Renting an apartment on a trip: simple, profitable, without problems

 

About renting apartments abroad there are many rumors and horror stories. If you are still afraid, then my text is for you. Because the main thing is to choose the right one!

 

Let’s assume that you have already bought tickets, which means that the exact dates of the trip are already known. Specify them in one of the services, this will avoid viewing busy options. Be sure to check the boxes if you want a whole room rather than a room with neighbors (although some prefer this option because it is a great way to get to know and communicate with locals, practice the language, etc.).

 

 

 

If you limit the daily cost of housing, it will significantly narrow the choice and simplify the task. In addition, it is very good to determine the area of residence.

 

Yes, the center is most often convenient, but it is worth considering that in tourist cities it is still most likely noisy. It is not bad to explore the surroundings on the map that is in a particular house (cafes, bars, shops). If you want a more peaceful environment, you should look at the surrounding areas. In addition, in the center of the rental price is usually higher, which is quite natural.

 

 

 

 

So, what should you pay attention to when choosing a home so that the trip leaves the maximum positive impressions?

 

The first is, of course, photographs. If the photos of the house seems pleasant to you, then the owner at least tried to make it look like this. So he's interested in being rented from him. He will try to make you like it.

 

 

 

 

Pay attention to the photo was visible all the main parts of the apartment - kitchen, bathroom, sleeping places (if there are 5 in the ad, then all 5 should be in the photo), the view from the balcony, if it is important to you. Particularly attentive owners will make a photo of the filling of the kitchen and all the amenities that you may need (dryer, iron, towels, etc.) and even an apartment plan indicating the footage.

 

By the way, staff photographers of airbnb, whom the owners invite to shoot, like to use a wide-angle lens - so the space seems more than it really is.

 

 

 

 

Reviews. Very important. People who have lived before you will have an opinion. I always write detailed reviews. That's how I help people. You want to know as much as possible before your trip. If the words in the reviews are not very much, then you need to pay attention to at least ratings and ratings. But verbal feedback is still a priority.

 

Several times I booked accommodation without reviews. Because I liked everything, but these were new offers. These prices are usually lower than neighboring options.

 

But it's scary - suddenly scammers. In such cases, I ask the host for links to his social networks, I ask why there are no reviews, maybe they are on other resources.

 

 

 

 

Before booking it is very important to contact the owner. First, check the price! Yes, yes, the price may vary. In both the larger and the smaller side. It may be higher because the calendar with prices for your dates is not updated or you are going on holidays and there is an increased ratio, etc. But maybe vice versa - the host suddenly decides that he can give you a discount for a long-term stay or just so.

 

The description of the apartment always indicates the filling. But it is not always true. For example, you need a hair dryer, you don't see it on the list. Do not rush to give up this option. Check with the owner first. I have had several times that the description was incomplete.

What else is important to ask:

 

• Do you have bed and towels in the apartment? (yes, oddly enough, they are not everywhere)

 

• On which floor is the apartment located? How do you get up there?

 

 

 

 

For example, you really liked the apartment on the Paris attic with a romantic view of the Eiffel Tower itself. How about taking a huge suitcase to the fifth floor without an elevator? Is that fun? What if it's also a spiral staircase 70 centimeters wide? Not every suitcase you bring in.

 

Some homes have paid elevators. Are you ready to pay the fare to bed? ()

 

• Is there heating/air conditioning? Heating is not available in most European countries. Or in Georgia. But that doesn’t mean you have to freeze in the winter. Careful hosts will always find a way to warm their guests.

 

• What are the sleeping places like? Especially if you don’t have a photo of all the beds/couches. Sometimes you may be asked to sleep on an inflatable mattress or cot.

 

• Where do the windows go? In the windows of neighbors, on a noisy street, in the wall or a quiet courtyard? () It makes a difference.

 

• Who and how will give you the keys. He'll take it too! Once the landlady of the apartment was in no hurry to take the keys from us, did not answer the phone and we threw the keys in the mailbox. After she got home, she sent a message that we could leave them on the table and just slam the door.

 

 

 

 

I guess that's the main thing. But you can have your own questions. I advise you to study the nuances of housing in a particular country and even a city in advance, because it is difficult to even think about some points on your own.

 

If you are traveling with children and one of them sleeps on a bed with an adult, you do not need to indicate the number of guests when searching. But be sure to write the full list of travelers to the host before booking, so that there is no misunderstanding.

 

 

 

 

If you have chosen the appropriate option, discussed all the important details with the owner, then after booking, be sure to ask for a phone for communication. Better not even one. And don't forget to leave your number. Only the one that will be available on the trip.

 

Next time I will tell you how you can reduce the cost of renting a house by booking it on the most famous services.

 

Have a nice trip!

 

Text and photo: Evgenia Lysenkova