Travelling is one of the most exciting, engrossing ways to see what life is like in another portion of the world. Due to professional responsibilities, however, many of these journeys have to be put on hold until the comforts of retirement open up your schedule.

That's where locum work can come in handy, as it enables you to work and travel at the same time. Due to high demand and low supply for general physicians in a number of countries, health care systems and federal governments rely on locum doctors to fill open positions, which helps to reduce patient volume and cut down on lengthy wait times. Locum work provides doctors with opportunities that may not otherwise be available to them, all while providing patients with the kind of quality care they've come to rely on.

If you're a GP who has considered locum work, here are a few ways it can help you accomplish more of your travelling goals:

Your stint may be for a few days

Let's say one of your travelling goals is seeing as many State and Territories as possible. Since GP work is often time consuming, you may think that locum work is the same way, thus preventing you from your next destination until many months later.

Locum work is inherently temporary in nature, so wherever you go, the length of your stay probably won't be for very long. Although assignments average approximately two weeks, it's not unusual for locum GP jobs to be a week or even a few days.

Where will your next assignment take you? Find out as a locum doctor

Networking interstate can yield additional travel opportunities

Locum doctors will be the first to tell you that the patients they meet is one of their favourite aspects of locum placements. However, another perk is rubbing shoulders with fellow GPs. Aside from enhancing name recognition and broadening your network of professionals, these individuals may be able to provide insight on other parts of Australia that are in need of GPs like you to provide key health services. They may also be able to identify what you need to know before you go to be successful, such as documentation and what the hiring hospital expects of locum doctors.

Earn more, do more

Comfort with change and new experiences are two prerequisites of working as a successful travelling locum doctor. You also need plenty of buying power, especially if traveling Australia is your overarching aim. There are a number of lucrative Australia.  More money to spend provides you with more opportunities to engross yourself in the culture, whether that's visiting tourist attractions, roaming the streets or eating in fine dining establishments.

If travelling is your passion but your current role prevents you from doing more of it, locum work may be the perfect destination.