Healthcare traveling is an adventure. Getting used to a new job and new colleagues is exciting. Getting used to a new city and neighborhood can be a challenge. Everything is new! How many times have you asked yourself, “Where do I go grocery shopping?” or “Where can I get a haircut for a reasonable price?” and “What the heck am I going to do on my days off?” Below are some tips for getting to know your new home and how to do it at a discount.
In this age of technology there are many ways to get to know your new home. There are several websites that can help you find an affordable massage, discounted tickets to an upcoming concert, or even 50% off dinner for two! Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer discounts of up to 90% off everything from haircuts to fresh seafood delivered right to your door. Signing up for offers from these sites is free and you are informed of new deals on a daily basis. Groupon offers discounts in 184 cities in the United States and LivingSocial can not only get you that massage for cheap, it can help you plan the beach vacation you are going to need after a tough assignment.
Another great way to get to know your new locale is to look for free entertainment magazines. Most offer printed versions as well as accompanying websites. The Riverfront Times, published in St. Louis, MO, for example, offers news, upcoming concert info, restaurant reviews, and coupons and discounts for local eateries and events. These can usually be found at the grocery store, in the Sunday edition of the local paper, and some are distributed like the newspaper – at the corner newsstand.
If you have a smart phone there are hundreds of free apps that can help you navigate your new surroundings, help you find the grocery store, and keep you from getting lost on your way to work. Try ‘MetrO’ for public transportation information for 400 cities worldwide. ‘Yelp’ will give you reviews on beaches, salons, museums, and it will give you local’s opinions on the best pharmacies, doctors, and dentists in town. ‘Skype’ can be downloaded for free on most smart phones and it’s a great way to keep in touch, face-to-face, with family and friends in other cities and states. ‘Urbanspoon’ and ‘OpenTable’ will help you find the perfect place for sushi or burgers, whatever your taste may be.
All in all, making your new city feel like home is important, and saving a few dollars while getting to know the lay of the land is certainly a bonus.