What to expect at your vacation rental
There are many cultural differences between the U.S. and Europe, which will affect
your experience while traveling. Of course, experiencing the pleasurable differences
(cuisine, architecture, etc.) are a primary draw for most of us. However, in order
for you to avoid unpleasant surprises resulting from cultural differences we would
like to offer our clients some advice on what to expect & what not to expect when
staying in a European Vacation Rental. There are also important distinctions to
be made between European vacation rentals and hotels.
Supplies
Vacation rentals in Europe are often called "self-catering accommodations." This
refers to the fact that you have your own kitchen to prepare meals. A tremendous
benefit, as anyone who has rented a house or apartment knows. However, there is
an important difference from what you typically expect from other types of accommodations
such as B&B's or Hotels. European owners sometimes do not stock the rentals with
the basics such as soap, toilet paper, paper towels, cooking oil, etc. Upon arrival
you may find your rental stocked with some or all of these supplies, but by all
means, do not depend on it.
Shopping
In some European countries the shops will close on Saturday afternoons and not
open again until Monday morning. In the cities you may find an open
shop on Sunday but in rural areas it is less likely. Since Saturday arrivals coincide
with shop closures good planning is necessary for your comfort during the first
weekend of your stay. You may need to make some purchases of your initial supplies
before arrival (for Saturday arrivals).
Linens
Typically, Europeans use duvets (comforters) instead of blankets combined with a
flat sheet. Therefore, you will usually find a duvet with a freshly launderd covert
(much like a large pillowcase.) This combination is your sheet and blanket combined.
Hot water and Utilites
Energy costs in Europe are double to triple of what we pay in the U.S. If utilities
are not included in your rental price, the bill upon departure could be higher than
you would expect to pay at home. If utilities are an extra charge this will be indicated
on your invoice as well as on property desctiption prices tab.
Telephones and phone calls
GSM Cell phones can be purchased very inexpensively with a prepaid chip installed.
For more information please see our article about
GSM cell phones.
Most payphones no longer take coins. It is a good idea to buy a telecom phone card
immediately upon arrival if you will be using the payphone. You can find these at
tobacco shops or news stands. The cards may be purchased in varying quantities of
currency (i.e. 10 Euros, 20 Euros, etc.) If you need to call a key holder while
on the road this card will be essential. You simply slip the card into the payphone
and it automatically deducts money as your call progresses.
Local telephone calls are not charged at a flat fee as they are in the U.S. Each
and every call made is metered - even on residential phones. Therefore, if you have
an open line, metered telephone in your rental there will be charges for local calls
made.
If you have a U.S. calling card authorized for international calls you should be
able to use it from most phones. Otherwise, using the purchased Telecom cards described
above will also allow you to call home from a payphone.
Appliances
European washing machines are usually a front loading type. If your rental is equipped
with a washer please ask the key holder upon arrival to explain how to operate it.
The wash cycles are quite different from the U.S. washing machine. Furthermore,
beware that these washers take over one hour per load. Dryers are also quite rare
(due to the cost of electricity.) Most rentals are equipped with a drying rack or
clothes line.
Insects
Window and door screens are not typically found on European buildings. Please be
aware that there can be more insects indoors than we are accustomed to in the United
States.