Photo Credit: Josh Hild via www.pexels.com
When you head off on a quick getaway or take an exploratory cruise, chances are your accommodation options will be limited to hotels and B&Bs. For short trips, the classic hotel or resort experience tends to be the most convenient, with everything on hand and taken care of for you, and no need to worry about fresh sheets, where to eat, or what to do.
But if you are traveling somewhere for a couple of weeks or more, whether on vacation or as a digital nomad, hotels can quickly become prohibitively expensive. For these short-to-medium-term adventures, a short-term rental can be a great idea.
Short-term rentals have become extremely popular in recent years, with platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offering easy, seamless experiences. But finding the perfect short-term rental isn’t always easy at first sight, and for people who aren’t familiar with the area or the idea it can sometimes be a daunting prospect.
Luckily, there’s no need to find a local lawyer to help you when it comes to finding the perfect short-term rental overseas! Take a look at the ideas below and start planning your next extended vacation.
Look for regional sites or apps
The large platforms and portals like Airbnb and Vrbo are well-known, with international coverage and great customer experience. However, they can be expensive. Luckily, they aren’t the only options available! Countries and regions often have their own local apps or platforms that are specific to the destination you are visiting and may offer up better deals, as well as local tips and guides.
Ask for recommendations
The best way to find a vacation rental is through word of mouth. If you know someone who has been to the place you are visiting, ask them for recommendations on the best places to stay! They will be able to give you advice about which areas are the nicest, what amenities there are, and who to speak to about rental properties. They may even have a place to recommend or be able to put you in contact directly with a landlord or host.
Check out rental listings online
While online listings tend to be for longer-term rents only, if your destination is relatively well-known or has a large digital nomad community, chances are you might be able to find short-term lets advertised as well. Sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are often a good place to start, once you know roughly what area you want to stay in and what your requirements are.
Contact the owner or property manager
Once you’ve found a few prospects, it is always worth reaching out directly to the owners or property managers to check availability, rates, and any other details you need to know or questions you might have. Making direct contact with the owner is often a good way to get a better deal, as well!
Finding the perfect short-term rental overseas might take a bit of effort, but with the right approach, you can find a great place to stay for a fraction of the price of hotels in the same location.