Living Like a Local:
Tips for Long-Term Vacation
Apartment Rentals

In the age of remote work, people are taking extended trips to live and work in different cities, often for months at a time. Whether you’re a digital nomad trying to stretch your money in an exotic destination or need to be in a market across the country for an extended period of time, getting an Airbnb or long-term vacation apartment rental is the best way to stay grounded during these longer trips. 

Hotels have their advantages, but staying in an apartment or home offers a healthier lifestyle and a much deeper and more authentic experience. Regardless of what route you go, such a long trip presents challenges. First and foremost, packing for a long-term stay is about as stressful as it gets. Adapting to the daily lifestyle of a new place can be just as difficult. Staying healthy and sane? You’ll want to be mindful of how you’ll be living during this time. Preparing for your trip is step one, and you’ll want to prepare as much as possible before heading out of town. 

Wherever you end up making your temporary home, it is a great idea to use luggage service such as Bounce. They have thousands of locations across the globe where you can store luggage for anything from a few hours to days at a time, so your extended trip will be as convenient and worry-free as possible. 

Research, research, research

It will pay dividends to do plenty of research before you book a place to stay. Because of the long duration of your stay, picking the right (or wrong) place will have more repercussions. Look into reviews – you absolutely won’t want to book a place with negative reviews. Review volume is also something to look at because a place with hundreds of positive reviews means enough travelers have had pleasant experiences staying there. 

It’s especially important to look into the location because this will massively impact your day-to-day lifestyle, especially for a commute. While you may value living near a nightlife hotspot, you won’t want to live above a bar or nightclub. Access to restaurants, and especially a café, can go a long way towards making your trip more enjoyable. 

Amenities and utilities are also important. Laundry and a dishwasher in-unit are always pluses, and a serviceable kitchen will help save money on eating out. Being able to do laundry will help with the tight packing parameters. 

Pack smart

Speaking of packing, this is one of the most important things to consider when you’re preparing for a long trip. Since you’ll be staying for a longer duration, pack essentials that will make your trip more comfortable.

You’ll want as much versatile clothing as possible, especially pieces that can be used for work and for leisure. Because you’ll be at this destination for weeks or even months, you’ll want to be prepared for any type of weather you’ll encounter. 

Gadgets, electronics, and medical devices are all necessary items to bring, especially if you have specific needs. These will take up space, so you’ll want to leave any item you can buy at your destination. Because you’ll be staying for a long time, you can buy toiletries once you’re there. 

Explore local markets and delis

To put it plainly, eating out for every meal is bad for you both nutritionally and financially. Eating at a restaurant for every meal is completely fine for a weekend trip; some might make the case that’s the whole point. But doing that over a longer duration is not sustainable. Familiarize yourself with local grocery stores and delis nearby. Even better, head to a farmers’ market.

Stay active and healthy

Maintain your well-being during your stay by finding ways to stay active. If you belong to a national gym, look into their locations in your new city. You can also look into flexible memberships at health clubs and fitness centers. There are also thousands of at-home workout videos online where you can get into a routine that doesn’t require special equipment. 

Keeping a fitness routine will go a long way to maintaining your sense of normalcy, and it will help you feel better. Weather permitting, taking frequent jogs or bike rides will also show you the best side of your temporary home. 

Set a budget

Establish a budget for the entire duration of your stay before you travel, and make sure there is some room for flexibility. Spending so much time away from home leaves you in a slightly vulnerable spot, so keep some extra financial wiggle room for unexpected expenses. 

Try to think of everything you’ll need to spend money on and make plans for how to reduce costs on things like food and drinks. Of course, rideshares and taxis really add up, so finding inexpensive ways to get around is important.  

Consider location and transportation before booking

Really do your research about your daily commute before booking because you’ll absolutely want to find a location that suits your needs over a longer period of time. 

Things like proximity to public transportation, grocery stores, and entertainment are important. A simple Google Maps search can help you find your transit options. Researching restaurants and bars will help you understand what a certain neighborhood or area will be like as well. You’ll also arrive in town hungry and excited about the dinner plans you made during your research. 

Maintain open communication with your host but be mindful of boundaries

Keep an open line of communication with your host throughout your stay, but absolutely don’t pester them about every single thing. This will only contribute to an adversarial relationship, which can result in a poor user review or worse. If you encounter any issues that need to be addressed, absolutely reach out to your host because it’s their responsibility to provide accommodations based on their listing.

Read the fine print regarding the cancellation policy

Your circumstances can change over the course of a long vacation or work trip, so it’s important to be aware of the cancellation policy of your booking. Long-term stays are also subject to different policies, sometimes unique to your host or the property, so make sure you understand the terms and conditions so you know what your options are. Understand the rental agreement (in full) by going through the terms listed online. Sure, nobody likes reading the fine print, but this can really help you in an emergency.

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