When we first came from our three-month stay in Turkiye to Bulgaria we booked two weeks in Sofia with the goal of finding a long-term place to stay for an additional month. Little did we know, it would be a bit harder than we had anticipated.
The Initial Plan
When we landed in Sofia, we thought two weeks would be plenty of time to secure a good deal on a long-term rental. It has previously worked well for us in Thailand and Turkiye, getting to the place, feet on ground, then figuring the long-term plan out. We wanted to explore, climb, and enjoy the Bulgarian countryside. But finding the right place proved to be more challenging than expected.
The Search Begins
We began our search by exploring various options online. Prices varied widely, and it quickly became clear that finding accommodation near climbing areas would be more challenging than usual. We struggled to find a high concentration of good climbing, with a simple approach for the toddler and some easier grades for me. Doesn't sound like too much to ask for right?
We ended up finding a place in a small quirky little mountain town about a 1.5-hour drive from Sofia, Teteven. In Bulgaria, mountain regions experience a high season in winter for skiing and a low season in summer. This seasonality ultimately worked in our favor, as many Airbnb listings had vacancies for the upcoming months.
AirBnB to the Rescue
We turned to AirBnB, which offered some decent monthly discounts. Negotiating within the app also made a huge difference. We messaged several hosts asking for their best price for a one-month stay, and while not all were flexible, some offered significant discounts.
The Negotiation Process
Negotiating on AirBnB was straightforward. We introduced our family, explained our situation and goal of rock climbing, shared our budget, and emphasised the value of a long-term stay. Some hosts were willing to lower their prices, especially when they realised their places might otherwise sit empty during the off-season.
The place we ultimately settled on had no bookings for the upcoming three-month period, and we ended up getting it at nearly 50% off the original listed price on AirBnB. I used to feel uncomfortable negotiating, especially if there was already some kind of discount applied, but I have slowly become more confident. I've come to learn that there is nothing wrong with respectfully requesting a discount—the worst they can say is no.
We ended up paying $1,226 for 31 nights, which comes to $39.56 a night. This was a great deal compared to our place in Sofia, which we didn't necessarily love and was costing us $57.41 a night
We Found Home in Teteven
After a lot of searching and messaging, we ended up with a lovely one-bedroom apartment in Teteven. While the pricing was initially out of our budget, it ultimately became affordable. The location was perfect for our needs, offering proximity to climbing areas and convenience for groceries, all within a quiet neighborhood suitable for our toddler. The incredible mountain view was just the icing on the cake.
Tips for Future Travelers
Start Early but Be Flexible: Give yourself plenty of time to find the right place, but also be open to last-minute deals. If you prefer not to leave accommodation to the last minute, consider booking refundable options. This way, you have a backup if you can't find anything better and cheaper but won't be penalised if you do.
Use Multiple Platforms: Don’t just rely on Airbnb. Check local websites, zoom in on Google Maps, and search Facebook groups, Instagram hashtags, TikTok, and other resources.
Communicate Clearly: When negotiating, be clear about your needs and budget. Offer value propositions if possible. For example, in Turkey, we took updated photos of our rental and rewrote the listing in proper English for our host. They didn't ask us to, but it was much appreciated. Kindness and helping others can go a long way.
Check the Season: Be aware of the high and low seasons, as they will impact availability and pricing.
Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the accommodation when you arrive to avoid any disputes later.
Final Thoughts
Finding long-term accommodation in Bulgaria was an adventure. It required patience, flexibility, and a bit of negotiation. But in the end, we found a place that suited our needs perfectly and allowed us to enjoy all that Bulgaria has to offer.
PS: For more information on us, our travel to Bulgaria and our lives head over to our Instagram! @the.froth.family.
Til next time,
R
Til next time,
R
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