As a travel nurse, not only do you make good money, you also get paid to travel and have fun. However, trying new places and experiences can add up if you are not careful with your funds. It can be a challenge to make mindful decisions about how and where to spend your hard-earned money. Fortunately, making the most out of your assignment does not have to break the bank. If you want to cut out extra expenses, try these six ways to save money while on a travel assignment.
Plan Ahead
By mapping out your route beforehand, you can save a lot of time and money. Decide in advance if you want to make food stops and where or if you would rather pack some snacks for the road. If you need to incorporate overnight stays, aim for small or mid-size cities to avoid expensive lodging prices. Also, consider sending larger items ahead of time to free up space in your vehicle. This will help you save a couple of dollars on gas.
Rewards Programs
Credit cards can be a great resource, especially in an emergency. Take advantage of rewards programs or cashback offers from your credit card company. They allow you to buy great things like gas, food, and airline tickets while saving a little money as well. Rewards programs offer many deals including free flight mileage for every purchase or savings on hotel rooms while getting complimentary upgrades. Take some time to look into any credit card programs that might be available to you and browse what they have to offer.
Track Your Spending
Although it can be tempting at times, it is important to stay on track with your normal budget. It is easy to spend more than you intended when you are not paying close attention, especially while you’re on the road. When visiting local sights, you can inadvertently spend a lot of money on souvenirs, so try bringing a camera and taking pictures instead. Splurging here and there won’t necessarily break the bank, but it does help to stay aware of what you are buying.
Sleep Happy
A housing stipend from your travel nursing agency is a great way to have a couple extra hundred dollars a month for an apartment. Like previously mentioned, plan ahead so you will know where you will be staying and how much you will need. It is important to factor in the utilities offered and the location of the apartment as well. If you want to find your own apartment or stay at a hotel, think about built-in perks like free internet. Even finding a place with a complimentary breakfast can help you save some money to use elsewhere.
Have Some Fun
Sometimes leisurely activities and sightseeing can get expensive. Try utilizing social media like Facebook to find free or cheap activities to do in your area. Other platforms such as Groupon have deals on spas, local events, and more. Not only is this a great way to have fun on a budget, but you can also get to meet new people who share similar interests.
Talk To Locals
Locals are a great resource for spending your money wisely. These people know where and how to get the most out of your budget and can provide information that can save you money in the long run. From weekend entertainment to the best grocery store for your dollar, the locals can fill you in on what’s worth spending money on.
Saving money won’t lessen the experiences you’ll have during your assignment. Ready for your next travel nurse assignment? Check out our job board for the latest travel nurse jobs in the top travel nurse locations!
