Bring Your Own Housing
What is “Bring Your Own Housing”?
Bring Your Own Housing (BYOH) is a flexible way to join a full TGLA program community—while arranging your own apartment. This option is offered in some (but not all) of our program sessions.
If you already have a place to stay (or prefer to choose your own), BYOH lets you plug into everything that makes The Good Life Abroad special: the people, the structure, the local experiences, and the on-the-ground support—without housing included.
This is a great option for those who prefer to look for budget accommodations, or are seeking a unique luxury living experience.
How does it work?
Choose your destination and dates (just like a standard TGLA program).
Select the “Bring Your Own Housing (BYOH)” option when booking your session.
Book your own apartment within the recommended area for that program session.
Arrive and join the community—you’ll be included in the same onboarding, schedule, and group experiences as everyone else.
We’ll make it easy to integrate: you’ll receive pre-arrival information on the recommended neighborhood boundaries, community meeting points, and how to stay connected day-to-day.
What does it include?
BYOH includes everything in the TGLA program except housing, so you can enjoy the full community experience and day-to-day ease.
Included with your Community Fee:
Curated cultural experiences and activities throughout the program
Community-building events and meetups designed to help you connect quickly (including beloved traditions like our Tuesday Lunch Club)
On-the-ground support from our Community Manager team
Travel medical insurance (included, same as our standard option)
CM support via WhatsApp, 9–5, Monday–Friday (for program-related questions and support)
What does it NOT include?
BYOH is intentionally simple: it’s the full program and community—minus housing-related services.
Not included:
Your apartment / accommodation for the program duration
Support with your apartment’s property management (e.g., lease issues, maintenance coordination, refunds, disputes, check-in logistics)
How do I know where the other travelers are living?
Every BYOH program has a recommended “community area”—a walkable set of neighborhood boundaries where most TGLA travelers stay (and those staying in TGLA-arranged apartments).
Before your program begins, we’ll share:
A clear map of the recommended area
Guidance on proximity to meeting points and typical daily gathering spots
Tips for choosing an apartment
What does it cost?
Month-Long Signature Programs: $2,500 USD per person
Two-Week Short Stay Programs: $1,250 USD per person
This is a flat Community Fee and is the same across all TGLA destinations.
It covers the full program experience—community, activities, support from local Community Manager, and travel medical insurance—without the apartment.
Watch the BYOH Webinar
In this Deep Dive webinar, founder Andrew Motiwalla explains how BYOH (Bring Your Own Housing) works at The Good Life Abroad—and why it can be the perfect way to join the community even if you don’t book housing through us.
Frequently Asked Questions
During booking, you’ll see a clear map showing where TGLA apartments are located for that specific program site. After booking, our team will also send you precise guidance—either a building address or a neighborhood radius—so you can choose housing nearby.
No, The Good Life Abroad does not help you find an apartment, nor do we endorse any specific apartment rental company. Here are some companies that operate apartment rentals across Europe that might be helpful. Again, we do not take responsibility for the apartment you rent with any of these suppliers, and you are free to use any rental agency you wish.
Yes. BYOH travelers receive the same pre-departure experience as all participants, including welcome communications, a one-on-one welcome call, group introductions, and in-country orientation. The only difference is that you arrange your own housing.
BYOH is ideal if you book after TGLA apartments are sold out, want a different style of accommodation, are traveling with a pet, or enjoy choosing and arranging your own housing. It’s available in most destinations as long as the program has not reached capacity.
Everything included in a standard TGLA program except housing. This includes all cultural activities and events, Tuesday Lunch Club, welcome and farewell gatherings, local Community Manager support, orientation, local living guidance, and travel medical insurance.
Yes. All scheduled meals, happy hours, cooking classes, cultural experiences, and group activities organized by TGLA are included. There are no additional charges or tipping expectations at group events.
Housing accommodations and any interaction with your property manager or rental platform. TGLA does not manage, endorse, or intervene in BYOH housing arrangements.
The BYOH Community Fee is:
$2,500 per person for month-long Signature programs
$1,250 per person for 14-day Short Stays
This fee is the same across all destinations.
Yes, travel medical insurance is included. Trip cancellation or “cancel for any reason” insurance is not included and must be purchased separately. Coverage for pre-existing conditions requires an optional add-on.
There is no formal deadline, but housing is entirely your responsibility. We strongly recommend securing accommodations before committing—especially if you have specific needs such as pets, accessibility, or location preferences.