Rome and more importantly the Vatican are best known for being home to the center of Catholicism in the world. But more than that, they are a jumble of culture coming from all points of the globe.
Although Italy may seem like a tiny country, it’s brimming with exciting sights and mouthwatering food stops that can heighten the trip experience.
But you know what else we love about Rome? It’s the endless number of vacation rental options that tourists can opt for when visiting the city. There are rental homes perfect for lone travelers, backpackers, a group of friends, and, most notably, perfect for a family wanting to visit the Eternal City or the Holy See.
Our family trip took advantage of these vacation rentals which inspired us to come up with tips on how you can pick the perfect vacation home for you and your little ones. Here are some of them.
1. Book Early
Pre-Covid, Rome is a tourism haven so it’s likely that the best rooms and apartments get booked up fast—even during non-peak dates.
To avoid disappointment, be sure to book it at least months before your travel date to secure accommodation.
It’s the least you can do to ensure a stress-free trip with the entire family.
2. Do Your Research
A trip’s research phase is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. It gives you a glimpse of what you should be expecting when you arrive in the country you are visiting.
Conversely, it’s also one of the most important, if not the most, crucial parts of the planning. The research will help you manage your expectations. This way, you’ll know what location to pick according to your preferences, and how big an apartment you need during your stay.
When looking for a room, make sure to input the actual dates of your trip, the number of bedrooms you need, and even the cost you are willing to shell out. That will help you narrow down your choices to what you think will work well for you and your family.
3. List Your Needs
A list of any kind has always been helpful in whatever situation. In the case of traveling, a record of everything you need to pack or places you want to visit is convenient. You can quickly tick off an item from the list if you have already put it inside your luggage.
Same goes when you find a vacation rental; you need to be clear about what vibe you want for the apartment you are planning to rent out, the features you want to have inside the house, and the number of rooms you need for all members of the family.
4. Observe The Kitchen
Most families would love to have a kitchen in an apartment rental. It’s not only a convenient way to have meals, but it can also help you save money.
Who needs to eat out when you can whip up something for the entire family to devour? It’s one way of making sure you fill everyone up without the need to scrimp on meals. Not that we’re saying eating out is a big no when traveling. Of course, being able to experience authentic Italian meals at restaurants should be on top of your vacation must-do list.
The thing is, some restaurants are too expensive, especially in the city center and around monuments such as the Vatican. If you’re on a tight budget, consider looking for a rental house with a kitchen to save moolah on a fancy meal at a restaurant.
5. Look For Well-lit Photos
Sometimes, deciding whether to book an accommodation or not is the quality of photos the host uses to promote their listing.
When looking for a place to stay in during your vacation, find the ones with well-lit photos. Why? It will allow you to feel whether the area is homey enough to house a family.
6. Ask Questions
Asking questions is one way to get to know the host of the vacation rental you plan to rent. There are no right or wrong questions, as long as you manage to stay within the bounds of respect and curiosity.
When you feel like something isn’t clear about the listing, don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s the only way you can get a straight answer.
7. Consider New Options
Reflex would tell you to look for options that have a lot of great reviews. That’s normal. But if you confine yourself to only listings with plenty of good feedback, then you might be missing out on vacation rentals that are new to the market.
Don’t close your doors on these new options. They might even give you a better rental experience.
Conclusion
You’re staying with your family; it’s normal if you want to feel extra protected. Usually, home rentals are well-kept by cleaning services. It’s almost a 100% guarantee that you will be staying at a clean and spotless apartment/house during your vacation.
These reliable services are a huge trend now, just like in the case of maid service NYC. They offer deep cleaning services for homes and apartments to ensure that no germs are freely lurking inside your sanctuary.
Written by: Geraldine Mills; A self-confessed wanderlust from the land down under, Australia! She funds her adventures by working as a brand consultant and as a travel writer. She loves sharing the allure of backpacking and being one with nature.