When you travel, you can stay at a hotel like everyone else. Or you can soak up the local culture off the beaten path for tourists by renting an apartment or condo for your vacation and living like (and with) the locals. Aside from being an affordable option (hotels for a week in Europe can be very pricey), holiday rentals in Spain can make for a unique and memorable trip.

Why Rent?

Think about where the hotels in your city are located. In most cities, the hotels are located near tourist attractions or the airport. And while that might be convenient, it certainly doesn’t give a traveler a feel for your town or area. The same is true when you travel abroad; the best way to get a feel for a local area is to stay there. Holiday rentals in Spain can give you the opportunity to stay away from the rest of the tourists and soak in the local culture.

Instead of spending time with room service, you can eat at local restaurants and get out and experience Spain as the Spanish do. Because you will have a kitchen, you have the opportunity to visit the local markets and sample the food. In many cases you also have the flexibility to do laundry or have internet access. And a holiday rental in Spain is often far less expensive than a hotel room for the same amount of time.

How Do I Find a Holiday Rental in Spain?

The easiest way to find a holiday rental in Spain is to do an internet search. There are companies that are devoted solely to short-term rental properties for travelers. They usually have agents that speak English and can help find a property that will best meet your needs. Be sure to ask about amenities that matter to you; laundry, full kitchens, playgrounds, and internet are all options in many rentals. The agents can also help you with local customs and area favorites.

Some rentals are also available through travel agencies; call your agency to see if they do holiday rentals in Spain. Another option is to do an apartment swap. This is where you trade apartments for a week with someone in Spain; they get the opportunity to visit the United States (and stay in your home) and you get a rent-free apartment for a week. There are websites devoted to apartment swapping; you can also find swaps at many major travel websites.