Flatio Interview

As part of our Interviews Series, we thought it would be great to hear from our CEO to understand his perspective and experience about midterm rentals. So in today's post, we will have a chat with Radim Rezek, Flatio's CEO from the Czech Republic.

Flatio: Hi Radim, please share your current travel plans with us.

Radim: I am going to Lisbon, Portugal with my family for a half month. I chose this location because I love Lisbon. Mainly local cuisine and waves for surfing. Another reason was a new office that we're opening there and meeting my colleagues working remotely.

Flatio: What kind of service or information do you miss the most when preparing for a trip and why?

Radim: I miss information about the locations. As I'm travelling with my family, I wonder if the accommodations will be in a good area for families, etc. When choosing a place to stay in Flatio, I liked four apartments, but the decision breaker was mainly the location. Since I'm not familiar with the areas, I contacted my colleague Henrique, a local, and he helped me choose. So I guess having this "inside" type of information is very helpful for travellers.

Flatio: What are your guidelines for finding the perfect accommodation for your trip?

Radim: For us, it's essential to be close to the park or the sea. We want to have access to places where our children can play and have fun, so we want to have it very close by walking distance.

Flatio: Once flights and accommodation are sorted, what's the next thing on your mind Radim: For us, it's about culture. We like museums, restaurants, etc. It's also essential for us to know about the closest grocery store, how we will travel there, and the ticket for public transportation.

Flatio: Once you arrive at your destination and check in on your accommodation, what things you appreciate the most about and what could upset you.

Radim: I am happy when the apartment will look the same or better than online. It's disappointing when the property isn't as clean as one would expect or there's a visible mess. I also don't appreciate it if I wait too long for keys because the landlord has a delay, and I am unaware of this upfront.

Flatio: What is super important to you during your stay regarding activities, facilities, culture, etc.?

Radim: We want to enjoy our stay. It's not about seeing everything but getting familiar with everyday things that are usual for that country. We like to see and experience the places as if we were locals.

Flatio: Did COVID-19 change how you choose destinations and accommodation for your trips?

Radim: Yes. When we booked our apartment, Portugal had some restrictions in place, and if those restrictions were even more severe, we would have considered a different country.

Flatio: Based on your experiences so far, what advice would you give for people planning a trip in conditions similar to yours?

Radim: Do not be afraid of more extended stays. Longer than a week. Try a month or 2. It's worth going out of your routine and comfort zone. I truly recommend people to try slow travel. It will give you a completely different travel experience.