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Ask yourself what you want. It might seem obvious, but your search will go faster if you figure out beforehand what matters most to you. Privacy? Or, do you really want a swimming pool or other amenities? Is access to tourist attractions or activities important? Also think about how many beds you need, and what you realistically can afford. Many Web sites allow you to search properties using these and other criteria. To help focus your thinking, take a look at www.slowtrav.com, a site that offers a wealth of practical advice on vacation rentals, as well as recommendations on rental agencies and message boards where you can learn from other renters’ experiences. |
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Narrow your geographic focus.
If you aren’t sure what region—or even what country—you’re interested in, take time to figure that out before you start scrolling through listings. Browse guidebooks and travel magazines and Web sites such as www.fodors.com and www.lonelyplanet.com to learn more about the local culture and climate. Remember that popular vacation areas like Tuscany, Provence, and the Costa del Sol are likely to be crowded and expensive. Consider nearby alternatives such as Le Marche in Italy, Languedoc-Roussillon in France, or inland areas of Andalucia and Catalonia in Spain. You’ll save money and enjoy a more laid-back vacation. |
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Avoid July and August. The most popular tourist spots are mobbed during July and August, when most Europeans take their vacations. Especially around the Mediterranean, the weather is often more pleasant in June and September than in July and August. Most pleasant of all, rents in June and September are generally at least one-third lower. |
| Comparison shop. Even if you’ve decided to rent through an agency rather than directly from an owner, take a look at several agencies with listings in the area that interests you. You may find significant differences in prices and in services offered, such as 24-hour emergency assistance or help in booking local trips or activities. Sometimes you can even find the same property listed by two different agencies—try a Google search with the property name. Don’t be afraid to press an agency for more information, including additional photos of a property you’re considering. Avoid agencies that refuse to let you contact past clients as references. Some online sites, such as www.rentvillas.com, offer customer reviews of individual properties. For more adventuresome vacationers, www.vrbo.com offers thousands of rentals directly from owners. |
Renting a European Villa
So many listings, so little time. Here are four tips to ease your search for a vacation rental on the Continent
By Carol Matlack
With tens of thousands of European vacation rentals now listed on the Internet, you could easily surf away every spare minute from now until summer, and still not find the getaway of your dreams. Here are four tips to make your search more efficient and your rental experience more rewarding.
Now, start surfing! Your villa awaits.