The first summer is a busy period in terms of renting housing, whether in French territory or abroad. Mostly, the lease was made in advance (sometimes even a few months ago) at one of the most used rental companies in France. Airbnb, Booking, Abritel… So many platforms that allow you to book your holiday accommodation from your sofa. Although they are very useful for comparing prices in the market and often offer complete offers with accompanying photos, this site only provides a limited amount of information about the rental property.
A vacationer who arrives at his vacation spot only glimpses the house or apartment he has reserved, and when he opens the door, he discovers the details of his investment. Here are a few “details” to check upon arrival to avoid unpleasant surprises later.
This applies in particular tourist tax. While the vacation rental platform is generally integrated into the final price, some online accommodations do not include it. Also, some foreign owners take advantage of vacationers’ ignorance claim even if the tax is already included in the amount paid by the tenant. Do not hesitate to ask the owner for details on this topic before entering the accommodation to avoid unpleasant surprises when you leave.
Check for pests
it’s a fact bed bugs are back in Europe in the 1990s. Since then, they have continued to spread and are the terror of many travelers who arrive in unfamiliar accommodation. Biting, itching… Nothing like that to spoil the holidays. calmly peeking into beds and under the sheets check that there are none when you arrive. The same goes for cockroaches, insects that threaten the hygiene of the house : check behind the fridge, or even behind the oven, where they can easily hide for warmth.
Check for socket adapters
Are you traveling abroad? It is possible that the accommodation you have rented does not have a French socket adapter. If you haven’t planned it before you leave, don’t hesitate to put it on your list of first things to do on site.
Check that the water is hot
After a few hours of travel, finding that the water in the shower is cold can be an unpleasant surprise, especially when you are undressed and barefoot on the bathroom tiles. To test the water temperature, do not hesitate to turn on the tap or shower beforehand.. If it’s cold, the boiler or water heater is probably not on. It will be up to you to take the lead!
Check for seasoning
If the rental ad does not state this, the kitchens of seasonal rentals often hide snacks bought by previous vacationers in their cupboards. Oil, salt, pepper, vinegar… Why deprive yourself of it? Don’t forget to check the expiration date.
Check that there is shower gel and shampoo
The same applies to shower gel and shampoo, which vacationers often leave behind, especially if they have to fly by plane (bottles larger than 100 ml are not accepted in the cabin).
Check if there are any cameras
Horrible testimonies on the Internet this year: a young woman found a camera disguised in an Airbnb shower alarm clock which she rented for the holidays. Inside are videos of various tenants of the apartment, taken without their knowledge while washing. The case is undoubtedly extremely rare, but it’s better to dig around a bit and make sure there are no cameras around in your accommodation. A strange Bluetooth network or a blue light when you flash certain objects (an indication of a hidden target) are all clues that can lead you to the trail of a hidden camera. If you find one, be sure to report it to the police.