Travel Therapist Packing List

What to bring (and what to leave behind) for a travel assignment.

Clinical Essentials

Work Gear

Scrubs (enough for a week of shifts — check facility dress code)

Comfortable clinical shoes (a second pair to rotate)

Stethoscope (acute care, some SNFs)

Gait belt (some facilities don't have enough)

Watch with second hand for vitals

Pen light (acute care)

Documents (Digital + Physical)

Always Have Accessible

License copies (every active state)

BLS card

Immunization records

ID and Social Security card

Contract copy

Insurance cards

Tax home documentation

Tip: Keep digital copies of everything in a cloud folder (Google Drive, Dropbox). When compliance teams need documents quickly, you can share instantly without digging through physical files.

Personal Essentials

Living Basics

Bedding set (sheets, pillow, blanket — furnished rentals often have mediocre bedding)

Towels

Kitchen basics (chef's knife, cutting board, pan, pot — furnished kitchens are hit-or-miss)

Coffee maker or pour-over (if you're particular)

Medications (enough to last until you can refill near your assignment)

Laptop and chargers

Small toolkit (for minor apartment fixes)

What TSA Says Before You Fly

If you fly to an assignment, two federal rules apply at the airport. In TSA's own words:

Carry-on liquids: “You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.” (TSA, Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule, read 2026-11-06)
REAL ID: “Starting May 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.” (TSA, REAL ID, read 2026-11-06)

The Golden Rule: Pack Less Than You Think

First-time travelers often overpack. You're living somewhere for a contract, not moving permanently. Furnished rentals come with basics — you don't need to bring your entire kitchen.

The test: If it doesn't fit in your car comfortably (or one large suitcase if flying), you're bringing too much. You can buy cheap essentials at your destination and donate them when you leave.

After your first contract, you'll know what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much liquid can I pack in my carry-on when I fly to a travel therapy assignment?

TSA: “You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.” Source: TSA, Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule, read 2026-11-06.

Do I need a REAL ID to fly to a travel therapy assignment?

TSA: “Starting May 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.” Source: TSA, REAL ID, read 2026-11-06.

Getting Ready to Travel?

Talk to a ProTherapy recruiter about your first contract.