Ditch Tourist Prices! Rent Apartments Like a Local Anywhere in the World (No AirBnb!)

Unlock Affordable Adventures: Live Like a Local with Budget-Friendly Rentals!
Tired of tourist traps and sky-high rental prices? Stop using AirBnb, VRBO or Booking. This video is for YOU! Travel expert Cris Gawlik shares her three powerful strategies to find amazing long-term apartments worldwide, all for a fraction of the cost on Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com.
In this video, you'll learn:
Cris' Secret Strategies: Discover her unique methods to find local rentals anywhere in the world.
Save Thousands: Learn how to avoid tourist markups and secure budget-friendly accommodations.
Live Like a Local: Immerse yourself in the culture by renting from and connecting with real locals.
Open the door to affordable adventures! Stop overpaying for tourist rentals and unlock a world of authentic experiences.
Let us know in the comments below! Have any questions about renting apartments abroad? Cris is here to help!
You can find Cris on / asuitcaseandasmile . She has tons of resources, articles, websites, and referrals on her linktree at linktr.ee/ChristinaGawlik
Use Cris' referral for the Wise Card.
wise.com/invite/ihpc/christin...
Use our referral for Booking dot com, (PLEASE!) www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinm...
Hey Nomads!
We're Chris and Steve, a retired couple adventuring full-time around the globe. To keep our nomadic lifestyle going, we rely on some amazing resources and partnerships. We're excited to share them with you, along with some exclusive discounts to fuel your own travels!
In this description, you'll find:
Stay Connected on the Road: Discover our favorite mobile data options, including a discount code for Flexiroam roam.my/CES5KHKP. The link should take you to the app. I only know about one app. My code is CES5KHKP
Fuel Your Wanderlust: Grab our books, "Two Carry-Ons and a Plan" and “A Nomad Life” for expert tips on minimalist travel nwww.amazon.com/Two-Carry-Ons-....
Trusted Housesitting: Learn how to house sit with Trusted Housesitters and get 25% off with our code EATWALK25 (trustedhousesitters.pxf.io/Ea.... We also have articles on creating a stellar profile on our website (eatwalklearn.com/).
Show Your Love! Support us with a virtual coffee on Paypal (paypal.me/chrisenglert1) or Venmo (@chrisengl).
Plan Your Adventures: Save on tours and activities with Get Your Guide (gyg.me/zc4oWo7S ) and Viator (www.viator.com/Chicago/d673-t... ).
Booking Made Easy: Find great deals on hotels and long-term stays with Booking.com (www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinm....
Travel Gear Essentials: Discover our carry-on of choice from Osprey
(osprey.pxf.io/ospreywheeled40 ) and our favorite travel shoe recommendations (www.eatwalklearn.com/gearl).
Fuel Your Wanderlust Further: Dive into our curated travel book list on Amazon (www.amazon.com/shop/eatwalkle....
Travel on Rewards: Earn travel insurance and points with our recommended credit card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred (www.referyourchasecard.com/6j....
Connect with Us! Find us on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram (@eatwalklearn).
Stay tuned! We upload new videos every week.
Leave a comment below! What are your favorite travel resources and tips?
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We genuinely love these products and services, and hope you find them helpful too. Our videos are not sponsored, but our links above are affiliate links. When you click on them, we get a small commission at no cost to you.
Contact Us:
For business inquiries, email us at [e-mail].
Disclaimer:
This channel does not promote illegal activities. All content is for educational and entertainment purposes only.
Thanks for Watching!
Thank you very much for supporting us. #nomadlife #fulltimetravel #googlefi #travel #healthyeating #nomad #travelcouple #coupletravel #retirement #retirementtravel #budgettravel #digitalnomad #nomadic #cellphone #housesitting #petsitting #expat #liveabroad #liveinternationally #shorttermrental #longtermrental #vacationrental #airbnb #vrbo #cheaprentals #fire
#travelhacks
#budgettravel
#longtermrentals
#airbnbalternatives
#livelikelocal
#traveltips
#crisgawlik
#eatwalklearn

[@pjcline8878]

I took notes ! This episode is timely for me bc I'm starting to book for the next three months in three different countries. If you'd like me to share my findings and savings, I will gladly do so. Just tell me where! Thank you all so much; I will now proceed with confidence. (Cha-ching, cha-ching)

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thanks PJ. You can share here or it'd be really great to share in our Nomad Life (EatWalkLearn) Facebook group.

[@user-id2cx8yj3y]

I was an Airbnb host for 4 years, I don’t recommend them. In the beginning the service was great but the last 2 years service has gotten terrible. It’s very difficult to get a hold of an agent and when you do they keep giving you the run around and say someone will contact you shortly to resolve the issue and they don’t. Very poor customer services the last year especially. Won’t be hosting via Airbnb nor being a customer again!

[@EatWalkLearn]

I'm sorry this has happened to you. Thank you for your feedback

[@christinagawlik2597]

I hear ya! People forget that Airbnb is simply a marketing platform. That company has nothing to do with rentals except to provide a place for owners and property managers to advertise their listings, and allow renters the ability to search using parameters. It’s the modern day version of the For Rent section of any newspaper.

[@traveler65]

My husband and I have been doing what you're doing for the last 5 years. Over the years Airbnb has gotten way more expensive and over saturated. Eager to learn of other ways for us to rent places globally. Thanks for the tips✌️🌱🌎

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@user-bg9em7ch6k]

100% agree!

[@SherryXShi]

Just a side note, on Airbnb and all platforms, YOU CAN manage host and ask for 28 days + days or midterm rates. Most of time they will give much cheaper rates because host rather rent it out during slow seasons. Always ask. “ ask you shall receive “ Travel safely ❤

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thanks for the comment. It's good advice to message the host in advance.

[@divinaflamingarrow9556]

Wow thabk you so much ❤️ It is Sunday evenning here in Arizona. I am just getting ready to travel for the 1st time and this is so great to receive your strategies ahead of time.😃🏠

[@EatWalkLearn]

Have fun!

[@user-bg9em7ch6k]

As someone who hosted, very briefly, in 2016, I can tell you that they did Nothing (and were literally impossible to reach), when a young man rented from me and allowed his 16yr old sister to host her 17th birthday party there. I was incredibly fortunate to have been in town that weekend (the only time this had ever happened), and something just didn’t seem right to me, so I drove by. By 8:45pm there were 50+ teenagers drinking and smoking and dropping Red Velvet birthday cake batter on our hard wood floors (yes, it stains), Air BnB literally refused even to withhold their security deposit, so I was stuck repairing a couple of walls (don’t ask) and decided that the dining room buffet was not important enough to pay the $3,000 to refinish(!) Needless to say, it was the last time I rented out my home.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Oh I'm so sorry this happened to you

[@antigroundhogday]

Really well-done interview and guest. I can only stand so many daily vlog type of YT channels so I appreciate you guys getting down to problem-solving. :)

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thank you. Please let us know other topics you'd like us to do.

[@antigroundhogday]

@@EatWalkLearn my wife and I have "figured it out" for the most part bopping around Latin America these days, but just throwing out ideas that might work: 1) Apps and technology (haven't tried real time earbuds w/ translation yet) that help with language barriers. Maybe review language learning apps too. 2) comparison of luggage types (personal luggage only vs. carry on backpack vs carry on roller vs checked) and how to save weight & money by wearing extra clothes while boarding, etc. I travel w/ personal item only and detest baggage fees. EDIT: I'd be willing to collard on this topic. My wife says I'm nuts. 3) Transportation options when visiting the US to see friends/family for a month or two (rentals cars are expensive!). 4) Addressing travel burnout, short term friendships, and finding purpose within a full time nomad lifestyle. 5) Reach out to a few seasoned, full time nomads and interview them for how they budget, review their spreadsheets and share a copy. I'd be willing to collab here as well. Love me some spreadsheets! I wish you continued success with the channel!

[@lisaquick1196]

Thank you all so much! I'm s single female planning a nomad retirement, and not only was this info about rentals helpful, but I'm stoked to find a woman doing this alone. I just subscribed to your channel, and i will follow her on FB! Happy travels!

[@EatWalkLearn]

Fantastic. Thank you and welcome

[@christinagawlik2597]

Thank you! Happy traveling!

[@nomadjim]

Perfect timing! I'm beginning to stay longer periods of time in places and wanted to start looking into using local rental agencies and contacts as an alternative to AirBnB and Booking. These strategies are just what I need. Can't wait to try them! Thanks for the great interview with Cris!

[@EatWalkLearn]

Best of luck!

[@TNTTravelsWW]

Thank you soooo much for this information! After one year of using AirBNb with many bad experiences, I am definitely going to utilize this strategy.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marcietownsend3635]

Great tips and timely since I'll be hunkering down for six months in my next location. Thank you.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Have fun hunkering!

[@travelrefocused]

Great information. I actually read Chris's article quite some time ago. This was a nice refresher 👍

[@EatWalkLearn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FIREWeGo]

These are great tips, and we look forward to implementing them as we start our traveling around the world. Thank you so much :)

[@EatWalkLearn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@laurastringer8344]

Great video Chris and Steve. Appreciated all the tips from Cris G. Loved both your vibes.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@christinagawlik2597]

Thanks! ❤

[@urs_on_earth]

Thank you for having Cris on your channel - I follow her on FB already. I appreciate her tips for joining the local fb groups - I’m trying the strategy w Madeira, PT - although a shorter than a month stay. I’ll definitely re-listen to this episode.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Let us know how it goes!

[@christinagawlik2597]

I rent direct anytime I’m staying 2 weeks or longer.

[@divinaflamingarrow9556]

Thanks folks for having her on your channel 😃💖

[@EatWalkLearn]

Our pleasure!

[@brianmcallister4959]

Great information. Recently just started following Chris G also. Thank you all for for the actionable tips!

[@EatWalkLearn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christinagawlik2597]

Glad you enjoyed them. ❤

[@debbiekirby468]

Great tips! Looking forward to using these strategies! 😊

[@EatWalkLearn]

Let us know how it goes

[@irisstone2112]

Nicely done, Cris, Chris and Steve!

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thank you

[@christinagawlik2597]

❤thanks

[@SeniorSoloSojourner-kq7mg]

Very helpful -- good ideas!

[@EatWalkLearn]

So glad!

[@Positively46]

Good vid thank you.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment!

[@brendasmith9689]

I can't wait to try out these strategies. Thank you!!!

[@EatWalkLearn]

You're so welcome! Let us know how it works

[@rn3074]

Great strategies! Thank you so much for sharing! ❤

[@EatWalkLearn]

You are so welcome!

[@mariakraemer8434]

Your tropics are very useful and info-rich. Thank you for sharing the knowledge 👏🏻

[@EatWalkLearn]

Glad you like them! Thanks for the comment

[@loricoupon3518]

Great video. Thank you for the info.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment

[@mjbalmmac1588]

Great topic and very helpful

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@user-bp5ve2zi3j]

Great content - ty!

[@EatWalkLearn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TasteLifeWithUs]

Great video! Thanks for all the info! We’re going to have to try this out as we book Europe 2025. I’m working on a video on money-saving travel ideas and I’ll be referring watchers to this video and A Suitcase and a Smile.

[@christinagawlik2597]

Thanks!

[@EatWalkLearn]

Thank you. Can't wait to watch yours

[@mosbys7062]

I actually avoid hosts or property managers on AirBNB who have many listings (1 or 2 are ok), because I have found through experience that these people tend to not give great service. These are also the people that tend to cause the most issues with locals and prices increasing in neighborhoods.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Interesting. Thanks for the comment

[@christinagawlik2597]

That’s the exact opposite of my experience. But I’ve been renting from agents and owners since I was 18, in my home country and abroad. I much rather rent from established persons in the STR/MTR/LTR industry than the random person trying to make a buck with 1 listing. Personal preference, I guess.

[@jameshall2299]

I finally made it to genius level 3 with booking. I have completed 46 bookings in last 24 months and I messaged booking saying , hey shouldn’t I be at genius level 3 and they said only need 4 more bookings by October and so I emailed them back and said hey, I’ve had 46 bookings in the last 2 years and I got bumped but no compensation for not being level 3 for last 31 bookings

[@EatWalkLearn]

Yicks. We've been at level 3 for years and think they need more levels!

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

that is some real due diligence to keep from getting scammed. What about a facetime walk thru?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Another great idea!

[@christinagawlik2597]

Yes, I do that sometimes. But usually the people I rent from have such an online presence, there’s more than enough photos and reviews to read, I have the info I need. Plus I’m confirming my needs about a rental either way the agents and owners over the phone or text/email. Remember, no one with Airbnb corporate is going to the millions of units listed on their site to make sure they exist. It’s simply an advertising platform with a call center.

[@jennyl2912]

Good stuff! We book with Delta AirBnB every stay and the prices are the same as through regular AirBnB (I always research there first, then switch over for the actual booking)

[@EatWalkLearn]

Good to know!

[@marciajimenez7347]

Have any of you Ladies gotten scammed/burnt renting this way? Great video.

[@EatWalkLearn]

No.

[@christinagawlik2597]

More scams happen on Airbnb. Remember, that is simply a marketing platform with a call center. No one with that company goes around ensuring the rentals actually exist. I started living on my own since the age of 18, and I have been renting direct from agents and owners for decades. I’ve never been scammed using my methods.

[@elkinjohn]

Do you make the transaction prior to arrival or in country? I hesitate to get an apartment site unseen..

[@christinagawlik2597]

Of course I do. I have vetted the person I am renting from, I’ve viewed all the photos and read all the reviews, and if I feel it necessary, we have a video call walk through (FaceTime or WhatsApp video call).

[@laurayoung1983]

Good information! Do property managers handle one week rentals or just one month or longer?

[@EatWalkLearn]

Both!

[@FahlstromJohn]

I am so tired of ABB...looking for alternatives

[@EatWalkLearn]

Hope this video was helpful

[@rufflesnuffle]

how do the people you rent from handle issues/problems with the properties ? and do you have travel insurance to cover you for cancellations or problems?

[@christinagawlik2597]

I am renting from property management companies and real estate agencies. They are businesses in the rental industry that have teams of people in place (plumbers, electricians, gardeners, contractors, etc). When problems arise, they contact the appropriate team member to fix it. These business do not cancel your rental agreement/lease. If something disastrous would happen to the home you’re supposed to rent from them, they would contact you and offer you different options from there long list of properties that they manage.

[@rufflesnuffle]

@@christinagawlik2597 that makes sense. Thank you. I’m going to look into renting from proper businesses ☺️

[@donberkman6876]

Thanks Chrises ;) I enjoyed this very much. One more question. We use AirBNB's Free Cancellation filter almost all the time as life throws us changes and it could mean us not going somewhere. When working with a local realtor or even a local property manager, how can you obtain a free cancel before 5 days or even 1 day of check-in that I can get with AirBNB? Thanks, Don

[@christinagawlik2597]

You can ask the agents and owners what their cancellation policy is. No question is a bad question to ask them.

[@donberkman6876]

Thanks Chris. Do you often find that they have flexible cancellation options like five days prior to check in full refund option? Similar to Airbnb if you use their filter.

[@christinagawlik2597]

@@donberkman6876when I’m committing to several weeks to a month or two stay, I personally have no reason for a cancellation policy. I’m looking for a great place to call home for that time, and I’m prepared to commit.

[@donberkman6876]

@@christinagawlik2597 got it. thank you. I wish I was as sure of my long term commitments in my travels but I understand what you're saying. Thanks for the insights and the replies

[@Kristoferwitha_k]

Lol im kris too

[@EatWalkLearn]

Welcome to the club

[@dancingruth]

Yup…my main reason for not wanting to use Airbnb is their service. Both the host and guest might agree and Airbnb will not help. Btw, as a host, it always felt like they sided with the guest. 😂. Basically, they always side with Airbnb. Thank you for this video.

[@EatWalkLearn]

Haha. Yes, you're right.