Finding the Perfect Place to Stay for Your Vacation

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Finding the Perfect Place to Stay for Your Vacation

In the past, I wasn't really into renting apartments through sites like Airbnb or VRBO. As a solo traveler, I preferred hostels for their social atmosphere and the opportunity to make new friends. Hostels often organize fun activities, and honestly, that’s where the backpackers gather. When I wanted a break from hostels, I’d turn to Couchsurfing or crash at a friend’s place.

But after nearly two decades of traveling, I’ve started to crave a bit of privacy and the feeling of having my own space. I enjoy cooking, lounging on the sofa, and just relaxing. While renting apartments can contribute to tourist overcrowding, many locals still rent out their homes. So, let’s dive into how it works, how to choose the perfect apartment, and how to avoid annoying the locals!

How Renting an Apartment Works

Rental websites allow locals to rent out private rooms, shared spaces, or entire apartments. They post their listings online with photos and descriptions, and just wait for guests to book, turning their unused space into income. The booking process is similar to reserving a hotel room online. You search, select a place you like, create an account, and send a request. Once the host agrees, you’ll receive a confirmation.

Renting an apartment strikes a balance between a hostel and a hotel: it provides the comforts of home while avoiding the high costs of a hotel. Traveling with a group of friends makes it even more convenient, as splitting the cost usually ends up being cheaper than booking hotel rooms or hostels. Plus, you get more space, privacy, and a cozy spot to unwind.

If you don’t need an entire apartment and are looking to save some cash, Airbnb offers a "Rooms" feature that lets you find a room in someone else's house. This is similar to how Airbnb originally operated, renting out spare rooms from locals. Recently, I’ve been opting for "Rooms" when I travel solo to places like LA, Rome, Paris, and Nice, and I’ve been quite satisfied. It’s budget-friendly and a great way to meet locals.

How to Choose the Right Apartment

The growing demand for rentals has made it harder to find good hosts. Many people invest in multiple properties to rent out, which means you might end up dealing with a property manager instead of the actual owner. Some apartments may not look as good as they do in the photos.

Here are some criteria I typically use when selecting a place to stay:

• Are there positive reviews? If others have stayed and enjoyed it, there’s a good chance I will too.
• Only rent from hosts who have a few properties listed. Avoid those managed by companies that have many rentals, as they often lack the personal touch of a genuine host.
• Are the photos high quality? A good number of trustworthy photos is better than none.
• Is the account active? A frequently active host will respond quickly.
• Is the calendar up-to-date? If the calendar hasn’t been updated in over 30 days, I usually skip it.
• Is the account verified? A verified account reduces the risk of trouble.
• Has the host been a guest somewhere before? If so, they’re likely to be reliable.

While it’s not necessary to meet all these criteria, the more that are satisfied, the more at ease I feel.

Avoiding Over-Tourism

Platforms like Airbnb have skyrocketed rental prices, pushing locals out of their homes. In places like Lisbon and Venice, residents can barely afford to rent. This issue isn’t just limited to cities; rural areas are affected too. Barcelona has strongly protested, Japan has tightened Airbnb regulations, and New York has strict laws regarding short-term rentals.

Opt for Airbnb's "Rooms" feature and rent a room from a local who actually lives there. This way, you can explore the local culture without adding pressure to the housing market. Don’t make the locals you want to meet feel like they have to leave!

Safety Tips

These platforms rely on trust. Companies strive to verify both hosts and guests to prevent issues, but sometimes things can go wrong. I’ve heard stories of theft and unsavory gatherings, but rest assured, companies offer refunds if the accommodation isn’t as advertised. They hold your payment in escrow, so if any problems arise, you’re protected. Stay vigilant and remember the safety rules!

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