All About Vacation Rental Homes in Europe
European vacation rentals are on a roll. According to Skift, “The number of available listings in Europe has increased by 22% compared to 2019” and “short-term rentals account for nearly a quarter of tourist accommodations in Europe.”
Meanwhile, Statista forecasts that a third of all vacation rental revenue will come from Europe, and European listings are up more than 20% since 2022, according to Rental Scale-Up.
This is all well and good, but there hasn’t been much of an impact on prices, mainly because the region is just getting back up to full capacity post-COVID.
Why are European vacation rentals so popular? A couple very big reasons.
There’s something for everyone
While a really cheap hotel room in Paris may not be to most travelers’ liking, a really cheap Parisian bedroom might be.
And that’s just the beginning. You can rent a room in a castle or in a medieval tower, or a “livable sculpture” or a plane or a geodesic dome or a yurt.
Vacation rentals let you stay in a manner that suits you, and if what suits you is an upside-down boat with a door, you’ll find it.
Also read: Hotel or Vacation Rental - Which is Right for You?
It helps you feel less touristy
Who doesn’t want to feel more at home when traveling? Coming out of a nondescript door on a nondescript street might be less of a dead giveaway and might actually make you feel less like a tourist and more like part of the neighborhood.
This is especially true if you stay a couple of days and get in the habit of having your coffee at that little café, buying bread from the local bakery and grabbing a treat from the corner shop.
In all honesty, small pleasures like these are among the most cherished when it comes to travel, and a vacation rental can enable them.
It can be more affordable
For more than half a century, college students going abroad has been a rite of passage. Back in the day it involved a backpack, a thumb, a Eurail Pass, and a guide to youth hostels. Now it includes vacation rentals – and a much broader group of travelers.
Affordable European travel isn’t just a thing for cash-strapped college students. It’s a thing for broke college graduates, too, and impulse travelers, and anyone who just wants to save a buck.
Of course, many vacation rentals are more expensive than hotels. But many rental sites enable couch-surfing by providing inexpensive lodging and the possibility of some conversation while you explore.
If you adhere to the adage that the only two ways to travel are first-class and on the cheap, vacation rentals were made for you – and it really doesn’t matter which of these two types you choose.
Also read: Tips to Save Money When Booking a Vacation Rental
It can be more sustainable
Europeans are scared to death of climate change, and for good reason.
As a result, there are concerted efforts all across Europe to reduce the carbon footprint of everything – and tourism is right in the crosshairs.
Europeans are trending toward fewer hotels, less cars and more bicycles in their city centers, and vacation rentals can be a part of the solution.
They’re an imperfect part to be sure, since there are still environmental costs of washing bedding and vacuuming and such, but vacation rentals at least offer the promise of more sustainable lodging.
Also read: How to Avoid Vacation Rental Scams
Tips for vacation rentals
Book early: When you find a place you like for the times you plan to be there and everything checks out, book it. Many vacation rentals are unique, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.
Stay multiple days: There-and-gone isn’t a rental’s strong suit. It’s best if you stay a couple of days, get a feel for your surroundings, and start interacting with people. That’s when you unlock the power of vacation rentals.
Look for verified reviews: It’s getting harder and harder to claw through the fake, AI-generated reviews and get to the truth, but do your detective work. If something sounds too good to be true, or all the reviews start sounding alike, sound the alarm.
Google it: Google the address and check out Google Earth and Google Street View to make sure they correspond with the listing photos.
Ask questions: Ask for more pictures. Ask about security, parking, arrival and departure times and anything you can think of. You need to be 100% comfortable with the answers you receive before you book.
Also read: Timing When to Buy Vacation Rental Travel Protection
Best places to rent
Barcelona: Barcelona is a vibrant city that offers a rich cultural experience. Its unique architecture, bustling markets, and beautiful beaches make it an ideal destination for vacation rentals. Staying in a local apartment or house can provide a more authentic experience of the city's neighborhoods and daily life.
Iceland: Iceland's diverse landscapes, from volcanic terrain to glaciers and hot springs, make it a unique destination for travelers. Vacation rentals in Iceland can range from cozy cottages in rural areas to modern apartments in Reykjavik. These accommodations often provide a comfortable base for exploring the country's natural wonders and experiencing its distinct culture.
Tuscany: Tuscany is renowned for its picturesque countryside, historic towns, and rich culinary traditions. Renting a villa in Tuscany can offer a truly immersive experience. These properties often feature traditional architecture, scenic views, and provide easy access to local markets, vineyards, and cultural sites.
Provence: Provence is known for its lavender fields, charming villages, and Mediterranean climate. Vacation rentals in this region can include renovated farmhouses, village homes, or countryside villas. Staying in a local property allows visitors to experience the region's laid-back lifestyle, explore local markets, and enjoy the area's renowned cuisine and wines.
Any European capital: Just plunk yourself down in a rental in the middle of one of these amazing cities and start immersing yourself in the parks, arts, architecture, gourmet dining, and nightlife they have to offer. And when you get tired of one just hop a train to the next one.
Ireland: If you’re driving the circle route around the island be sure to stay a day or two in a vacation rental. It gets you closer to the people – which is one of the very best things about Ireland.
Also read: How to Use Rewards, Traveler Points and Miles for Vacation Rentals
Travel Protection
When you rent on your next trip to Europe, it’ll go smoother with travel insurance and assistance services from Generali Global Assistance. We’ve been helping protect vacation rentals – and vacations – for decades. It has the experience needed to cover your trips.
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