Renting a reasonably priced apartment in the part of a town that is most interesting for us to explore is one of the primary principles we follow for living like a local in Europe. Importantly, it makes it easier for us to meet some of our neighbors and to become part of the community. It is also an alternative to staying at an expensive, impersonal hotel with other tourists, which can create somewhat of a barrier between us and the town we have chosen.
Options in Addition to Online Booking Sites
We have used online sites like VRBO and Airbnb on numerous occasions to our satisfaction. But some of the best finds have come by doing a search of available properties from the local real estate offices or by Googling “Vacation rentals in (Location).” These two strategies can often provide exceptional listings that are different from the typical online inventory.
As we narrow our search to a few potential choices, we check the map link for each to confirm that the property is indeed where we want it to be. For example, is the apartment within the walls of the old town or in reality a 25-minute walk across busy streets to the town center? If there is no map available, request information from the owner or rental agent.
We also rely on reviews to a certain extent, but a few negative ones will not necessarily be deal breakers. If there is a pattern of negative mentions, however, like noise, location, landlord issues or cleanliness, we will move on. Speaking of cleanliness, we always leave every apartment spotless when we check out. Therefore, if the price of the rental includes an exorbitant cleaning fee for someone to tidy up after us, that counts
against it.
A Variety of Photos of a Potential Apartment is Essential
Finally, we want to see a generous number of photos of the unit. If the apartment is as nice as described, the owner should be proud to provide a nice array of interior and exterior views. That said, we are wary of places that have an abundance of shots of a fancy living room, for example, while showing just one vague photo of the bathroom or one faraway view of the kitchen. And what does the exterior look like? Is it a well-kept building on a pleasant street, or does one have to navigate a dark, sketchy alley to find the front door?
Don’t hesitate to contact the owners if you have any questions or concerns before putting down a deposit. That will also give an indication of how responsive they are. And realize no place will be perfect. Ideally, you will find an apartment that feels comfortable, is reasonably priced, has an adequate kitchen, and is in a good location to begin your vacation living like a local.