Stress Free Tips for Finding your Next Air B & B on the Continent
Before you book your next short-term Rental on the continent, check this out.
Imagine a few weeks to your long-awaited and well deserved vacation, you reach out to the prospective host of your short-term rental with a few concerns. With less than 72 hours to cancel, it appears your host has gone AWOL.
There are decisions to be made and with a quickness. No Shaking. We go you covered.
The conventional travel advice is to lodge with established hotel chains that have the advantage of a legacy and international standard behind them and sometimes those can be few and far between. The questions to ask may vary with your destination.
Before you cross out the idea of short term rentals for the home away from home feel and for the large(r) family groups, here are 10 tips to consider before booking your next short stay on the continent.
Tips
#1 Accessibility. Plan to stay not too far from your activities and do a Google street view search of the neighborhood where the property is located for access in and out of the area.
#2. Location & Landmarks. Ask for landmarks within 5-10 miles of the listing to get a better idea of the neighborhood. Do not leave your needs to chance. Use the filter function to eliminate anything that might look nice but will leave you frustrated during your stay.
#3 Reviews that Count. The more recent reviews may be more informative. Feel free to request clarification where the information is vague or omitted from the listing. Your safety and convenience are key and it doesn’t hurt to take the initiative - go the extra mile for your peace of mind.
#4. Photos Please - Request additional pictures that capture the current state of the property such as the surroundings, outside of the property. If photos are taken with drapes drawn, request pictures with the light coming in. The small details may make a big difference. Close range shots of areas such as the caulking around the bath/shower area and sink can be requested of the host.
#5. Privacy - Do you prefer properties with multiple units so there are neighbors or an isolated unit. Proximity to any major streets or heavy traffic areas.
#6. Back up to the Back up Electricity supply: This may include stand-by generators to ensure 24 hours electricity.
#7. All round WiFi - This is not limited to specific living spaces or rooms. Clarify if there are limits on how much Wi-fi service comes with the booking and any additional costs if it needs to be topped up. This may also apply to electricity consumption.
#8. Clean-up and Cancellation: Be clear on any cleaning fees, clean-up tasks and the cancellation and early check-in/late check-out policies,
#9. Reviews. Pay attention to the details including proximity to grocery stores, security, water pressure and the number of floors, flights of stairs, wheelchair accessibility and what your unit options are within the building.
#10. Adapters and Converters; Make inquiries about the type of outlets in the rental and if necessary bring along some adapters or and converters.
Bonus Tips;
Space Accommodations: If that is a concern, clarify with the host what the spaces offers as far as wardrobe space, garment racks, safe box, etc,
A few “nice to haves” that may be accessible and not necessarily included as part of the short term rental are:
Personal Shoppers, Chefs and Car hire Service: For a local experience make inquiries about credible, reliable shoppers or locals to assist you while shopping. This can come in handy especially when negotiating with the sellers.
Custom Made: Getting a few outfits made or and altered is not such a bad idea. Your hosts may be able to offer some tips on where and how to locate these services.
Fresh & Folded; Where available, make life easy and take advantage of laundry service - A nice “to have” - fresh, clean, ironed and folded clothes on your way out.
