Living life on the road as a travel healthcare worker is truly an adventure! With new places to explore, fresh faces to meet, and the chance to make a real impact, it’s an exciting journey. However, managing your finances while constantly on the move can be a challenge for some.
Don’t worry—this blog is here to equip you with budget-friendly travel hacks for housing, transportation, meals, and more as a healthcare traveler!
Finding Affordable Places to Stay
Are you trying to find and lock down the most affordable lodging and convenient place to stay while on your healthcare travel assignment? Many caregivers have found success in using temporary housing options like Airbnb and VRBO. In situations like these to help reduce the costs, message the host and see if they'll cut you a deal for a longer stay, or for healthcare workers. It’s a win-win for both of you!
Another place to look for affordable housing is Furnished Finder. They offer short-term housing and hotel deals, and even have a section specifically for travel healthcare professionals! While looking online is a great place to start to find the best deals, don't forget the power of the personal network. Ask your coworkers, family members, or friends if anyone knows of any rooms or rentals for rent. Sharing a place with another travel nurse or roommate is a great way to slash your housing costs.
Here at LRS Healthcare, we have a traveler experience team ready to assist you in all your housing questions and they will help you find the best deal for your budget and lifestyle preferences!
Budget-friendly Transportation
When planning your next travel assignment, it’s essential to consider the distance and cost of getting to work. An additional thing to consider is to check if your facility requires paid parking for their employees. To save money, get to know your co-workers and consider teaming up with nearby colleagues to carpool to work, which can help reduce both gas and parking expenses.
Many cities also offer affordable public transit and bus routes so purchasing a monthly pass can be a wise decision for commuting to work and efficiently exploring new surroundings or consider looking into a daily or weekly bike rental! When public transportation isn’t convenient, consider UberX and other ride-share services to save on your commute.
By being mindful of your commute and transportation options, you can significantly cut costs and enjoy your experience even more.
Meal Plan and Prep to Minimize Dining Cost
When you have a hectic schedule as a healthcare worker, it's tempting to eat out for every meal, but that can get expensive quickly. So, if your housing accommodation has a kitchen, take full advantage! Cooking your own meals is healthier and much cheaper than eating out all the time. Meal planning for healthcare travelers can be easy —on your day off, spend a little time meal prepping for the week, and you'll always have something delicious ready to grab-and-go while saving tons of time and money. Farmers' markets are great for exploring the city and for high-quality, fresh produce at potentially lower prices! And don't hesitate to inquire with local restaurants about discounts or special offers for healthcare workers.
Consider the Cost of Living in the Area
A great tip for travel nurses and allied health professionals looking to save money is to do a little research ahead of time to learn more about the cost of living and housing options in or near the city where you intend to work. Will the pay and available stipends allow you to pay for housing and necessities while fulfilling your contract? Explore job opportunities in cities where the cost of living is affordable and fits your budget. This prep work allows you to know what you’re walking into and manage your finances responsibly so you can focus on enjoying your surroundings without financial stress.
Use Budgeting Apps
Look into budgeting apps to manage your finances while traveling. Apps like CoPilot, Upside, and PocketGuard help you track spending, create personalized budgets, and visualize your expenses so you can make informed decisions on how to improve your finances based on your spending habits With these tools, you'll gain insight into your financial health and know where to cut back or splurge during your travels.
Take Advantage of Healthcare Worker Discounts
Many places offer discounts for healthcare workers, so always remember to ask! Retailers, restaurants, and local businesses love to show appreciation for healthcare professionals. To access regular discounts from major brands, sign up for ID.me and SheerID. Companies like Nike, Reebok, Lululemon, and Verizon are just a few that offer great deals! These discounts not only save you money but can also enhance your travel experience by allowing you to do more with less.
Traveling as a healthcare worker is an amazing experience, and with these budget-friendly tips, you can enjoy it to the fullest without worrying about breaking the bank. A little planning goes a long way, so get out there and make the most of your next assignment! Ready to embark on your next adventure? Apply now for a nursing or allied health travel assignment with LRS Healthcare today!
