Searching for a destination, choosing accommodation, packing your bags… Whether for study or work, moving to another country for a period of time requires a certain amount of prior organization. And while we plan ahead when we go on vacation, if the move is for more than a month, things change.

Each trip is a unique experience, and the choice of accommodation plays a crucial role. No one wants to live in a dark or dirty apartment, so it is essential to know what to look for when selecting where to sleep during your adventure. Here are some tips to help you identify the “green flags” when choosing accommodation.

What are your preferences when choosing accommodation?

Before diving into the search for the perfect accommodation, it is essential to take a moment to reflect and define what your preferences and needs are:

• Consider your budget: Establishing a clear budget will allow you to filter the options and avoid unnecessary expenses. Remember to be realistic and take into account other expenses associated with your trip, such as transportation, food and additional activities.
• Analyze the type of experience you want to live: Do you prefer to live in the city center or near your place of work or study? To know in which area you should look for your accommodation, you will have to ask yourself these questions before starting your search.
• Comfort and safety: if you do not know the city, do some research to find out which are the safest neighborhoods to stay in. Comfort will depend on your personal preferences, but whether it is close to entertainment, work or accessible public transportation, you should consider all of this before choosing accommodation.

Regardless of the experience you want to live and your personal preferences, being clear about what you are looking for will allow you to make informed decisions and make the most of your trip.

Research on different platforms

The search for accommodation begins with exploring the various platforms available online. Don’t limit yourself to just one option; analyze the available options according to the type of accommodation you need: vacation rentals, mid-stay or long-stay.

• Compare prices and offers: take the time to examine the rates and packages available on each site. You may find exclusive discounts or last minute deals.
• Variety of options: explore the different categories and filter the results according to your preferences, such as location, type of accommodation, amenities included and comments from other users.
• Reviews and recommendations: take advantage of the opinions and comments left by people who have experienced the accommodation first hand.

To choose a mid-term accommodation, at Lodgerin we offer a wide range of options, from residences or coliving, to studios and apartments.

Read the opinions of other travelers

Don’t underestimate the power of shared experiences, as they offer a realistic and honest view of what you can expect from each place when choosing accommodation. Here are some ways to make the most of these opinions:

• Explore the diversity of experiences: every traveler has different expectations and priorities when it comes to accommodations. Pay attention to reviews that align with your own preferences and travel needs. If you value tranquility and cleanliness, look for reviews that highlight these aspects. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively and sociable atmosphere, look for reviews that talk about the atmosphere and activities.
• Evaluate the ratio of positive to negative comments: dig deeper into individual reviews to get a more complete perspective. If the majority of reviews are positive, the accommodation is likely to be an excellent choice for your trip.
• Know your priorities: Be aware of your own priorities and expectations when interpreting reviews. What may be a minor inconvenience for some travelers may be a major issue for you.

What is the accommodation score?

The average score of the accommodation is a crucial factor to take into account when selecting it. Here are a few reasons why it is important to consider this score:

• Reliability and consistency: a solid score indicates a reliable and consistent experience for previous guests. Accommodations with high ratings tend to offer consistent quality service and meet travelers’ expectations.
• Overall experience: The score is based not only on the quality of the facilities, but also on aspects such as cleanliness, comfort and location.
• Confidence and peace of mind: opting for accommodations with solid ratings will give you greater confidence and peace of mind. This reduces the risk of unpleasant surprises during your stay.

Check the photos

Photographs of the accommodation are essential to assess the suitability and quality of the accommodation before making a booking decision.

• Assess the condition and cleanliness: pictures provide a clear view of the overall condition of the accommodation, including cleanliness and maintenance.
• Verify the accuracy of the listing: photographs are a way to confirm whether the accommodation matches the description provided by the host or establishment.
• Capturing details: examine each image carefully to get a complete impression of the aesthetics and ambiance of the accommodation.
• Identify services: look at the images to identify these amenities and determine if they are important to you during your stay.

What services or amenities does it have?

When choosing accommodation for your trip, it is essential to consider the services and amenities that are essential to ensure a satisfactory experience.

• Prioritize your preferences: do you value a fast and reliable Wi-Fi connection to stay connected, or do you prefer a good cleaning service in the common areas? By knowing your preferences, you will be able to focus your search on accommodations that offer exactly what you need to make the most of your stay.
• Ensure a comfortable stay: if you are traveling on business, you may need adequate work space with access to printers and meeting rooms. On the other hand, if it is for studies, you may value the proximity to libraries or university areas.

Location and accessibility: essential when choosing accommodation

The choice of accommodation location is one of the most important aspects when planning a trip, as it can significantly influence your overall experience.

• Accessibility to points of interest: assessing the accessibility of the accommodation to the places you want to visit is essential to optimize your time and make the most of your planned activities.
• Safety and environment: by prioritizing safety and tranquility, you can enjoy a more relaxed and carefree stay, allowing you to enjoy your trip without distractions or setbacks.
• Adaptation to your preferences: by aligning the location of your accommodation with your interests and activities, you can maximize your comfort and enjoy a smoother and more satisfying travel experience.

What are the booking conditions?

Before committing to an accommodation booking, it is essential that you familiarize yourself in detail with the booking conditions offered by the establishment.

• Flexibility in booking and cancellation policies: it is essential that you thoroughly review the accommodation’s booking and cancellation policies to understand whether they meet your particular needs and circumstances.
• Clarity and transparency in conditions: look for establishments that offer clear and transparent booking conditions, with detailed and easily accessible information about their policies and terms.

If you are renting from an individual, validate their legality

When you are considering renting accommodation through a private individual, it is essential to make sure that the landlord has the legal authority to rent the property.

• Verify their identity and legal documentation: before committing to any rental agreement, ask the landlord to provide you with documentation supporting their identity and their legal right to rent the property.
• Compliance with local regulations and rental standards: In addition to validating the identity and legality of the landlord, it is important to ensure that the accommodation complies with all local regulations and rental regulations.
• Rental contracts and legal agreements: Before finalizing any agreement, review the rental contract to make sure it is clearly and completely drafted.

You are now ready to choose accommodation!

By following these key tips, you can approach the task of choosing housing with greater confidence and preparation. Identify and pay attention to the “green flags” in each lodging option, so you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions that align with your needs and expectations during your trip.

The right choice of accommodations can make the difference between an unforgettable trip and a disappointing one, so it pays to spend time and effort researching and comparing your options before making a reservation. Keep these tips in mind and don’t hesitate to ask questions, conduct inspections and verify the authenticity of information provided by landlords.