Anyone used VRBO and Homeliday before?

I've used VRBO several times in the Virgin Islands, and also the BVI. Never had a problem. Accommodations were very nice, and owner was usually nearby.

I always use VRBO for our vacations in the US. Never had a problem at all; descriptions were always accurate and owners very nice. I used Homeliday to book a flat in Varenna for June. So far, contact with the owner seems just fine and the reviews on the site seem legitimate and favorable. The owner in Varenna did not want a deposit and says it's fine to pay when we get there. So I am not sure about wiring money.

I have used VRBO in the U.S. and in Paris. The owner of the Paris apartment lives in the U.S., so luckily I didn't have to deal with foreign currency. I have been happy with all my dealings through that website so far.

I've used homelidays successfully in Rome, Paris, and Madrid with good success. I've never had to wire a deposit....I usually get a draft in Euros from my local bank and it works fine. So far, no problems.

We used VRBO to rent an apartment in Venice and did not have to wire money. The owner, who met us at the vaporetto stop and walked us to the apartment, wanted cash the day we arrived so we had planned for that. When we rented an apartment in Dubrovnik through an internet site, the owner wanted money wired and that was costly and inconvenient so I now try to rent apartments that I can pay for when I arrive. I have found that owners will often negotiate, such as staying fewer nights than the number listed as a minimum, so perhaps you could request paying when you arrive.

Have rented an apartment in Florence (July) through VRBO and sent my 100 euro deposit through PayPal as they required. The apartment looks very nice and had numerous reviews that were all very good.

Just recently used VRBO in Venice and Florence. Nice apartments, reasonable rates. Had no problems. WOuld recommend this vacation rental site.

We rented in Rome and Florence. Wired a deposit and used a credit card for the other. Great places. Read the reviews before you rent

Neither of these, but stayed in 3 acccomodations by Cross-Pollinate. Mostly wonderful places, all had what was advertised. It was a small hassle to have to pay on arrival with cash, but the cancellation policy was extremely liberal compared to many others I searched. I would definitely use them again.

I rent out my vacation home in Italy when we're not using it and I advertise on both VRBO and Homelidays...I, honestly, do not think you can generalize too much because the properties listed are either there "by owner" or by a management co. - VRBO and Homelidays are just advertising and all contact would be done directly. I have had great experiences (on both sides!), but, as with anything, use common sense. Wires are perfectly safe...many people from Europe like to do them when paying for accommodation. That said, I, personally, prefer to use a credit card or PayPal so that I have some sort of back up "just on case" so, I would look for properties that accept credit cards (& can be costly to send wires/bank transfers. BofA is $25 to send, $15 to receive) It makes getting a security deposit easier too with a credit card. You may also want to think about what kind of owner you prefer to deal with. Basically...two main types :-) Italians who rent something out as a business and foreigners who have second homes they rent out. Pros and cons to both. An onsite owner can be very helpful if you want someone to meet with you, show you around, etc. and you may feel better knowing there is someone there onsite. They may or not speak good English, but they would be present. I'm bias ;-) but, I think second home owners are usually are full of great advice and tips that are so useful as a visitor (since they are foreigners themselves) & an American owner has a good grasp or what standard of living you are used to and what to expect! (think things like English instructions on HOW to use that silly little coffee maker-or, yes, window screens)They speak English, so you know you can contact someone or have someone to deal with the local housekeeper, etc. for you if something goes wrong and you know where to contact them in the US if there are any issues with the deposit being refunded. They will also usually take payment in USD, which can be helpful. Just my thoughts!

I thank the day I found VRBO! We never use our timeshare anymore. We have stayed in NYC, New Smyrna Beach, Chicago, Boston, etc. They are so much nicer than hotels. Often with a personal flare, reasonable prices and extra help from the owners. We use holiday homes for Italy and have met a wonderful contact that we have used 3 times.

I have only used VRBO for trips to Hawaii. Never had a problem. Great service. Owners seem flexible with how the payment is made. Communication is the key. Indicate to them how you would feel comfortable making the payment and see if it works for them.

I have also used VRBO several times in the past and have never had a problem. Beaware though that some of the listings are not by indiviuals but rental agencies. Not that it makes a difference, but I have found that when renting from an individual you will get the added benefit of their knowledge of the area and advice for resturants, etc.