and discernment are key when booking flights—not just finding what’s available, but choosing what best supports your well-being and clinical performance.

I always try to fly direct—minimizing the risk of delays, missed connections, and lost time. But when direct flights aren’t available, I choose my layovers with intention.

If I’m passing through a hub with an Amex Centurion Lounge, I’ll often opt for a 3-hour layover. These lounges transform airport time into something restorative: chef-prepared meals, quiet seating, fast Wi-Fi, and a moment to reset or get meaningful work done. I genuinely look forward to these breaks—they turn a long travel day into something I actually enjoy.

Important: Many agencies cap flight reimbursements unless the assignment is last-minute. Always check your agency’s travel policy, and be sure to book directly through the airline—even if you discovered the flight via a third-party platform.

Avoid red-eyes or tight turnarounds that leave you depleted before a shift. Select flights that support your energy and performance—because how you arrive matters.

Master the Airport Flow

There’s a rhythm to airport navigation. Once you know it, you move through terminals like water through rock.

Invest in TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR—they’re the golden keys to skipping lines and buying back precious time.

Always travel with a digital boarding pass, and familiarize yourself with terminal layouts at frequent hubs. Left-side security lines tend to be shorter, and lounges like those offered through Priority Pass or Amex can turn a layover into a luxurious pause.

Leverage Downtime with Intention

Layovers aren’t dead zones—they’re launchpads. With a bit of forethought, your downtime becomes some of your most productive hours.

        •        Draft shift documentation or blog posts

        •        Knock out calls with your CPA, financial advisor, or travel coordinator

        •        Review investments or shift your solo 401(k) allocations

        •        Download CME materials or prep for upcoming credentialing

Or flip the switch. Use transit time to decompress: stream a favorite show, meditate with noise-canceling headphones, or read something that recharges your spirit.

Pack for Speed and Simplicity

Your gear should reflect your lifestyle: lean, efficient, and ready for movement.

I travel with a carry-on only—always. Packing cubes, a capsule wardrobe, and wrinkle-resistant fabrics keep things tidy and adaptable. My essentials include a tech kit with chargers, a VPN-equipped device, a refillable water bottle, and noise-canceling headphones.

This setup ensures that I’m the first off the plane, bypassing baggage claims, and en route to my rental car while others are still standing at the carousel.

Rent the Right Vehicle

With many locum agencies, car rentals come with specific requirements—like always selecting a midsized vehicle. The agency I work with partners with a major rental company, allowing me to simply walk into the aisle, pick any midsize car, and drive off—no paperwork, no waiting. The keys are in the car, and the rental is linked to my reservation at the exit gate.

I always carry on my luggage and head straight to the rental lot. First come, first served—I’ve driven off in Audis and Mercedes-Benz models just by being the first in the aisle.

Bonus: While you’re working shifts, you’re also earning free rental days. I stockpile these and redeem them for upgraded vehicles on vacations.

Pro Tip: For Apple users, I always try to find a vehicle with CarPlay. It makes navigation smoother, especially in unfamiliar cities, and helps keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Optimize the In-Between Moments

In motion, there’s magic—if you use it well.

During layovers, I’ll schedule investor calls or catch up on emails. While flying, I’ll log into Wi-Fi and queue up my task list or fine-tune my OverlandER content strategy. On the road, I listen to audiobooks on topics like real estate, tax strategy, or wealth-building for physicians.

Your travel time can become your MBA—one mile at a time.

Recommended: The Psychology of Money, Die With Zero, Tax-Free Wealth, or any episode from the White Coat Investor podcast.

Optimize Your Sleep Cycle

Sleep is your superpower. If you want to be sharp in the trauma bay at 2 AM or present during a coastal hike post-shift, you need to protect it.

Start adjusting your internal clock a few days before travel. Apps like Timeshifter help customize your sleep and light exposure based on flight paths and time zones.

Pack an eye mask, ear plugs, and melatonin (if needed). Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before flights, and stay hydrated. A rested mind is an agile mind.

Make Travel an Experience

Efficiency doesn’t have to strip away the soul of the journey.

Use your Marriott Bonvoy card when booking hotels to rack up elite nights and points. Look for properties with lounge access, complimentary breakfast, and late checkout—especially when bouncing between shifts.

Even on a tight itinerary, seek moments of delight: a local coffee shop, a view from a rooftop bar, or a sunset over unfamiliar streets. These are the memories that make a career in motion worth every mile.

Recover Intentionally After Overnight Shifts

Working overnight shifts takes a toll—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The transition from night work to day travel can be jarring, and trying to fly home immediately after a sunrise sign-out is rarely worth the strain.

That’s why I now book an additional hotel night after my final overnight shift. It gives me space to decompress, sleep in a proper bed, and begin the journey home feeling centered instead of scattered. Even just a few hours of quiet, undisturbed rest can shift the entire reentry experience.

If I’m pressed for time, I’ll still lean into my hotel status benefits—particularly the 4 PM late checkout. I’ll sleep until around 3 PM, then head to the airport for an early evening flight. It’s a tight turnaround, but with the right system, it’s seamless.

This one simple habit—protecting rest before reentry—has made my returns home more peaceful, my transitions smoother, and my recovery faster.

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Final Thought

Travel doesn’t have to be something you just endure between shifts. With the right systems and mindset, it becomes part of the lifestyle — a space for clarity, learning, and restoration. The better you move, the better you show up — for your patients, your goals, and yourself.

Want a glimpse of what that looks like in real life? Come hang out with us on Instagram @locumtraveler — we share stories, scenery, and insights from the road.

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Financial Disclosure:

Just a quick note: This is for educational purposes only. The opinions expressed in this blog post are my own and are provided for informational purposes only. I’m not a licensed financial advisor, and the information shared here should not be considered financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified financial planner or tax professional before making any financial decisions. While I may discuss certain products, services, or financial strategies, it’s important to conduct your own research and consider your individual circumstances when making financial decisions.