The perks of renting an apartment when travelling
Our featured blogger, Christina Mason, explains why apartments offer travellers the best of all worlds while they are on the road
Ever get the craving for a midnight snack only to be disheartened with pricey mini bar options? Or maybe you are having trouble beating jetlag and have an urge to eat at 3am. Consider this when booking accommodation for future trips – the kitchen is always open in a rental apartment. There is no need to compromise on luxuries, you can have what you want and when you want it.
Choosing to rent an apartment in London was easily the best decision. Succumbing to jetlag, I once found myself sitting on the kitchen bench at 4am eating a bowl of cereal. During my trip to New York, I combined staying in an apartment and a hotel. The apartment, to no surprise, came out on top. It was located 5 minutes from Times Square and gave me the freedom to roam and wander as a local would. One of the best moments was being able to walk to the nearest Shake Shack and bring my food back to the apartment to enjoy, all in a matter of minutes! With that in mind, even though you’re on holiday you can still enjoy a sense of feeling at home.
Renting an apartment long term can also be more cost effective than booking a hotel. Instead, why not use the money saved to stock up on your favourite foods and creature comforts? Experience living like a local by shopping at the corner store or supermarket and take advantage of fresh produce. Being able to put together your own meals also provides an opportunity to save money on eating out.
After a day of sightseeing, you can retreat to your own place with the freedom to relax in a way that suits you. Not to mention a rental apartment provides extra space and more privacy. There are no disturbances from hotel staff and you have more room to relax. You’re free to satisfy your tastebuds with a home-style meal which you can cook while wearing whatever feels comfortable. Alternatively, you can bring back food as you please.
It is good to note that there is quite a lead up for booking rental apartments and it is suggested to book as far in advanced as possible. The booking process is simple especially on familiar sites such as Housetrip.com or Wanderlust’s very own Accommodation Finder. Browse through a variety of apartments suiting every budget and a number of locations.
Staying in an apartment in London meant we walked past Tower Bridge and the Tower of London every day, that in itself was something special. In New York, staying in an apartment meant being able to witness Times Square dead quiet at 6am through to the hustle and bustle at midnight. Details on amenities, public transport and local attractions are often noted in the description field of the apartment listing to help narrow your findings. If an apartment captures your attention, the next step is to contact the owner for information on availability and costs.
Renting an apartment may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s definitely worth the experience. As I have done, you might also want to combine staying in a rental apartment as well as a hotel for the duration of your stay. Whichever the preference, a rental apartment can enhance your trip in more ways than one.
Wanderlust’s easy-to-use Accommodation Finder includes properties from HouseTrip.com. Try it now to find the perfect apartment for your next trip.
Travel has always been a strong passion of mine. I travelled to Europe in July 2012 which triggered my inner travel bug. The trip fuelled incredible motivation to see more of the magnificent world we live in. There is so much to see and experience that I am often puzzled by those who don’t have even the slightest desire to travel. There are many must-see destinations that still need to be checked off my list but I hope my blog can serve as a portal for sharing my adventures and provide inspiration to fellow travellers.
Main Image:View from holiday apartment window. From Shutterstock.com.
