Love Staying in Local Homes but Afraid of the Hassle?

Love Staying in Local Homes but Afraid of the Hassle?

Whenever I traveled solo, I used to avoid rental platforms like Airbnb like the plague. I preferred the social atmosphere of hostels, where I could have fun and meet plenty of people. However, after years of wandering, I sometimes craved a bit of privacy, a kitchen to whip up a meal, or simply a cozy spot to relax on the sofa.

Renting an apartment for travel does have its downsides, such as contributing to the issue of overtourism. Yet, many homeowners are still willing to rent out their actual living spaces. Here, I’ll share how to find a suitable apartment that won’t disturb the local community.

How Apartment Rentals Work

Rental websites are quite straightforward. Homeowners list their available spaces, which can range from private rooms to shared spaces or entire apartments. They post photos and detailed descriptions to attract guests. The booking process is similar to any other online accommodation. You search, choose, create an account, and submit a request. If the homeowner accepts, you’ll receive a confirmation.

Renting an apartment strikes a balance between hostels and hotels. If you’re traveling for work and want a homey feel that’s more personable than a hotel yet still affordable, an apartment is the way to go. Traveling with friends or in a large group? Pooling money to rent an apartment can be more economical than booking hotel rooms or hostel beds.

Choosing the Right Apartment

Finding a good apartment among countless options can be challenging. The market is booming, and many homeowners have multiple properties, so you might be dealing with a manager rather than the owner. To minimize risks, I usually:

• Look for apartments with positive reviews.
• Avoid homeowners with multiple properties.
• Check if the photos are accurate and comprehensive.
• See if they are active hosts (Superhost status is a plus).
• Ensure their calendar is up to date.
• Confirm that the homeowner's information has been verified.

Of course, a bit of intuition is also necessary. Not every criterion will be met all the time; sometimes just a few are enough, but the more criteria that align, the more at ease I feel.

Avoid Contributing to Overtourism

The rise of Airbnb has driven rental prices up, leaving locals struggling. In many places, like Lisbon or Venice, it’s hard for residents to find housing. To avoid adding to this problem, I recommend renting a room in a local’s home. Airbnb has a "Rooms" section that’s a great option for truly experiencing local life.

If that’s not possible, make sure the place you rent is a primary residence or a licensed B&B. This helps minimize the impact on the local community.

Safety Considerations

These platforms rely on trust. They strive to verify both renters and homeowners to ensure safety. However, risks still exist, such as reports of uncontrolled parties or rude hosts. If the apartment isn’t as advertised, you can request a refund through their 24/7 hotline or on social media. They will hold your payment until everything is resolved.