Travel nursing is one of the best ways to earn top-pay as a registered nurse. However, new places to see and new things to do can add up, and if you’re not careful can increase your spending. Below are ten tips for saving money and budgeting as a travel nurse.

1. Choose the Best Agency

Travel nursing agencies offer varying benefits. While some agencies may cover all of your travel expenses, others may not. Be sure to choose an agency like Fastaff that pays for your travel and lodging.

2. Take Advantage of your Agency's Benefits

Although you may be able to arrange your own travel, lodging or other accommodations at your own expense, you can save money by taking advantage of the benefits your agency offers.

3. Purchase Insurance

Protect yourself from financial loss while you travel by purchasing travel insurance. It's also important to make sure that you have valid health, dental and vision insurance that will cover you while you are on assignment. Fastaff provides these policies to all of its travel nurses as a benefit of employment.

4. Set an Entertainment Budget

Travel nursing provides you with a wonderful opportunity to experience new places. However, sight-seeing and other forms of entertainment can get expensive, so set a budget for leisure activities and stick to it.

5. Cook Meals at Home

While you are on assignment, it's easy to get into the habit of eating out or buying food on the go. However, you can save a lot of money if you cook meals at home and/or bring lunch to work with you. If you don’t have a kitchenette in your assigned housing, consider purchasing dry storage foods that microwave well, like soup or pasta bowls.

6. Put Money into Savings

Travel nursing pays extremely well and you are likely to earn more money than you need to live. Invest your extra money into a savings account to earn additional income.

7. Join a Bike/Car Share

The cost of taxi services can add up quickly if you use them on a regular basis. If you live too far from your job to walk, consider joining a bike or car sharing program. You may also be able to reduce the cost of commuting by opting for public transportation.

8. Compare Prices

Whether you renting a vehicle, visiting an attraction or choosing a restaurant, compare prices online to ensure that you get the best possible deal.

9. Look for Coupons

You can reduce the cost of everything from groceries to entertainment with a good coupon. Look for coupons in the paper, in local guide books and online to save money on expenses.

10. Keep track of Spending

It's easy to spend more than you intended when you aren't paying close attention. Keep track of all of your expenses throughout the duration of the assignment to make sure you are remaining within your budget.

These are just a few of the ways you can get the greatest financial benefit from travel nursing. For more travel nursing advice, check out our tips.