Wire transfer to Verona for deposit?

I can't amble by for you, but Homeaway does offer an insurance for about 40. I've used Homeaway a lot (hoping for the best in Berlin this summer) and haven't had to collect, but I always get it.

With no reviews, there's no way I would rent this place. Not because it might be fake (not likely), but because it might not be any good. If you have the address, you can do a virtual stroll yourself, using Google Maps Streetview.

I rented an apartment through vrbo in Paris that had no reviews. I had to pay cash, with a 50% deposit and the balance to be paid 30 days before arriving. The owner lives about 100 miles from me. I hand delivered the 2nd check and hoped for the best. The apartment was awesome. I also rented an apartment in Verona through homeaway that had no reviews. We paid cash when we arrived, but I think I gave a cc# as a deposit. Another great place. Unfortunately it looks like the place in Verona is no longer for rent.

Thanks for the advice! The homeaway insurance policy and google maps are great ideas. I did confirm with a nearby property owner that the place exists. Overall, I have a pretty good feeling about the property and owner...we have exchanged over 20 emails in a few days and she has even helped me find nursery schools near the apt for my kiddos! However, when push comes to shove and I think about wiring a large sum of money to a stranger in foreign country I get a little queasy!
I'm off to take a little stroll down the streets of Verona courtesy of Google Maps:)

You should be very careful about wiring money to an unknown entity. I work for the wire department of a bank and wire fraud is on the rise. You should do a lot of checking and make sure you're comfortable before sending the wire. Once a wire has gone it can be very difficult to get back.