Housing Tips for Today's Travel Nurse

Arranging Your Own Housing: Our Three Favorite Options

• Airbnb: There are many pros to renting an Airbnb unit. Travelers can communicate with their host through a safe platform without sharing their personal information. The units are fully furnished and utilities are included. Hosts sometimes offer monthly discounts and no complicated contracts are needed. All payments are made through a safe platform; the hosts are all verified, and many units are pet friendly.
  • Things to keep in mind: You need to pay the full thirty days (non-refundable) upon booking and there are cancelation fees.
  • You'll see plenty of online photos/videos of the rental, but most travelers don’t see the unit until they check in, which sometimes doesn't exactly live up to the photos (though, to be fair, it may exceed them!).
  • Some hosts do allow you to visit the unit before booking.
  • Don’t forget to ask about the washer/dryer and ALWAYS read the reviews.
  • HINT: If a cancellation is needed, discuss it with your host, they may be able to work something out with you.
  • Well-known alternatives to Airbnb are VRBO and booking.com.
• Furnished Finders – Similar to Airbnb, but Furnished Finder rentals tend to be less expensive. You can negotiate the price with the host directly.
  • Things to keep in mind: Payments are made through the hosts’ preferred method and can be less secure. Security deposits are sometimes required, and you may be required to sign an agreement/lease.
  • HINT: Communicate with the host via email first until you feel comfortable enough to share your phone number. Recommend using Paypal to your host and ALWAYS read the reviews.
• Extended Stay America – ESA is an excellent option for those who are comfortable with hotel-style living. ESA offers long-term stay discounts, and they are pet-friendly. They have washer/dryers in the buildings, and no complicated contracts are needed. Furthermore, they have excellent cancelation policies.
  • Things to keep in mind: Hotel quality varies between locations.
  • HINT: Do not book online for long stay. Instead, call the hotel directly for long-term stay rates and special discounts for healthcare providers.

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