How to Find Short-Term Housing While Traveling

How to Find Short-Term Housing While Traveling: Digital Nomad Edition

Let’s be honest—finding short-term housing as a digital nomad can feel a bit like online dating. You’re endlessly swiping through options, hoping for “the one” that doesn’t come with a surprise roommate (read: cockroach) or WiFi from the Stone Age. But fret not, fellow wanderers! With a sprinkle of wit, a dash of curiosity, and the right tech tools, your next home away from home could be just a few clicks away.

The Digital Nomad’s Toolkit: Beyond Airbnb

Airbnb: It’s the Google of short-term stays. But much like Google search, the magic is in how you use it. Filter wisely—look for “entire place,” check for “dedicated workspace,” and always, always verify the WiFi speed (I once spent a week working from a rooftop in Bali because the “high-speed internet” was, in reality, powered by hopes and prayers).

Pro tip: Message hosts and ask for a screenshot of a speedtest.net result. If they respond with a blurry photo of a modem, run.

But don’t stop at Airbnb! There’s a whole constellation of platforms orbiting in the short-term rental universe:
– Booking.com (often overlooked for apartments, but gold in many cities)
– Flatio (curated for mid-term nomads, with transparent pricing)
– Nomad Stays (designed for remote workers)
– Facebook Groups (search “[City] Digital Nomads” or “Short-Term Rentals [City]”)
– TrustedHousesitters (stay for free by taking care of someone’s fur babies—bonus: instant animal therapy)

The Power of Community and Reviews

Years ago, I learned the hard way that one person’s “cozy” is another’s “claustrophobic.” Always dive into reviews, and don’t just skim star ratings—look for comments about noise, neighbors, and, yes, the all-important internet connection. My rule: if three or more people complain about the same thing, believe them.

Want the inside scoop? Ask in digital nomad Slack channels or Discord groups. Communities like Nomad List or Remote Work Hub are gold mines for peer-to-peer recommendations and sometimes even exclusive listings.

WiFi: The Real Deal-Breaker

Let’s face it—no matter how charming the exposed brick or how Instagrammable the balcony, bad internet is a deal-breaker. Apps like Speedtest by Ookla and nPerf let you check the WiFi when you arrive, but before booking, don’t be shy about grilling your host. I once asked a landlord in Lisbon to FaceTime me from every room while running a speed test. Did I feel extra? Absolutely. Did I get 100 Mbps in every corner? You bet.

Automate Your Search

If you’re a fan of clever hacks, browser extensions like Nomad Rental Scraper or Airbnb Tools let you export listings, compare prices, and track changes. Feeling particularly geeky? Set up Google Alerts for new listings with keywords like “short-term,” “remote work,” or “digital nomad.”

Location, Location, Location (and a Bit of Serendipity)

Remember, proximity to a good café, coworking space, or a late-night taco stand can make or break your experience. Use Google Maps and Foursquare to scout nearby amenities. Bonus points for integrating with TripIt or Notion to keep all your research organized—because nothing says “digital nomad” like a color-coded spreadsheet.

The Art of the “Test Stay”

If you’re on the fence, try booking just a few nights first. This way, if the “sea view” turns out to be a print of the ocean taped to the wall, you can bail without heartbreak (or a negative review). Many platforms will let you extend your stay if things turn out dreamy.

Reflections from the Road

After a dozen cities, five continents, and one memorable stint in a treehouse (great for Instagram, not so much for Zoom calls), here’s my philosophy: The perfect short-term home is less about amenities and more about adaptability. The right tech tools can open doors, but curiosity—and a healthy willingness to laugh at surprises—will make every stay an adventure.

And remember: If all else fails, there’s always a hammock, a hotspot, and a story to tell.

Happy nomading—may your WiFi be strong and your rent negotiable!