28 responses

  1. Lillie – @WorldLillie
    April 26, 2014

    Great, comprehensive advice, sir.

    Reply

    • Talon Windwalker
      April 26, 2014

      Merci

      Reply

  2. Mary @ Green Globa Travel
    April 21, 2014

    We’re big fans of Wimdu and Airbnb. Staying in an apartment/house verses a hotel makes us feel more like a local and we can take advantage of the kitchen to cook our treasures from the local markets.

    Reply

    • Talon Windwalker
      April 22, 2014

      It’s a great benefit to have your own kitchen and be outside the tourist zone.

      Reply

  3. Agness
    April 17, 2014

    Planning for accommodation can be a real pain if you don’t know how to do it. Planning is crucial, so I am glad I came across this post. I’m moving from China to Holland soon and I am less stressed about finding my own place after reading this :).

    Reply

    • Talon Windwalker
      April 17, 2014

      That’s going to be quite the change for you!

      Reply

  4. DJ Yabis | Dream Euro Trip
    April 16, 2014

    Planning for accommodation is always something I find hard and it feels a lot like work to be honest. It’s always like you can’t afford what you really wanted haha. But this post is huge. Lots of good ideas.

    Reply

    • Talon Windwalker
      April 17, 2014

      Seriously! I’m facing that right now. For some reason Lisbon is being a challenge unless I want to pay a lot more than I want to pay. LOL

      Reply

      • Rachel
        April 17, 2014

        Hey, you should try Amsterdam and Paris in high summer! Hadn’t even thought of airbnb until I saw your tweet, so thanks. Sadly our cheap mini rtw trippers have turned into expensive tall hungry tweenies 😉 Take on board what you say about out of town public transport costs, esp with fare paying kids – in Amsterdam a trip downtown adds €20 a day to our costs.

        Reply

      • Talon Windwalker
        April 18, 2014

        Yikes! Yeah, you definitely have to weigh those factors in when deciding just how far outside the center you’re willing to go. And I wouldn’t want to visit either of those places in high summer. LOL

        Reply

  5. Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com
    April 16, 2014

    I use Couchsurfing when I just stay for a couple of days, but go to a hostel when I’m staying longer in a place. I should try apartment rentals some time!

    Reply

    • Talon Windwalker
      April 17, 2014

      I don’t do more than a few days with a Couchsurfing host either. Rentals are really great. You don’t get the socialization of a hostel, but I like having the extra privacy, the locals neighborhood, and a full kitchen.

      Reply

  6. Valen-Eating The Globe
    April 16, 2014

    I totally agree with getting an apt. to save on food costs. I’ll actually have one when I’m in Portugal, so I’ll have to take your suggestion and get a chicken from the supermarket!

    Reply

    • Talon Windwalker
      April 17, 2014

      It’s a tasty way of saving money, that’s for sure.

      Reply

  7. Gina – Our Global Adventure
    April 16, 2014

    Great post! Thanks so much, this is really useful information. We’re not quite up to the ‘booking’ stage yet, but we are in the budgeting and planning phase, so I’ve been looking for advice exactly like what you’ve just kindly supplied! Thanks again, all the best! 🙂

    Reply

    • Talon Windwalker
      April 17, 2014

      Glad to hear it came at a timely moment for you and was helpful. Good luck with the planning!

      Reply

  8. Maria
    April 16, 2014

    Brilliant tips! They are incredibly helpful as we’re planning our RTW trip with our toddler at the moment.

    PS: If you’re still in Portugal, let us know if you need anything at all. Cheers

    Reply

    • Talon Windwalker
      April 17, 2014

      Families traveling with toddlers always impress me. It’s a much bigger challenge for sure. Thanks for the offer! Wish we had connected while you were in the Algarve. Perhaps in Lisbon.

      Reply

  9. Penny Sadler
    April 15, 2014

    These are some really creative ideas on finding a place once you’ve already arrived. Of course with kids that may not be an option, but there’s plenty here for all kinds of travelers. Brilliant!

    Reply

    • Talon Windwalker
      April 17, 2014

      Actually these ideas are mostly for before you arrive. 😉 But yeah I did include something for those who like to just show up and find a place. That used to be me. Now I’m over it. LOL

      Reply

  10. Gran Canaria Local
    April 15, 2014

    Top tips, Talon. We’re a family of five, so we’re always looking to save money whilst travelling. Some invaluable advice here.

    Reply

    • Talon Windwalker
      April 15, 2014

      Yeah rentals are probably your best bet with that many people!

      Reply

  11. Sam
    April 15, 2014

    I always, always try to negotiate with owners on Airbnb when I’m going to be renting for more than a week, and it usually works: it certainly never hurts! I’m really impressed you got your place in Prague for just $600! That’s about the same we were paying in Arequipa, Peru and thought we were getting a good deal – I didn’t really think you’d find such prices in Europe.

    Reply

    • Talon Windwalker
      April 15, 2014

      Prague is extremely affordable. We probably could’ve found a better deal, but they wanted a lease, etc. So for a short-term place and not having to pay any utilities, yeah I was pretty pleased. Especially for a 2-bedroom apartment. Of course, it didn’t hurt that we were there in the middle of winter.

      Reply

  12. Wandering Educators
    April 14, 2014

    What fantastic tips – especially about not arriving tired, late, and with tired kids. Genius!

    Reply

    • Talon Windwalker
      April 14, 2014

      Hard to play hard ball when your toddler is crying and you look exasperated.

      Reply

    • Rebecca Baker
      May 3, 2014

      Hi
      Such inspiring writing and great to get truthful and factual hints! We two (myself and 11year old daughter) are hoping to travel along similar lines next year.
      I’m sure it sounds more daunting than it is…
      Thanks Rebecca

      Reply

      • Talon Windwalker
        May 4, 2014

        It definitely is much easier than it seems.

        Reply

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