Housing

Séjour Housing

You might be so excited to plan your adventure that you want to start looking for your home right away. Before you lose yourself in internet searches, I strongly recommend you ask yourself these questions. Your search will be a lot more productive if you know what you’re looking for!

Finding for a séjour home is similar to searching for a vacation rental, but there are a few key differences. As you begin your search, keep in mind these issues:

Lifestyle issues

A séjour is longer than a vacation. That kitchen is adorable, but is it adequate for a 2-3 month stay?

How do you picture your daily life?
Will you go stir-crazy in an apartment?
Will you be lonely in a rural farm house?
Do you need to think about school options for your kids?
A third floor apartment with no elevator is fine for a few days. But a few months?
Will you have a car?
How will you meet friends?

Book early

Because most of the homes you’ll find online are vacation rentals, it can be a challenge finding a place that is available for 2+ consecutive months. You’ll need to book well in advance – especially if you are planning to be staying during some part of the high season.

Monthly rates

The property listings online generally aren’t geared towards monthly rentals. You’ll likely only see daily or weekly rates, so you’ll need to contact them to ask about a monthly deal. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discounted rate for staying longer. You will more likely be able to work a deal during the off-season when an owner is happy to have a confirmed tenant.

The school/house puzzle

Sometimes your need for a certain type of school will dictate where you live. The closer you live to a city, the greater likelihood you will have access to a variety of private school options. If your kids speak the local language, you may have more options. Go here for more information on schools.

* There are unique challenges to planning a séjour. For more information, please check out our Séjour Planning Services or contact me.