Housing made easy

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Learn the housing options available for your next travel contract.

For traveling healthcare professionals, finding suitable housing can be one of the most challenging aspects of the lifestyle. This article aims to provide insights into multiple housing options that you should consider during your search.

Once a job offer is extended, it’s crucial to respond promptly. It’s a wise practice to have housing options in mind before signing a contract. As you may have noticed, many high-paying contract positions with lower living costs are often located in rural areas. With various housing options available, you must choose the one that best suits your needs. This article will felve into the housing opportunities available to make your housing search much more management.

Furnished Rentals:

Furnished Finder: This website lists furnished homes and rooms for short-term rental and is widely used within the traveler community. I have personally used Furnished Finder for the past year, both as a renter and a landlord. It’s always my first go-to when seeking housing for contracts.

Airbnb and Vrbo:

These platforms offer short-term rentals and are now listing monthly rates. Rates can vary depending on the time of year. If you’re in a location like northern Wisconsin during the winter months, rates are typically more reasonable. However, in touristy regions or metropolitan areas, rates tend to be higher. Always inquire about negotiating prices. I’ve personally requested adjusted monthly rates and have spoken to various landlords on these platforms who are open to negotiation. Hosts often prioritize consistent occupancy, making them happy to adjust rental prices if available.

Short-term Hotels:

Short-term hotels are another option, particularly when furnished apartments are scarce. If you prefer having your room cleaned and enjoy complimentary breakfast, this could be the right choice for you. Most short-term hotel options include a kitchenette for preparing meals. I’ve used short-term hotel options while waiting for a furnished apartment to become available. It’s a good idea to check if your company has contracts with certain hotels, as this may help reduce costs. Always book ahead, as costs tend to increase when availability decreases.

Ask Future Colleagues:

During the interview process, discussing housing options with potential colleagues can be beneficial. They may know of available housing options or have valuable local insights. Healthcare professionals often have extensive networks, which can be a significant advantage when searching for short-term accommodations. Word of mouth is a powerful tool! I’ve found opportunities to live in a family’s vacation cabin during the winter, roomed with another traveler, stayed in a physician’s guest house, and discovered local small hotels near work through such connections

The RV Lifestyle:

If you prefer to avoid the stress of finding a new place for each contract, the RV lifestyle might be a suitable choice. Although I haven’t personally pursued this route, my husband and I considered it extensively. Finding housing is undeniably one of the most stressful aspects of the travel lifestyle, especially when not traveling alone. After a year of constantly packing and searching for a suitable budget-friendly home, we explored the option of purchasing an RV. However, we faced the challenge of not owning an RV or a suitable truck for towing. We’ve always wanted both a truck and an RV, so we conducted research. After calculating the costs of an RV and campsite fees, we realized it might be more expensive than other options for our northern state-focused travel. It’s worth noting that there are more affordable RV options available that could align with your budget. Our primary goal during our travels is financial stability, so we based our decision on budget versus lifestyle convenience.

Non-Furnished Apartments:

This is the most budget-friendly option available but also the most time-consuming. During my first year as a traveler, I chose this route, and it was manageable. However, this was pre-COVID when housing costs were lower, and I could find short-term housing options. During my time in non-furnished apartments, I drove a Corolla and lived alone. It’s not the most comfortable living situation. I slept on an air mattress, had minimal kitchenware, and ate and slept on the floor. In terms of utilities, I used a hotspot for Wi-Fi and learned to spend more time without TV or internet. I ended up working and reading to fill my time. It was an experience I look back on with fond memories. Now that I travel with my husband and dog, this living arrangement is no longer viable. Non-furnished apartments are an option when living spaces are scarce, and you’re willing to put in the effort.