You’ve accepted your assignment and now need to decide how to get there. Should I drive or fly? Most travel nurse companies will provide you with a travel stipend, so it’s really your choice. Here are the pros and cons of both.
Many new people to the travel world might assume they are going to fly to the assignment, however, you might find it more advantageous to drive. This is actually the more popular choice among traveling nurses. Most times it’s cheaper to drive your car and pocket the extra money from the stipend. It may be a little more work, but it also allows you a little more freedom.
When driving to your assignment, you can:
• Fit more things in your car, and even attach a rented trailer to the back.
• Leave early and make it a scenic road trip
• Bring a friend along for company
• Better accommodate your pets that will be traveling with you
• Have your car with you to get around your new city
The downside of driving is that something could break in your car; it might take you longer than you anticipated, and it could be just a little more stressful then it needed to be.
If you like to travel lightly and prefer the easiest, less stressful mode of transportation, flying might be more your style. Flying is by far the fastest travel choice.
However, flying can be expensive, especially if you are bringing checked luggage. The average charge for 1 bag of checked luggage is about $30. One bag of belongings might not suffice for a 13 week assignment. Pets might pose a problem as well. Most airlines are becoming pet friendly, but there often is a hefty charge to bring your pet. You would also need to rent a car if the city you are moving to does not have adequate public transportation.
Whatever you choose to do, be safe and Happy Travels!