Choosing where to stay on your getaway can really change your experience. When you book a holiday home overseas, you won’t just be getting a holiday home, you will be getting a space of your own, even if it is just for a short time.
And the key to a good stay is knowing the right steps to take. To help you take the right steps, here is some practical advice for travelers renting holiday homes.
What Are the Do’s and Don’ts of Renting Holiday Home Abroad?
Finding Your Perfect Home Away from Home
Honestly, part of the trip is just searching through the holiday home listings! There are so many options to choose from, like holiday cottages or sleek holiday apartments. But before you book that dream holiday home with the photos, remember to check for the important details like the location, comfort, needed amenities, and how you will get to the home.
How do you spend your time when you travel? Do you enjoy sipping “coffee on the balcony,” or do you prefer “exploring all day”? This pertains to your need to have a mixture of relaxing activities and other on the go activities.
A mountain view may sound nice and romantic, but if you want to stay there and it’s a 45-minute drive to the grocery store, it may take a turn. Not having a way to get quick groceries will become a romantic nightmare.
What are the other things that are important to you?
- How close places are and if there’s public transport or car rentals.
- How close other facilities are, like restaurants, shops, and healthcare services.
- Amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, or a washing machine.
- An elevator or ramp if that’s needed.
- Once you have your list, you will have no trouble narrowing down your options.
Study the Place Before You Book
If the house is nice, but the location is bad, it means nothing. Do your research before you book a place. Look at the laws for short term rentals. Some places ask for registration numbers, other places have time limits for tourists. This way you avoid the rentals that are going to be removed when you are on your holiday.
Don’t forget about safety and culture. Is a beach town more lively and obnoxiously loud, or is it a quiet family haven? Review each area’s comments on travel forums, see how far away important locations are on Google Maps, and check the public transport access the area has.
Be mindful that what is polite or normal may differ abroad. Different cultures have different expectations. Some cherish quiet evenings while others love a party that runs past midnight. This saves awkward moments with locals, or even your host.
Reputation is everything. Aim for verified listings for your online rentals. Stick to sites like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Vrbo. Avoid listings that ask for direct payments or for clients to pay via their banking apps and watch out for offers that seem “too good to be true.” Spoiler: they usually are.
Red flags could include:
- Low-quality photos or not many photos at all
- Descriptions that are too generic (“great place in the city.”)
- Hosts that are unresponsive on the booking communication system
- Prices that are suspiciously lower than other listings
Reviews are important too, not just the five-star ones. Sometimes comments about cleanliness, noise, or location tell you more than the description ever could.
Know the Costs Associated with the Rental Agreement
Even the most ideal listing can lose its shine if hidden costs get thrown in after the fact. Check the listing for all the fees, cleaning and service charges, and resort or local tourist taxes. Some hosts will ask for refundable deposits. Those are fine, but ask when and how you will get the money back.
The cancellation and refund policy fine print is important too. If policies are flexible, you can save a lot of money if your plans change at the last minute. Check the total amount in your own currency before paying. Conversion rates can change and fees could be applied.
Use five minutes of careful reading to save yourself a week of frustration.
Communication with the Host
Having a good host can make a good stay, so make sure to keep your messages nice in case the host is sensitive. A lot of the time, people get things wrong simply because of assumptions. Be sure to check in and see if there are any towels and toiletries provided. Also, make sure to ask if there’s a local person to get in contact with if things go wrong.
If you are worried about a language barrier, there’s no need to worry. Most people have phones and are able to use a messaging tool in their phone to chat with you. Even a simple greeting goes a long way. Most willing hosts are friendly to guests who treat them and their culture with respect.
If you have special needs, it is best to fill that in before you arrive. You don’t want to arrive somewhere and then have to figure it out from there.
Turning a Rental into a Real Home Experience
Renting a holiday home is a good way to make some money spent on a holiday back to you, but it is also a good way to live like the locals. You can cook with fresh local ingredients, get to know your neighbors, and visit the local attractions. You can also go on morning strolls and visit local shops, or just relax on the porch with a nice book.
Every trip you take can feel more meaningful by practicing travel mindfulness. A little preparation, maybe a little curiosity, and awareness will work wonders for turning any rental into a home away from home.
There will be more than just photos waiting for you when you return. You will have tales to tell, friends to meet, and maybe even a special place that is waiting for you to return.
