Organizing a villa vacation is a challenge — and a lot of fun! Thorough pre-trip research can make the difference between a good trip and a truly great adventure. As you begin to think about villas, here are some points to consider.  

Step 1: Budget
Do you want luxurious amenities, or are you looking for something simple? Consider how much time you’ll spend in your property each day. If you intend to make regular day trips, then basic accommodations may be sufficient. If, on the other hand, you plan to spend your days relaxing by the pool, selecting a property with additional amenities and comforts is important. Narrowing down your price range will also help.

Step 2: Season
July and August are high season in Europe, and they are the warmest months. In August, most of Europe is also on vacation! This means beaches and lakes are crowded and cities are full of tourists. Transportation, accommodations, and food are the most expensive. May, June, September and October are better months to enjoy the European countryside. The weather is generally good (not too hot), the locals are in town, and the crowds have thinned. Late fall, winter and early spring are great times to visit cities, as prices are at their lowest.

Step 3: Location
What type of location most perks your interest? Think about what activities you want to do on your vacation. Read by the pool? Visit museums and historical sites? Wander through local markets? Swim in the sea or a lake? Once you’ve targeted a location that offers opportunities for your desired activities, make sure the weather is going to cooperate. For example, you probably don’t want to golf in southern Spain during August (too hot!), just as you probably don’t want to sunbathe in April or early May (too cool!). If you need some help in this area, consider giving one of our travel advisors a call.

Step 4: Size
Do you need one bedroom or ten? If your group is large, would you like a freestanding house or independent apartments? Knowing the needs of your group will help you to select the best venue for your adventure together.

Step 5: Prioritize
Make a list of the attributes most important to you with regard to a property rental — window screens, beautiful views, privacy, proximity to local attractions, etc. Now go back and mark five items that are most important to you. This is what you want to focus on! Also put together a few questions you want to ask about each property. Is it accessible to main sightseeing locations? Is it close enough to a small town to allow me to get groceries without having to drive for 30 minutes?

Step 6: Get Help from Professionals!
Once you have an idea what you’re looking for, give us a ring at  1-800-726-6702. We’ll go to work doing what we do best — coming up with a list of properties that will “tickle your fancy!”

Have you decided to rent a villa? Congratulations! 

Now comes the next step: choosing a rental agency. Obviously I’m biased towards RentVillas.com, but no matter who you choose it’s important to make sure they’re legitimate. (Note: I don’t recommend renting direct-from-owner. With so much invested in one property, the “downsides” often get overlooked. Agencies can be more objective.)

When you select a rental company, consider the following points: 

• How long has the company been in business?
• Do they have firsthand, personal knowledge of their properties?
• Are they readily accessible via phone and email?
• Do property descriptions include detailed info?
• Can you view property availability with an online calendar?
• Are there comments or reviews from previous renters?

I am proud to represent a company that has been in business since 1984. But don’t take my word for how great we are! Take a look at the many client reviews throughout our website. Here is just one example: 

“We talk about what a wonderful, peaceful trip it was almost every day — and that is in large part due to the wonderful property and travel tips that Rentvillas.com provided for us. So THANK YOU!! We are so lucky to have found Rentvillas.com. We are already dreaming of our next trip to Italy, and would not think of booking a place to stay with anyone else.”

Rentvillas.com was one of the first villa rental companies in the US. Our travel advisors have lived in Europe — not just visited. Each of them specializes in certain areas and makes a yearly trip to visit properties and investigate new locales.  

RentVillas.com also features convenient real-time availability and booking for many properties. We’re constantly adding new photographs and expanded property descriptions in order to provide you with as much information as possible. 

You can browse by country and instantly organize properties based on your dates and desired price with the Quick Filter. Once you’ve selected properties that meet your criteria, store your choices in your personal Suitcase. Via your Suitcase you can request a hold, confirm your booking, and make payments.  

Don’t want to browse? One of our complimentary travel advisors would love to chat. She’ll ask a few questions and recommend properties based on your specific needs. Just give us a ring: 1-800-726-6702.

Let us help you find the villa of your dreams!

The economic slump has created a once-in-a-decade opportunity for travelers: fantastic deals on accommodations and airfare are everywhere.

But if you’re like me, that’s only half the challenge. The other half is all the money you’re going to spend when you get there! Food, shopping, transportation… it can add up quickly if you’re not careful. Here are some practical ways to keep your travel costs down. 

1) Pack Well
In particular, make sure you have adequate footwear and layered clothing. Otherwise, you may be forced to purchase clothes (at a premium) during your trip. I am perpetually tempted to take my “nice” shoes rather than my “comfortable” shoes. I gave in to this temptation twice – once on a trip to Italy and a second time to Boston. I have a new pair of shoes to show for each trip – and yes, they are nice shoes, but I paid way too much… and frankly, I would have rather been seeing the sights than searching for a shoestore! 

2) Pack Light
Many airlines are now charging hideous amounts of money for extra baggage. So make sure you know your airline’s requirements and streamline your packing process. Share toothpaste and soap with your companions. And remember to leave some room for the return journey!

3) Use Public Transportation
Booking a villa or apartment near some form of public transportation is a fantastic way to save on the costs of car rentals. Trains are everywhere in Europe, and most smaller towns have stops where you can catch a ride to any destination you like. Big cities usually have metros or excellent bus systems… use them! Honestly, it’s also more fun.

4) Photos – Not Souveniers
The best souveniers are your memories – and the best way to preserve those memories is to take lots and lots of photos. Buy yourself a compact digital camera with a nice big memory card and go for it. You could also add a fun twist – take a stuffed animal to photograph at every site, or photograph every meal you eat. The time you don’t spend shopping in tourist traps can be put to good use relaxing by the pool at your villa, exploring the countryside, or enjoying a nice picnic lunch.

5) Eat Local
Popular sightseeing attractions and transportation hubs are usually surrounded by restaurants catering to tourists. While these places may seem convenient when you’ve been hoofing it all day, they are neither cost-effective nor authentic. Instead, plan ahead. Assuming you’re not staying next door to a main attraction, keep an eye out for local markets, bakeries, and delis around your villa or apartment. Stock up on breakfast items and anything you can use for a picnic lunch.

6) Talk to Locals
Yes, that’s right – talk to people! I’ve rarely taken a bus in Europe without ending up in some interesting conversation with a complete stranger. Easy conversation starters are usually things like, “Excuse me, am I on the right bus?” or “Could you tell me what that sign says?” Be polite and courteous, but also make sure you step out of your comfort zone a little. After all, you’re here to experience the culture! Ask your keyholder or that guy in the bakery where he likes to eat dinner. Investigate whenever you see a “hole-in-the-wall” with a line of locals out the door. Explore! Not only will you find great deals, you’ll meet some wonderful people and make memories to last a lifetime.

Buon viaggio! 

If the reduced-price villas under the “specials” tab aren’t enough for you…

We just added a new category to our Featured Properties on RentVillas.com. It’s called “Great Value Villas and Apartments.” 

It’s easy to pull up the cheapest properties in any region on RentVillas.com (simply search by price). The villas in the Great Value category, however, offer the best of all worlds: great location, plenty of amenities, and fantastic price. No bare bones here. 

Poggio Antico, for example, isn’t our absolute cheapest Tuscan villa for six – but it’s definitely one of the best values. Consistently rated  5 stars by our clients (there are 63 reviews) , it’s all the best of the Tuscan villa experience wrapped up in one ideal package! Furnished like a private home rather than a rental, Poggio Antico has a swimming pool, classic Tuscan views, olive groves, owners who speak fluent English… and a castle about 500 meters away. 

There are 50 other villas listed along with Poggio Antico in “Great Values,” spanning all sizes and all locations. Check them out! We’ll be continually updating, too. So if nothing catches your eye today, check back later for more!

…At least, according to Josh Bernoff of Forrester Research! Just before Christmas, he posted an article on his blog entitled “Rentvillas.com shows how to be a human.” He writes: 

“I am a Rentvillas customer. Traveling to another country where everything is different — the power outlets, the language, the time they eat lunch — is scary and intimidating, especially if you vacation with your children. In this frame of mind, I found Rentvillas four years ago, when planning a trip to France. I used them again for my trip to Italy this September. And I have to say, this is a company that acts like a human, and treats me like a human, in ways that surprised and pleased me.”

If you’d like a bit of an inside peek at how RentVillas.com operates “behind the scenes,” check out the article here.

Do you have a blog? Want a free copy of Living Like a Local in Italy?

No problem!

Blog about RentVillas.com before January 1, then email me a link to your post. In return, I’ll send you the PDF of Living Like a Local! My email address is nikki@rentvillas.com.

Looking for a way to explore authentic Italy? Check out The Insider’s Guide to Living Like a Local in Italy on Amazon.com! 

Written by RentVillas.com founder Suzanne Pidduck, this little guidebook brings together over two decades of experience renting and traveling in Italy. Learn how to prepare for your trip, where to find the restaurants locals patronize, how and when to drive Italian style, and much, much more. It’s an invaluable companion for any renter!

It’s $7.80 on Amazon.com… or free, if you rent an Italian villa through RentVillas.com! 

If you’re traveling with kids or just want to expand your horizons beyond the typical tourist destinations, theme parks are a great way to add depth to your European experience. And I’m not just talking about “Euro Disney!” Think aquariums, botanical gardens, zoos, and water parks!

Most travelers might not think about going to, say, a local zoo, since the assumption is that you can visit the zoo when you’re at home. Parks are generally the same everywhere, right? Wrong! Well, sort of…

- In addition to having displays from around the world, most zoos, botanical parks, and aquariums have special exhibits and/or tanks to educate visitors about native species. You’ll get an in-depth look at local flora and fauna you couldn’t find at home. Your travel experience will be much richer when you know what trees you’re looking at, or what birds are in the branches!

- Parks are also a great place for practicing the local language. The familiar setting provides the context you need to feel comfortable, while also providing endless opportunities for learning new words. You can prepare and practice the most common questions ahead of time, and then add in new vocabulary as you learn! For example, at the zoo, you could learn all the names of the animals, plus lots of great adjectives like tall, short, brown, soft, scaly, etc.

- Theme parks are also just a great place to relax and slow down the pace. Remember you don’t need to see everything! Just relax and have fun. Water parks, in particular, are a fantastic way to escape the summer heat – and it’s a nice break for kids (or other family members!) who might be a little burnt out on museums!

For information on European parks, check out Infoparks.com!

I’ve gotten several phenomenal recommendations recently for Daniella Hunt, a guide operating in Rome. A native North Carolinian, Daniella has an extensive background in Roman archaeology and ancient history. Here’s what Mary, one of RentVillas.com’s clients, had to say about her:

We “found” Daniella Hunt years ago and refer everyone to her! We have had many guides in Italy and all over Europe and no one comes close to Daniella. I’m not at all exaggerating how absolutely wonderful a guide she is. We’ve been to Italy some 15 times and no one has ever compared to Daniella. [She] knows tremendous places to take you that are WAY off the typical tourist route and are phenomenal parts of history. She also reads the original Latin and is funny as all get out. You may often hear her say, “The tourist books tell you that this means……, but let me tell you what it REALLY says!” One time we went with our friends who had boys in high school studying ancient history. She humorously put them “to the test” and we all had fun recalling what we knew!

Interested in having Daniella show you around the Eternal City? Check out her website at www.rome-tours.com!

If your mental image of Tuscany is all golden sunshine and vines heavy with overripe grapes… you’ve never seen Florence when it rains. Showers come quickly – once, standing in a sunny piazza, I turned to see a wall of rain sweeping from one end to the other. I had time to pull out an umbrella, and had a good laugh as less observant pedestrians cried out and ran for the nearest shelter.

I’m sure they weren’t disappointed; one of the most charming experiences in the world is joining the mad dash into the nearest church sanctuary. Dismayed chatter falls to a reverent hush; wet clothing is forgotten as everyone stops to admire vaulted ceilings aglow with flickering candlelight. And afterward, when the rain passes, the world is clean and fresh. The marbled pinks and greens of the duomo glow, and terracotta roof tiles turn rust-red. 

Now add twinkling lights along the river Arno, the smell of roasting chestnuts, and the sound of music wafting out of every church, palazzo, and public hall. 

This is Christmas in Tuscany. 

And if you’ve come here wondering if its wise or wonderful to visit Tuscany at Christmastime – yes, it’s both. Crowds are fewer, prices are cheaper, and it’s a gorgeous time of year. Here are some a few special things to look for. 

Christmas Markets: Called Mercatini di Natale in Italian, Christmas Markets are a tradition imported from Germany. Outdoor stalls spring up in various places, filled with goodies of all kinds. You’ll find handmade crafts (think leather), ornaments, and absolutely amazing food. In Florence, you should find the biggest area in the Piazza Santa Croce. If you want even more food, check out the Mercato Centrale (be aware most vendors open early and close around 2 p.m.). 

Ice Skating in Florence: An outdoor rink can be found at the Parterre Piazza delle Liberta. It’s 20 meters by 30 meters and accommodates 200 people. I’ve been told on Christmas morning, only children are allowed onto the rink, where they can greet Santa Claus – or, as he is known in Italy, Babbo Natale! 

Concerts and Exhibitions: Not surprisingly, music and art abound throughout Tuscany. You can find concerts all over the place no matter what time of year it is, but they’re especially atmospheric at Christmastime. For a current list of things happening in and around Florence, go to the official tourism website, www.firenzeturismo.it. Then scroll down to the middle of the page and click on the red magnifying glass icon labeled “Trova.” A little drop-down menu appears; click “eventi.” And… voila! You can now view all events during a particular time period. You can also select Florence or a number of outlying smaller cities and towns, such as Certaldo or Bagno a Ripoli. (Note: This website can be seriously annoying, so if you’re planning on renting through RentVillas.com give us a ring and one of our Travel Advisors will help you out.) 

Nativity Scenes: In Italy, Christmas trees definitely play second fiddle to Nativity Scenes, or presepio. St. Francis of Assisi is supposed to have created the first one in the year 1223, and the tradition took off from there. Now you’ll find a scene in almost every church, some of them quite elaborate. Families put together their own nativity scenes, and in Florence there’s a public competition for the best one! Some churches will even organize a living nativity for a night or two. Small nativity scenes made of wood or plaster (often sold at Christmas markets) also make wonderful gifts for friends and family who weren’t able to join you on your trip!

As you can see, there’s no shortage of activities in Tuscany in the winter months. Yes, some museums will have sightly shorter hours, and some restaurants will be closed on holidays. Yes, it may rain – or even snow! Nevertheless, it’s a small price to pay for this much charm.