Housing while traveling

bagladyrn, RN · Jul 20, 2007

I've heard of people having good luck finding housing situations on Craigslist. Personally I prefer having the agency find my housing and arrange all the furniture,utilities,etc. I'm not much on the idea of having a stranger for a roommate either. I do know that some travelers do use this or other ways to find housing and pocket the difference in their stipend.

angel's RN · Jul 20, 2007

The job that I am looking at is close enough that I can work my 3 days and go home for my four off. The recurter said that because I love weekends, that would be a good probabaly.

's RN

Columnist · Jul 20, 2007

My son and daughter have both used Craigslist and had good outcomes. Will you be able to see the apartment before you take it or meet the prospective roommates?

angel's RN · Jul 20, 2007

I have NO IDEA-- this is a first for me. The assignment, if everything goes O.K., starts 7/30.

I actually just jound a motel at a VERY good price, I'm thinking of that.

's RN

Columnist · Jul 20, 2007

The hotel option sounds good, especially since the assignment will start very soon. You'd only have to pay for the days you are actually there. And it would give you a chance to look around at other options.

Good luck!!

bargainhound, RN · Jul 20, 2007

I used Microtel when on a similar assignment.

I felt safe and it was clean, etc.

I was able to travel home and just stay there

two "nights". I worked at night so it was actually

days. It was cheaper than using the money for

an apartment and that way I kept the difference.

EmmaG, RN · Jul 20, 2007

I have NO IDEA-- this is a first for me. The assignment, if everything goes O.K., starts 7/30.
I actually just jound a motel at a VERY good price, I'm thinking of that.
's RN

If you're planning on returning home on your days off, that sounds like the best option. What shift do you work?

angel4gramma · Jul 21, 2007

I have done both. I found 2 rooms for rent on roomates. One was crazy stayed for one night, the other worked great. I also use hotels and like being alone. The great thing about renting a room is leaving personal stuff there and not lugging it all back and forth. I have learned to meet the person before and really talk before you do it.

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2007

I have never used craigslist but have stayed at Extended stay America hotels with great results. I did 6 days on and 8 off for 2 years staying at the one in Oklahoma City. It felt like family as they knew me, always gave me a room at the end of the hall ( worked nights and wanted it quiet). They have a fully stocked kitchen, high speed internet, laundry facilities and it was safe. I know the costs have changed, but it still only took half my housing allowance this way, and I never had to worry.

I stayed at their smaller version, Crossroads in Tucson for 3 months 2 years ago. There was not as much room, the kitchen was smaller, but the cost was much less than the other one. It was still very clean, safe and convienent.

I have found the "Extended stay" family of hotels to be much less expensive than a lot of the others, and look for them even if I am only staying in a town 1 or 2 nights. Gee, I should ask for a paid endorsement!

The nice thing about the extended stay type hotels is that they generally cater to business travelers, not vacationers and there are no little kids running up and down the halls at all hours of the day and night, a big plus for me! The kitchen saves you a lot of money on food, as you can take your lunch to work as well.

I don't think I could ever have a room mate. I am way to old and set in my ways for that now.

EmmaG, RN · Jul 21, 2007

I have never used craigslist but have stayed at Extended stay America hotels with great results. I did 6 days on and 8 off for 2 years staying at the one in Oklahoma City. It felt like family as they knew me, always gave me a room at the end of the hall ( worked nights and wanted it quiet). They have a fully stocked kitchen, high speed internet, laundry facilities and it was safe. I know the costs have changed, but it still only took half my housing allowance this way, and I never had to worry.
I stayed at their smaller version, Crossroads in Tucson for 3 months 2 years ago. There was not as much room, the kitchen was smaller, but the cost was much less than the other one. It was still very clean, safe and convienent.
I have found the "Extended stay" family of hotels to be much less expensive than a lot of the others, and look for them even if I am only staying in a town 1 or 2 nights. Gee, I should ask for a paid endorsement!
The nice thing about the extended stay type hotels is that they generally cater to business travelers, not vacationers and there are no little kids running up and down the halls at all hours of the day and night, a big plus for me! The kitchen saves you a lot of money on food, as you can take your lunch to work as well.
I don't think I could ever have a room mate. I am way to old and set in my ways for that now.

Did you stay at the hotel on your days off, or travel back home?

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2007

Did you stay at the hotel on your days off, or travel back home?

I drove back home when I was in Oklahoma, but I stayed in Tucson the whole time. I worked A LOT of overtime while I was there, so I did not spend a lot of time at the hotel. If I wanted to experience a new city, I might want to stay in one with more amenities, but I was working and sleeping, that was about it.