I was awakened by the sound of thunder and the relentless drumming of rain against my open window. Quickly, I moved my suitcase away from the window to protect my clothes from getting wet and snuggled back under the warm down comforter. It was still dark outside, and lightning momentarily lit up my room. It seemed like a perfect day to stay inside, plan more of my European adventure, and wait out the storm; my exploration of Paris would have to be postponed.

I was staying in a private room in the 10th Arrondissement, rented from its owner who also resided in the flat. The apartment was a typical old Parisian one, with parquet wood floors and textured walls, impeccably clean, and I had full access to the kitchen, WiFi, bedding, and a towel. The owner was exceptionally helpful and friendly (also: handsome!), providing me with maps of Paris and helping me find my way around. My room was spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the charming courtyard below.

Traveling through Europe can be pricey, and finding affordable accommodation is always a challenge. Initially, I thought about staying in youth hostels, but after hearing my younger sisters describe the variable quality of the hostels they encountered while living in Germany and traveling around Europe, I decided against it. Moreover, booking a private room in a hostel can be almost as costly as a hotel! So, I turned to Craigslist for vacation rentals.

I was pleasantly surprised by how reasonable the rates were for my Paris flat found on Craigslist, especially given the amenities it offered—far more than a hotel or hostel would provide.

On that rainy day in Paris, I used Craigslist again to find accommodation in Amsterdam. I booked a private, fully furnished one-bedroom flat that was surprisingly affordable. Upon arriving in Amsterdam, I took a taxi from Centraal station to the apartment, where a friend of the owner greeted me with the keys. The apartment was spacious, filled with light, featuring a huge king-sized bed, a fully equipped kitchen, and a washing machine—luxurious compared to a hostel and much cheaper!

An article I recently read in the New York Times, titled “Europe Without Hotels,” discusses this growing trend of vacation rentals. It was very enlightening, and I’m excited about this increasingly popular travel option. A company called AirBnB, based in San Francisco, caught my attention, and I plan to list my own home there once I settle down, to rent it out to travelers. (Turns out, I was one of the first AirBnB users, and part of the first consortium of hosts as well, when I moved back to the U.S. and to Oakland, CA).

Staying in private homes has significantly enhanced my travel experience by providing not only much-needed privacy but also a glimpse into local life. It also helps tremendously with food costs since I can purchase groceries and cook meals myself. This approach to traveling is, without a doubt, the best way to travel, and I highly recommend it!