When we travel, we try to get off the beaten path and explore neighborhoods, local markets, and small restaurants. One of the best ways to do that is to find an apartment or home to stay in. Not only do you get privacy, but you also can relax more, and get into the rhythm of the place.  We've found a GREAT website that helps people find apartments in Europe! It's called LikeLivingThere, and it was created by Ron and Charlotte Bartizek.  Currently in Paris (scouting out MORE great locations!), we were lucky enough to catch up with Ron about his site, getting off the beaten path, giving back, and more. Here's what he had to say...

WE: Please tell us about your site, www.likelivingthere.com...

RB: We launched the site in August and already plan several improvements. Essentially, we specialize in "self-catering" apartments in Europe, with a focus on Barcelona and Paris. This is how we travel and we think many people would prefer apartments to hotels but don't know how to find them. The key to our site is the Travel Plan, in which clients describe their party, their abilities and their desires, and we find a place that fits.

Our place in Rome last year had a rooftop terrace, with a view of Hadrian's tomb. It was pricey but we took the leap because we may never again have the experience as a family.

WE:  What was the genesis of your site?

RB: We've stayed in apartments several times, doing our own bookings. It took a lot of time and effort to find appropriate (and acceptable) places, and we made a few mistakes along the way, which we learned from. We thought that many people understandably would not want to do this on their own but with a little help and guidance they'd make the leap from hotels. In many cases there is very little extra cost, because owners pay us a commission for bringing clients to them.

WE:  How can travelers find a great place to stay, in Europe?

RB: Those with time and courage can do research themselves. Self-catering is well-established in Europe and there are thousands of apartments available in major cities. But if you haven't visited before, or if you've stayed only in brand-name hotels or been on tours it can be hard to find a place that fits your agenda and where you feel secure. At likelivingthere.com, we listen to clients' preferences and abilities and make suggestions based on them. We know the cities of Barcelona and Paris (Rome and Florence to a lesser extent) and can situate you in an apartment and location that fits your desires.
If you prefer hotels, we'd suggest seeking out smaller, local establishments like the Minerve on the Left Bank in Paris, which are located in or near neighborhoods rather than tourist zones. But if the budget is tight, look for specials from traditional sources.

Place de la Contrescarpe was three blocks from the Paris apartment we rented last December. Hemingway lived just off the square when he first moved to Paris.

WE: How do you suggest travelers get off the beaten path and live like a local, while they're overseas?

RB: First, find a place that is in a real neighborhood, where you're bumping elbows at a cafe with local people on their way to or from work and chatting with the proprietor. Many apartments are in buildings occupied primarily by residents, not tourists. Second, use guidebooks judiciously. Many listed restaurants tend to be dominated by the tourist trade; be brave and ask your host or people you meet for recommendations and emphasize that you are open to surprises. (Unless you're not - then stick with the usual suspects.)

Save some money and get a taste of local daily life by shopping in nearby markets; why pay restaurant prices when you can pick up fresh produce and baked goods for breakfast?

If you'd like to have company, consider a B&B, or in France a gite, where you can share meals with other travelers. And don't rush! If you want to live like a local, slow down, browse around, stop in parks and do the things you would at home. We try to stay in one place for many days whenever possible, so that we can adapt to the rhythms of the neighborhood.

WE: Do you have options for families with children?

RB: Absolutely! Perhaps our best experience was traveling as a family of five to Barcelona, Florence, and Rome. Carefully selected apartments provide the same mix of privacy and communality that you have at home, but with the thrill of being in an exotic destination. Rather than a cramped hotel room (or two), you can have room to stretch out and save money, too.

Downtime Barcelona: this was our living room during our stay in a four-bedroom apartment near the Born district. Comfy place to unwind or plan the day.

WE: How can travelers give back, while traveling and living locally?

RB: Good question, and one we've been wrestling with. We believe staying in neighborhoods and patronizing local, family owned businesses is a start. Americans tend not to realize the predominance of small businesses in Europe. We'll be looking for other ways to share our good fortune, such as donating to local organizations that support families within their cities. And, please, always contribute to museums and other institutions that you visit, even if it's not required!

WE:  Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

RB: Please don't get the impression that self-catering is only about pinching pennies and staying in Spartan quarters. There are apartments of all sizes, styles and prices - how about 4,000 square feet in Barcelona or a view of the Eiffel Tower in Paris from your rooftop terrace? This also is a great option for business and academic travelers attending conferences and trade shows. Instead of coming home day after day to a cramped hotel room, you can have the space and arrangement that makes an extended stay a pleasure and not torture. And you will have a place to share with colleagues or clients that says you are comfortable as a citizen of the world.

That's us, raising a glass at the famed restaurant Taillevent in Paris. Not recommended if you're on a budget, but a top choice for a splurge. Go for the prix fixe lunch and enjoy all the atmosphere and service for half the price.

WE: Thanks so much for sharing your excellent business, Ron. We highly recommend it to our Wandering Educators!

For more information, please see:
http://www.likelivingthere.com/

Feature photo: Barcelona near our apartment: This was taken less than 5 minutes from our front door. The spire is the fabulous Gothic Santa Maria del Mar church.

All photos courtesy and copyright of Like Living There.