August 22, 2008, Newsletter Issue #129: When to Book a Holiday Rental

Tip of the Week

If possible, plan your European vacation travel based on seasonal weather and seasonal rates. Summer throughout much of southern Europe is sweltering. Destinations are crowded and holiday rental rates are the highest. Winters, particularly in northern Europe, can be harsh limiting outdoor activities.

Avoid travel during the high season when vacation rental rates are highest. This doesn’t mean only traveling to Italy in sweltering August or Germany
in frigid January. Plan your European vacation rental for the cusp or
shoulder season; just before or right after high season. Ask the
vacation rental agency or owner when seasonal rates change. Although
most Europeans book their vacations rentals a year ahead and often
return to the same location each year, if your travel dates are
flexible, look for last-minute vacation rental offers with savings of
30% or more.


With the advent of the Euro, exchange rates have made vacation rentals in much of Europe more expensive. Countries currently using the Euro include the 12 members of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. However, there are ways to save money on holiday rentals even in these countries.

In general, most frequent travelers agree that May and June, September and October are optimal travel months throughout most of Europe weather-wise and budget-wise.

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