Family Hack

We hate hotels, especially if we’re traveling in other countries. Renting apartments (or houses) always get us way more bang for our buck. Plus, we get to live among the locals…not some Salesman from Cincinnati.

Apparently, super studly, best selling author, Tim Ferriss feels the same way. He recently bragged in his book The 4-Hour Workweekabout living in super plush apartments in Berlin and Buenos Aires for McDonald’s fry cook money. People cried foul, claiming $300 dollar a month luxury apartments are a myth.

Tim explained that these deals required more than a slack-jawed Google search. Yep, the boy actually negotiated. Relax, It’s easier than you think. Uncle Mikey is going to show you how to get a palace for peanuts.

STEP 1 - NEVER BOOK IN ADVANCE

Reserving an apartment on a web site may be easy, but it’s not going to get you the best deal. Instead, book a hotel for the first few days and visit several apartments. I know it sounds crazy to spend valuable vacation time looking at rentals, but think of it as sightseeing. Apartment hunting is a great way to see parts of the city tourists usually miss.

STEP 2 - THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER

Get a local newspaper. The classified ads are your new best friend. Unfortunately, rental ads are full of cryptic abbreviations. Deciphering them in another language/culture is not something we waste time on. Especially, when we’re lazy and surrounded by helpful hotel staff.

STEP 3 - USE YOUR HOTEL STAFF

We casually chat with several hotel employees. We tell them we’re looking for a rental and ask what areas they would recommend (or avoid). If we haven’t already found a newspaper, we ask where to get one. They usually produce one in seconds.

Next, we tell them about our specific requirements (a furnished 3 bedroom, etc) and ask if they wouldn’t mind circling some that look interesting. Once that’s done…we thank them profusely and ask them to call and make the appointments for us. A little appreciation goes a long way.

On the odd occasion that the hotel staff isn’t very helpful, we simply take a newspaper to a nearby cafe or park and ask some locals for help. It’s amazing what people will do for tourists in distress. Especially if you have a couple of cute kids in tow.

LAZY TIP: - THREE A DAY

Unless you are feeling really motivated, only see three apartments a day. This leaves time for other activities but ensures you’ll see at least see two if one falls through. Looking at six to nine rentals will surely get you a good place and some great experiences.

STEP 4 - SLOW DOWN AND DRINK

When you find a place you really like, SLOW DOWN. The more time you spend with the landlord the better your chances of getting what you want. Remember, It’s also common in many cultures to chit chat for awhile before and after doing business. When we find a great place, we often invite the landlord to go get some lunch/dinner or at least a coffee. Good deals can usually be worked out when the pace is more leisurely and a little good wine is flowing.

STEP 5 - THE POWER OF SHORT-TERM PAIN

If the asking price is $1,000 a month, the owner will not agree to $300 if it’s a year-long deal. However, if he/she fears it’s going to stand empty for awhile, getting $300 is more appealing than nothing. Plus, their short term pain is usually cancelled out by the instant cash gratification.

STEP 6 - BE FLEXIBLE

Tell the owner that you will keep the place neat and make it available to be shown to other prospective renters. Remember, the owner/agent wants top dollar as soon as possible. Help them and they will not begrudge you the deal you’re getting.

STEP 7 - BE DISCRETE

Repeat after me “If you will accept $300, I won’t tell anyone how generous you’ve been”. This magic phrase will let the owner know that you are not going to ruin their business by posting about your “deal” on TripAdvisor.com.

STEP 8 - FINDING LOCAL COLOR

At every appointment, make sure to ask the apartment owners about nearby markets, restaurants, parks and other attractions. These folks are full of wonderful gems that we would never find in guide books.

LAZY TIP - MAKE FRIENDS

Some of our best travel experiences have come from befriending a potential landlord. During a Q&A with a loft owner in Buenos Aires, she began telling us about her passion for Tango. When we reacted enthusiastically, she insisted we join her that night at a nearby Milonga (Tango Club). She even offered to have her housekeeper watch our kids.

We all had a terrific time and by the end of the night she was begging us to take the loft at any price. It turned out she lived next door and having people she liked was far more important than making a few extra bucks.

Over the next month, we thanked her for her generosity by taking her out to dinner several times. We always let her choose the place and in turn, experienced incredible meals and were treated like old friends by the restaurants.

BONUS TIP - BE A CONTRARIAN

We have the flexibility to travel during off-peak times. A lot of vacancies ups our chances of scoring a great deal. Another option is to follow the fear. If there is bird flu in Vietnam and Al-Qaeda bombings in Indonesia book the next flight. Unless you are touring poultry farms while wearing a Viva Bush t-shirt, you’ll be fine. Let the timid make room for us. We’re the few, the proud, the Family Hackers!

Got anything to add? We’d love to hear from you.