Update (26.7.2016): Please note that this coupon code is expired. Did you know that 81% of expats will move to a new apartment in September 2016? Are you? No worries – today is your day! Book with Spotahome before June 30th to enjoy: * 15% discount on the booking fee…
114 posts by author
Mandy
Full-time Spotahome Blog Manager, part-time guitar playing, travel loving, soul searching hippy. Want to contribute to the blog? Drop us an email at blog(at)spotahome.com! Can't wait to talk to you!
What To NEVER Do In Istanbul
Heading to Istanbul or moving there and unsure of how to make the most of out of the city? We´re sure you’re familiar with some of the city’s most magical locations, but do you know what to NEVER do in Istanbul? Don’t wear revealing clothing to…
What Nobody Tells You About Being An Au Pair
6 years ago, I made a life-changing decision to become an au pair abroad for the first time. For those unfamiliar with the term, au pairs are (usually not qualified) nannies who receive accommodation and usually other benefits (including weekly pocket money, covered food costs, and travel expenses, etc.) in…
Moving Checklist & Tips by Kent Removals & Storage
Guest blog post by Kent Removals & Storage Moving can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re moving overseas or have just moved out for the first time. Luckily, over last seven decades, Kent Removals & Storage moved more than a million people and have mastered the art of…
Top European Music Festivals You MUST Attend in 2016
Are you starting to plan your summer in Europe? Looking for some inspiration on places to go and concerts to see? Spotahome broke down top 5 European music festivals you absolutely have to add to your bucket list. Rock Werchter One of the most diverse music festivals in Europe with…
20 Reasons Spain Is Perfect For Erasmus Students
1. Endless Erasmus parties. 2. Sangria or Tinto de verano – perfect drink choices regardless of the season. 3. There’s nothing like chilling in Retiro park on a sunny day after your lectures. 4. Or spending a whole day getting a tan on la Malvarrosa or La Barceloneta beach. 5.…
Alternative Things to do in Barcelona: A Bohemian Guide
Want to make the most out of your weekend in Barcelona but are tired of large crowds of tourists? Spotahome has created a Bohemian Guide to Barcelona where you can find local tips on how to explore the city off the beaten path, find new cafes and spend time getting…
10 Things I Learned While Living in Paris as an Erasmus Student
Written by Maria Jose Contreras (@chocowithmilk) I moved to Paris in August 2014 as an Erasmus student and stayed there for 6 months. Apart from developing a risky relationship with butter, I learned 10 important things while living in Paris. If you are thinking of visiting anytime soon, perhaps they…
How To Speak Like A True Italian
So, you’ve moved to Rome and are now looking for ways to speak like a true Italian? Are you searching for some catchphrases or idioms that will impress your new friends? Here are Spotahome’s favorite phrases in Italian… * Hai voluto** la bicicletta****? E adesso** pedala**!** Literal translation: You…
Things to do in London: 10 Best Secret Places in London
Think you’ve seen all of London? Looking for inspiration? To escape? A new weekend adventure or just a quiet, undisturbed corner? Check out Spotahome’s 10 best secret places in London you just have to see! 1. The seven noses of Soho Bored over the weekend? Go find the…
How to Open a Bank Account in Ireland
Opening a bank account in Ireland might be a daunting (and slightly confusing) task, however, it is one of the first things you should do after you book your mid to long-term accommodation with Spotahome. Please make sure to always read the fine print and be aware of any tax…
Living in Italy: Why You Should Learn Italian in Rome
Written by Gabriele Monti It is well known that the best way to really learn a language is to study abroad, so you can totally immerse yourself in the culture of the country. So what could be better than planning a study trip in the beautiful Rome to improve your…
Moving to France Guide: Useful Tips and Tricks
We know moving abroad is often a daunting task – no matter how much prepared you are for your move, there is always something that you didn’t think about. Nervous about your move? Don’t worry – Spotahome has created a guide on moving to France, full of useful information, apartment…
5 Things We Love About Dublin: Things to do in Dublin
James Joyce, St Stephen’s Green, friendly community, and many shopping streets – all that can be found in Dublin, in our opinion, one of the most underrated cities in the world. Spotahome has gathered 5 things we absolutely love about Dublin, based on the tales from the locals as well…
Moving Abroad: How to Settle in a New Country
Guest blog post by Natalie Miller If you have decided to make a move overseas or to a country where the local culture is radically different from your own, then you will need to adapt quite a bit before you can settle in safely and calmly. When you need to…
Things to do: Hiking in Madrid
Struggling to find new and fun things to do in Madrid on a budget? We bet you didn’t know that one of the most underrated experiences in Madrid is hiking. Yep, you heard that right. Due to its elevated location and proximity to the mountains, hidden forests and other…
How to Open a Bank Account in Italy
After you find your perfect mid to long-term housing, whether it is inMilan [http://spotahome.com/milan],Rome [https://www.spotahome.com/rome], or any other city, at some point, you will have to open a bank account in Italy. The task of opening a bank account is surprisingly easy…
Decorating on a Budget
****Whether you are studying abroad or just rented your first flat, money can be tight money when it comes to decorating your apartment. Here at Modernize, we understand the excitement of living in a new space, and we have a few useful tips to make the space truly yours without…
10 Reasons Why You Should Live Abroad at Least Once
– and it really doesn’t matter how old you are (we’re looking at you, blog posts on ‘Why You Should Live Abroad in Your 20s’). 1. To get out of your comfort zone. Most of us found ourselves doing things out of our ordinary routines. And it feels incredible.…
Where to Live: Madrid or Barcelona
Madrid or Barcelona. It’s an endless debate, whether it comes to sports, deciding where to live, renting an accommodation, politics and everything in between. While the costs of living are not that much different, there is a significant contrast when it comes to the community, culture, attractions and even…
Best Areas To Live In London
Ah, the endless debate of which borough takes the number 1 crown and which is the best place to live in London. The truth is, nobody’s perfect, not even the poshest and most elegant areas of the city. Catered to your lifestyle, Spotahome selected (in our opinion) the best…
How to Open a Bank Account in France
Difficulty: Hard Available banks: Crédit Agricole (CA), BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Caisse d‘Epargne (CE), Banque Populaire (BP), Crédit Mutuel, La Banque Postale, LCL Types of bank accounts: Non-residential (compte non-résident), residential Documents you will need: For a residential bank account: * Proof of identity with a recent photo (ID, passport…
5 Best Things to Do in Valencia
Are you in Valencia for a few days or looking for some new things to do as a resident? Though small, the city has a lot to offer. It’s time to explore the endless cobblestone streets, hop into some new undiscovered museums, hunt for fantastic street art and be…
What to Do in Milan: Hidden Spots
Trying to figure out what to do in Milan? Check out our list of hidden spots to explore in the Fashion Capital of the World! While many tourists spend endless amount of hours visiting Milan’s most popular spots, the locals know that the secret of Milan lies in its…
Things to do in Barcelona: Tips From a Local
Lorette is one of Spotahome’s Runners, or Homecheckers, and we absolutely adore her. She has been living in Barcelona for a year and today, she will share her thoughts on The City of Gaudi and give us some local tips on how to get the most out of this…