Renting an Apartment in Europe 欧洲租房小贴士 Apartment, Europe, 欧洲, Renting, 贴士

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Renting an apartment can help you save a bundle while traveling in Europe. Apartments are often cheaper than hotels and can help you significantly cut down on your eating costs. Here are some tips for renting an apartment in Europe.

Weigh the Pros and Cons

If you are only going to spend a few nights in one place, an apartment might not be worth the hassle. Many require a minimum stay anyways, and most require a deposit or cleaning fee. If you are going to stay in one city for a few days or more though, those fees may be offset by the savings you’ll experience over time.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
If you are traveling with a group, apartments are a great option. The cost of an apartment is most always cheaper than several hotel rooms. If you are traveling solo or as a couple, check prices on comparable hotels to see how they stack up.

If you’re the type of traveler who eats every meal in a restaurant, it may not make sense to rent an apartment. You’ll be paying a premium for a feature you won’t use if you don’t plan to do any cooking. On the other hand, if you plan to cook in often, the savings would quickly offset any extra costs you might incur by renting an apartment.

Where to Find an Apartment

There are many several online services that list apartments for rent. For the lowest prices, with the most risk, check craigslist.org for apartments listed by owners. Going through a site like VRBO or using an agent provides more security, but you may pay a little more in fees. You’ll get more piece of mind this way though, as owners are verified and the sites offer some protection in case of fraud. There are also lots of location-specific sites like Barcelona30 in Barcelona, which offer apartments starting at 30 Euros per person.

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Choosing Your Apartment


With so many listings out there, it can be an overwhelming task to find the right one. If you are using an agent, it’s a little easier. Just tell them what you are looking for and they’ll come up with a narrowed-down list of options. Most websites will allow you to input a list of desired characteristics to help sort through the options.


Once you’ve come up with a short list, really pay attention to the wording in the listings. Look for both interior and exterior photos and request extra from the owner if they don’t show what you want.  Pay special attention to the things that are most important to you such as the size of the bed, the quality of the kitchen appliances, and so forth. Ask for clarification of anything that is unclear.


Verify the Details
Find out exactly what is included in the rental and inquire about any extras. Ask about any amenities that are important to you such as parking, a fitness center, or internet. If you plan on cooking, find out where the nearest grocery store is, and if you’ll be traveling without a car, inquire about the proximity of public transportation.


Finalize the Arrangements


Many apartments accept payment online. It’s best to use a credit card so that you are protected in case of fraud. Make arrangements with the owner or rental agent to get the keys when you arrive and keep them updated in case of any changes.


What to Do if Things Go Wrong


Always make sure you have an emergency contact number for the agent or landlord and be sure the rental agreement specifies what you may or many not be responsible for (i.e damage charges, cost for replacing the keys). Sites like VRBO.com offer a guarantee that will reimburse you up to $5000 if the apartment you rent turns out not to be as it was promised. If you’ve paid with a credit card, you also appeal to the company.


Renting an apartment can be a major cost saver if you are traveling with a group, staying for an extended period of time, or plan on cooking often. It requires a bit more advance planning and little monetary commitment ahead of time, but if you do your research, investigate each property and book with a reputable company, the savings will be well worth it.