Long-term rentals are great for digital nomads, remote workers, and people traveling at a slower pace that want to stay in a place longer. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or with a group of friends there are so many options available. From urban studios to hillside cabins in the woods, the world has something to suit everyone’s preferences, group size, and budget!
When it comes to planning an extended stay it can be hard to know where to turn. Sure, you could stay in a hotel long-term. But oftentimes you’ll miss out on things like a kitchen, extra space for an office, and maybe even a yard. Plus it will cost a ridiculous amount of money – trust me I know. I “lived” at a Marriot for a few weeks, thankfully on points but I saw the total original price. It wasn’t budget-friendly.
There are plenty of substantial ways to find a long-term rental abroad. Keep reading below 👇 as I share the 5 best sites for finding long-term rentals! Start exploring for your next big adventure!
WorldPackers
WorldPackers is a unique platform that offers travelers an opportunity to exchange their skills for free accommodation. This platform is perfect for those who are looking for a long-term rental abroad while also wanting to connect with locals and learn new skills. With WorldPackers, you can find hosts who are willing to provide accommodation in exchange for your help with tasks such as web & graphic design, teaching English, gardening, or even cooking. This not only saves you money on accommodation but also allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture, learn a new language, and make meaningful connections. WorldPackers offers experiences around the world from Europe, Africa, and SE Asia, to Australia, and even the United States. Most of these experiences range from a few days to a month. It’s simple to set up your account and get started searching in your next location! Sign up for WorldPackers here and save $10!
Agoda
Agoda is a popular online booking platform that offers travelers a wide range of affordable accommodations around the world. It is often considered a cheaper alternative to Airbnb. It’s a great option for those who are on a budget but still want to find long-term rentals abroad. Agoda provides detailed descriptions and photos of each property, so you can easily find the perfect place that suits your needs. One of the major differences between Airbnb and Agoda is that with each stay you earn rewards that can be redeemed as money off your next stay. Fantastic perk- who doesn’t want to save money on traveling the world?
CoLiving
CoLiving is an emerging trend among digital nomads where individuals share living spaces while working remotely. These spaces provide an opportunity for networking and meeting other like-minded individuals while enjoying comfortable living arrangements at an affordable price. Many CoLiving spaces offer amenities such as high-speed internet connection, co-working spaces, weekly events, and communal areas for socializing or relaxation.
Facebook Housing Groups
Facebook housing groups are becoming increasingly popular among people looking for long-term rentals abroad due to their convenience and accessibility. These groups allow renters and landlords from all over the world to easily connect directly through dedicated Facebook groups.
Here’s exactly how to find a housing group for your next destination. Go to Facebook and select Groups on the left side. Make sure to select “discover” underneath the search bar, so that you’re not just searching your own groups.
In the search bar type the city and “housing group”. For example, if I’m looking for a long-term rental in Tokyo I would type in “Tokyo Housing”. These are the results that come up:
Some of these groups are public, so you can scroll through and take a look before joining. While others are private, so you’ll need to request to join and agree to the rules before you can look at what’s inside.
Typically in these housing groups, you’ll find apartment rentals, rooms for rent, lease takeovers, houses to buy, roommates, etc. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, I highly suggest posting your requirements. Example: looking for a fully furnished studio in Daikanyama between 60,000-80,000¥ with good WiFi.
Airbnb
Airbnb is one of the most popular platforms when it comes to finding long-term rentals abroad. Travelers have access to millions of properties around the world, ranging from apartments and houses to villas and castles. The platform offers flexible options for long-term stays and allows you to filter results based on your preferences such as location, price range, amenities, etc.
There are a few ways to book a longer-term stay like this through Airbnb. The most obvious way is straight through the Airbnb site. BUT there’s also another option. Reach out to the host and let them know you’d like to book a 30-day (or more) stay. Then ask them if they offer any deals for longer stays. Often you’ll find Airbnb offers a slight discount but the host will give you a better one. Sometimes I’ve even found hosts have more (& better) properties not listed that you can book off of Airbnb. This will reduce the ridiculous amount of fees the site takes.
If you choose to go this route (booking directly with the host) there are a few things you should do:
- Video chat with host
- Do a virtual walk-through
- Ask for a signed contract
- Trust your gut
Tips for Finding a Long-Term Rental
Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork in order, including a passport and visa
Forgetting crucial paperwork can turn your dream trip into a nightmare! Before you jet off anywhere, make sure you have: a passport and a visa + any medical or vaccine documents required. Double-check that everything is in order before takeoff!
Read reviews from other renters to get an idea of what to expect
One of the best ways to evaluate a place ahead of time is to read reviews from other renters. Whether you’re looking for a vacation spot or an apartment complex, the experiences of fellow customers is immensely helpful. From user ratings that give hints about cleanliness and amenities to detailed personal stories, all the information you need is just a click away. CoLiving and Facebook Housing Groups allow you to reach out to former guests to ask about their personal experiences.
When I’m reading reviews, I look at the most recent ones. These will give you the best idea of the current conditions of a place. I look for issues that are repetitive and if a host has responded to any of the reviews with solutions.
Be prepared to negotiate on price, especially if you’re renting for a longer period of time
If you’re looking to rent a place for an extended period of time, it’s important to be prepared to negotiate on price. This is especially true if you’re looking to rent in a market where there is low demand. While it may be tempting to just accept the first offer that comes your way, remember that you have the power to negotiate and get the best possible deal. So don’t be afraid to haggle a bit – it could save you big in the long run.
Finding a long-term rental in another country can feel daunting, but with these tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be sure to land yourself a great place!
