Author Archives: Nikki's Missive

So you want a villa… now what?

09 Monday Feb 2009

Posted by in 1. Early Planning Stage, First Steps

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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!”

Choosing the Right Villa Rental Agency

09 Monday Feb 2009

Posted by in 1. Early Planning Stage, Which Villa Rental Agency?

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Have you decided to rent a villa? Congratulations!

Now comes the next step: choosing a villa rental agency. You have your choice of companies, as well the option to rent directly from a villa owner. Here are some points to keep in mind when embarking on the search for a villa.

Owner-Direct vs. Agency

Many property owners choose to work directly with the customer and you’ll find many personal web sites devoted to showcasing their homes. The upside to renting from the owner is that you, the customer, avoids agency fees and can communicate directly. The downside to owner-direct rentals is that often, a home’s shortcomings get overlooked since the owner has so much invested in his/her property. Agencies can be more objective and implement quality control measures. In addition, owner-direct transactions most likely occur via email only; due to language barriers and time zone differences, picking up the phone to speak to an owner about small details related to your rental is not a simple proposition.

Not all Agencies are Created Equal

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?

What Makes RentVillas Different

  1. Rentvillas.com was one of the first villa rental companies in the US. We’ve been in business since 1984.
  2. Rentvillas.com offers a free Travel Advisor service. Call 1-800-726-6702 or 1-805-880-1228 during business hours (8:30 AM t0 5:30 PM PST) and you’ll be assigned a personal Travel Advisor who will assist you with all aspects of the trip planning process. Our world-traveled, multilingual staff members are an excellent resource for ideas about where to stay and what to do when you’re there.
  3. Our villas an apartments are all high quality, company-inspected properties. We write the descriptions and add the photos for each and every villa or apartment on our site. Many vacation rental sites allow owners (or anyone else) to post their properties online and then leave it up to you to find out the real truth. RentVillas.com is different. We want you to know the truth before you go!
  4. We publish our previous renters’ candid reviews so that you know what they liked most and least about their stays. We accept reviews only from our clients. You don’t have to worry about property owners posting their own “reviews.”
  5. Rentvillas.com offer a Best Price Guarantee: If you find one of our properties listed on another site for less, let us know and we’ll match the price and credit your 90 USD for your effort.

How Does it Work?

RentVillas.com features convenient real-time availability and booking for many properties. 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.

6 Money Saving Tips for Travelers

16 Friday Jan 2009

Posted by in 3. Things to see and do, Ways to Save

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Travel smart!

Travel smart!

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! 

We’re Human!

01 Thursday Jan 2009

Posted by in Which Villa Rental Agency?

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…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:

josh-bernoff“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.

Italy Guidebook: Living Like a Local

13 Saturday Dec 2008

Posted by in Guidebook, Italy

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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! 

Theme Parks in Europe!

11 Thursday Dec 2008

Posted by in 3. Things to see and do, Theme Parks

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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!

Christmas in Tuscany

12 Wednesday Nov 2008

Posted by in 3. Things to see and do, Italy, Tuscan Xmas

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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.

candlesI’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. 

firenzeNow 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. 

Christmas in Paris!

12 Wednesday Nov 2008

Posted by in 3. Things to see and do, France, Paris Christmas

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Nothing is so beautiful as Christmas in the City of Lights. If you’re contemplating a winter holiday in Paris, rest assured that it’s an unparalleled delight! There are a couple of extra challenges, but the special events and sights offered only during Christmastime more than compensate. So here’s your handy Paris Christmas guide!

Transportation: The metro and RER are both open during the holidays, even Christmas Day, so no worries there. Cabs will also be running, although you can assume a lesser number will be out-and-about. I suggest jotting down the number of a cab company “just in case.”

Closures: Most closures for major sights will be on Christmas Day, December 25th. You may also find some things closed on the 26th, which is likewise a holiday. Smaller restaurants are likely to shut down on these dates, but you’ll never have any problem finding food in the major tourist areas. 

Special Attractions

Christmas Market StallChristmas Markets:  From the end of November to Christmas, outdoor markets pop up all over the city. Stalls feature handmade crafts, ornaments, and all sorts of delightful seasonal gifts. When it gets closer to the end of November you should be able to find a list of markets on the offical Paris Tourism website (just search “Christmas Markets”). Alternately, just ask around – they’re everywhere!

Outdoor Ice Skating: In the wintertime, the front of the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) is transformed into a giant outdoor skating rink. Très romantique!

Midnight Mass: Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur both have midnight masses. To clarify, that means the midnight that ends the 24th day and begins the 25th. Notre Dame also has other masses and events, notably a concert on Christmas Day. You can see the schedule for Christmas as well as any other day on the Notre Dame website. Although there is a English color-code for the type of event, the schedule itself is in French – so if you need help with anything specific let me know and I’ll check it out. Although less informative, Sacre Coeur also has a website. 

Tea House: This isn’t specifically a Christmas event, but it comes highly recommended from one of our travel advisors. She says, “My favorite tea house, Angelina, is right across the street from the Louvre. Their hot chocolate (Chocolat Africains) is something you’ll never taste again in your life. It is a wonderful and very French experience!” 

Address: 226 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Phone: 01 42 60 82 00
Directions: Near Jardin de Tuileries west of Louvre next to the Hôtel Meurice on the r. de Rivoli, around the corner from the r. de Castiglione.
Métro: Concorde or Tuileries

The Usual Suspects: Here are holiday-season days and times for a few of the major attractions.

The Louvre: Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Tuesday and the following holidays: January 1st, May 1st, November 11 and December 25, 2008. The permanent collection and temporary exhibitions will close at 5 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2008 (Wednesday). Louvre website.

Musee D’Orsay: Open from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Mondays; late night on Thursdays until 9.45 p.m. Last tickets sold at 5 p.m. (9 p.m. Thursdays); museum cleared at 5.30 p.m. (9.15 p.m. Thursdays); closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25. Musee D’Orsay website. 

Versailles: Closed on Christmas, and perhaps the day after.  Open from 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Versailles website. 

Tour Eiffel: Open every day! Hours are 9.30 a.m. to 11.45 p.m., and the last ascent starts at 10 p.m. Eiffel Tower website.  

Of course, in addition to all of these things, Paris will also be filled with – what else? – lights. Christmas trees will be everywhere. Everyone will be in a festive mood, and the chilly weather will be perfect for a hearty winter meal, a stroll down the Champs-Élysées, or a cup of hot cocoa shared with your significant other. 

Joyeux Noël!

Shopping for fresh produce in Italy!

07 Friday Nov 2008

Posted by in 3. Things to see and do, Fresh Produce, Italy

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One of the great delights of staying in an Italian villa is the opportunities you have to shop for fresh produce. Virtually all towns in Italy have an outdoor market, usually once a week (ask around to find out which day). But regardless of whether you’re at a market, a small grocery, or a supermarket, there is just one rule to remember when shopping for food in Italy: DO NOT TOUCH THE PRODUCE. We’re quite used to handling our apples and oranges in the US, but in Italy it is considered very rude!

market2In an outdoor market, you should indicate which fruits or vegetables you need, and the seller will pick out the best specimens for you. Don’t try to indicate that you don’t, for example, want that slightly green lemon – picking out produce is a point of honor for sellers, and rejecting his/her choice is an insult! Another thing to note about open markets in Italy is that there is no bargaining. In Italy, a price is a price.

In a small grocery, you still can’t touch the produce! Instead, wait until an employee comes to help you. Indicate you choices and the employee will pick the produce and put it in a bag.

If you really need control over your produce selection, try a large supermarket: here you will be provided with plastic gloves so that you can pick your own fruits and vegetables. Weigh each bag and punch a button for that particular item, whereupon a machine will dispense a sticker that you should put on the bag before taking it to the checkout line.

Another great place to pick up some traditional Italian food is a deli. There are no special rules here (although you might have to “take a number” or wait in line). Pick up delicious marinated meats, prepared olives, artichoke salads, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, and everything else you might find at a full-service American deli – only better!

Packing for your villa

07 Friday Nov 2008

Posted by in 2. Before you leave..., Packing

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packingSo you’ve booked that perfect villa or apartment, you’ve got your airline tickets, and there’s an empty suitcase sitting on your bed… Now what?

Good packing can make the difference between a brisk walk to another terminal and a missed-plane disaster; between exploring all day and “sitting this one out” to nurse swollen blisters; between sleeping soundly and staying up all night to a symphony of barking dogs. So pack light – and smart! Here’s how. 

Clothes: Layers! Take a few light short-sleeved shirts and two good pairs of pants. After that, pack one or two long-sleeved shirts that can be worn over the t-shirts, a sweater, a canvas hat, and a waterproof windbreaker with a hood. If you have clothes that layer well, topped off with the windbreaker, you won’t need a jacket. You’ll be tromping around more than you think, and in the course of even the coldest day you’ll start stripping off those layers one by one. And yes, it is true that Europeans generally dress more formally than Americans, so keep that in mind if you want to “blend in.” For the ladies, bring one wrinkle-free black dress – this can be accessorized for any occasion.

Shoes and socks: When it comes to shoes, comfort comes first. This is not the time to break in a new pair or suffer for the sake of fashion. After a day traipsing through ancient ruins, up and down city blocks, or around an alpine lake, those frumpy old tennis shoes are going to be your new best friends. Another way to keep your feet happy is to carry an extra pair of (new) socks. Changing into a clean pair at noon is an easy way to refresh your tired toes! Also bring a pair of flip flops or sandals. These will come in handy at the beach, or just bumming around your villa or apartment.

Miscellany: So you’ve got your clothes, your shoes, and your toothbrush… that covers everything you’d need for a hotel. But you’ve rented a villa, which means you’ll be on your own. What do you bring to make your rental as comfy as home? 

1) Ziplock bags (in many sizes) are practically weightless – great for storing leftovers, small gifts, damp clothing, jewelry… and everything else. Pack empty baggies, pack baggies with cooking spices (salt, pepper, etc), and pack baggies with laundry soap (for machine or hand use).

2) A sharp knife will do wonders for your Italian cooking! Knives are probably the most-used kitchen item in any rental, which means they dull quickly. If you’re planning on cooking, definitely bring one of your own. 

3) A book of matches and a pair of earplugs never did anyone any harm. Other small but handy items include a stain remover stick, flashlight, sewing kit, and multipurpose tool (a Swiss Army knife or my tool of choice, the Leatherman).

4) Insect repellant. This may come as a surprise… but Europe has mosquitoes, too!  

5) Baby wipes are the salvation of any seasoned traveler. These can be used in lieu of napkins, hand soap, toilet paper, a clean restaurant table, and even a shower. A pack of tissue works nearly as well… except for showers.

6) Airborne is the closest thing to magic I have found. Take a water-soluble tablet before you get on the plane or whenever you’ll be exposed to large crowds – and avoid whatever plague may be circulating locally.

7) Beach towels are usually not provided at villas, although standard bathroom towels are. I recommend buying them cheap and leaving them behind.

Cell Phones: I highly recommend taking a cell phone to your European rental. If you have a dual- or tri-band cell phone, you should be able to use it with your current plan, but it’s more affordable to contact your provider and ask them how to “unlock” your phone. You can then purchase a pre-paid SIM Card that will work like a local number while in Europe. If you need a dual band cell phone, you can rent one.

Space: That’s right, take along some extra room! Take a larger bag than you need, pack a collapsible canvas tote, or take things (like toiletries, paperbacks, and even clothes) that you wouldn’t mind replacing if they had to make room for that precious new pair of Italian leather shoes…

Finally, remember that packing is a vital part of the villa experience. So don’t let it wait until the last minute! Make your list now and check it twice – or even thrice – before you go.