Finding a conducive place to stay is always a top priority whenever you decide to travel, especially if you’re particular about your comfort. Whether you’re on a work trip or simply vacationing, knowing how to secure budget-friendly accommodation in a foreign city is a must if you want to enjoy your time away from home. After all, trying to knock tourist locations off your bucket list wouldn’t be fun when you find out your rental doesn’t match its original claims or if the place you booked doesn’t have the reliable power that most digital nomads need when traveling. So we’ve put together this handy guide for renting while on the move to help frequent travelers.
How to Find Temporary Housing During Long-Term Trips
- Go Online
Start your house search online to find suitable housing in your destination city. If you’re going out of town, arranging a physical viewing may be impossible. Thankfully, websites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com allow you to see available options within your price range. You can even narrow your search down to a specific area if you want to be closer to tourist destinations, the airport, or your temporary office. Take note that there are many scams online, so it’s important to be diligent in looking for reviews, and recent pictures or videos of a prospective rental.
- Use a Reliable Real Estate Agent
Outsource most of the stress of a house search to the professionals by hiring a real estate agent. After all, real estate agents are always on the lookout for high-quality tenants to fill vacancies for the landlords that hire them. Sometimes they even have access to high-quality rentals before they join public listing, giving you the opportunity to snatch up premium accommodation and avoid getting sidelined. Unfortunately, high service fees can make this option more expensive than it’s worth, but that doesn’t mean you can’t beat the price down. Bay Property Management Group Northern Virginia suggests negotiating a flexible lease agreement, especially if you’re planning on staying long-term.
- Join Social Media Groups
Look out for Facebook or local expat groups on social media that share housing opportunities. If you’re looking for insider information that won’t blow your budget, joining a local social media group in the city you’re visiting could be your best bet. Not only do you get to skip the high real estate agent fees, but you can also get access to options that may not be available on listing sites. On the other hand, this solution requires a lot of monitoring so you don’t miss out on great deals, and it can also be hard to filter.
Key Rental Features Travelers Should Prioritize
Location
Choose a rental in a prime neighborhood that offers your proximity to key areas like the airport, train stations, and even restaurants. Unless you’re looking for a remote retreat, there’s no point holding yourself up in a rental that’s miles away from the nearest grocery store or pharmacy. Picking a central location gives you the luxury of saving time on your commute and having easy access to public amenities when you need them.
Amenities
Speaking of amenities, opt for rentals that come with perks that can make your life easier. If you’re a digital nomad looking to change scenery, keep an eye out for listings that offer free Wifi so you can work conveniently on the go. After all, what’s the point of paying for temporary accommodation if you have to spend all your time at the local cafe because your network sucks. Travelers want amenities that are functional during their vacation, so look out for features that make your home life more comfortable such as semi-furnished apartments with a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities.
Responsive Hosts
Pay attention to how quickly your potential landlord responds to your inquiries. Besides satisfying your curiosity about their rental, hosts with a fast response time are more likely to handle issues with the property on time. So in the long run they can make your stay a lot more stress-free.
Securing a Flexible Rental Agreement
Ask about your landlord’s willingness to adjust the rental agreements to fit your needs. For instance, you might find a rental that’s perfect for you but the property owner insists on a minimum year-long lease. Rather than roll over and let the opportunity pass you by, ask if they’d be open to adjusting their minimum stay requirement for an extra month in advance. Also, remember to ask about your options to shorten or extend your stay.
Conclusion
Plan your next trip out of town knowing that finding accommodation doesn’t have to be a challenge. Hospitality is a huge industry, and if you know how to find the right place, there are lots of rentals within your budget that fit your needs wherever you go. For instance, online websites are a great place to start searching, but if you don’t have time to filter through the options, you can rely on a real estate agent to match you with suitable accommodation. Additionally, you can also join a social media group to get exclusive offers.
However, it’s essential to not jump at the first rental that looks good. Consider key features like where the rental is, and how close it is to public amenities. Also, look out for how responsive the host is in answering your questions. A long response time could be a red flag especially if you’re trying to negotiate a better deal. Safe travels!