vrbo.com

[Waller Creek]

Taking the family to Europe this summer and interested in renting a house for a week or so. Looking at rural Italy or rural Spain primarily. I know that some people have had good experiences with vrbo.com (vacation rental by owner, i think), and they seem to have some good deals, considering the dollar's anemia, etc., but I'm not sure how to grade them other than price and a couple photos and semi-vague descriptions that they have.

Anyone have any tips on how to evaluate homes on sites like this? Other suggestions?

 

[DCLonghorn]

I use vrbo for all my trips. I've been very lucky and all the houses that I've rented have been exactly as they were pictured on the website. As a general rule, I try to stay in a place with the most pictures and I like to talk to the owner before putting down a deposit.

 

[defroach]

from my experience (very minimal) they have beeng ood, but it isnt based on much. Mainly use common sense, look at the pictures and compare to prices around there, and defienntly talk to the owner

 

[CaptainEd]

i'll echo what has been said. my experiences have been really good renting houses on the coast from vrbo, but i would just contact the owner and ask for additional pics or a link to their website (many have them).

 

[Texclerk]

Also check out various travel discussion boards to see if anyone has any feedback on the one you are considereing. I have done it several times and always been happy.

 

[Dallas Frog]

Don't loose any house keys and don't let your friends drink Seabreezes inside and you will be fine with VRBO.

 

[Bernard]

Ask lots of quesitons. Don't rely on just a couple photos. The more photos the better. You should know exactly what you are getting. Get the street address and use Google Earth to check out the surroundings.

I've used VBRO many times with great sucess.

Depending on time of year, the prices are sometimes negotiable.

Bernard