1. Start now
January, February and March are the best months to book early enough if you want an exclusive villa that's on the water, available on your luxury summer holidays and notorious as a hot-spot during the summer months. And this means if you are set on going to Greece
In fact many families book their summer holiday rentals at places like Skiathos in Greece
2. Consider your timing
The most popular vacation months -- July and August -- are going to cost more. You can save a ton of cash if you skip the high season. You could save at least 20% to 40% if you book your rexclusive villa in late May/early June, or September/October.
3. Go it alone
Avoid rental agents. There is plenty of exploring on the Internet you can do on your own. You'll be able to skip out on fees which can be up to 10%. Rental owners generally include many pictures of the exclusive villa, a description of the holiday villa and what's in the local area.
You'll be able to correspond with the vacation rental owner through e-mail, or by phone and have a direct more personal contact than with a rental agent.
If you want to start your journey, check out the following Web site for your next vacation rental by owner at: Villa Cassiopee.
4. Get down to the nitty-gritty
Many people think about their vacation rentals as a home away from home. So before you invest, make sure that all the amenities you're used to at home will be available.
Generally your kitchenware and your utensils are provided. But you may want to ask if there is a washer and dryer or a dishwasher available. Check if all you need is available.
5. Protect your investment
Just in case your vacation dream home turns out to resemble something more like out of the Addams Family mansion, you'll want to make sure you have recourse. Always pay by credit card. It will be harder to get your money back if you pay in cash or by check. Plus you may be protected by the fair credit billing act.
Keep in mind that unlike hotels, payment options and cancellation policies vary widely with vacation home owners. Some rentals may have generous policies in the off-season, but in the peak season they may be come quite limited. You should know the details before you sign on the dotted line. You may also try to work out a payment schedule so you don't have to pay all the money upfront. And of course, you should only pay the landlord who is named in the rental contract.
