... 30% of a week's rental. And sometimes this cannot be paid by credit card as the apartment owner is an individual who does not have a card merchant account. But even then, I would wonder why the owner could not take PayPal. I would never pay the full rental in advance ... more

... would never pay the full rental in advance. Even if this is not a scam, you have no leverage if the apartment is not as advertised." --------------- Exactly, Sydneynick. I'm not thinking that this is *necessarily* a scam, but who's to say that I'd be able to get ... more

... went up. We've never been asked for more than 30% of a rental at a B&B; hotels normally just take the CC number to reserve. I'd be very cautious as stated above as you have little recourse with a full cash payment in advance. italybound@verizon.net ... more

If you have a rental car then spend a night in Siena, Rome is three hours away next morning. ... more

... like watching a baby sleep. Autiger_89 - it's YOUR vacation! If your wife dreams of seeing the rolling hills of Tuscany, go for it! I can't believe that either of you are so silly as to expect to find the hills covered in blooming flowers on December 31 ... more

... locking yourself into a car rental. There are several possible trips you can make by public transportation, which means you could drop the plan if the weather isn't cooperating. You could go to Siena by bus from Florence, which would allow you to see some scenery and enjoy good ... more

... looked through a number of rental-agency websites, as well as VRBO, but I'd really appreciate a specific recommendation of a place by someone who has stayed there. Price is flexible, and I'd say we're looking for "comfortable but not luxurious". A restored farmhouse complex composed of ... more