Okay, so I'm stuck traveling to Finland in the winter for business on my own...but I refuse to let it be a bad trip.
I need to find a great place to stay in Helsinki for 1 month beginning October 13, 2008. Ideally this place would offer a private room and a chance to meet some cool people. Any thoughts? :)
A group like Servas.org would require at least 4 weeks to go through their interview process and get matched up with a host. You say you need to have a place to stay within 2 weeks.
Most hostels have maximum stay requirements (unless you are working at the hostel), so even if you find a hostel that has a private room you will likely only be allowed to stay for 2 weeks, not one month. Of course, you could switch hostels mid-way and just go stay at a different one.
Try Couchsurfing.com and see what listings they have (again, most hosts don't want someone who is planning to stay for a whole month). You may also contact the local university and see if they know of any short term offering.
There are always furnished apartment rentals (i.e., VRBO.com and the like), but it's up to you to make the effort and get out there to meet people - but if you are already going because of work, this shouldn't be too difficult.
Thanks so much for the info!
Best place is the Eurohostel in Helsinki. It will have everything you require. Only unknown is how long they will permit you to stay. Email and ask.
Read about it here:
http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/
