If you're going on a trip to Europe or just want to meet a European country and save money at the same time, the most comfortable places to stay you will be flat or a house, taken in short-term lease.
Price per apartment per night is usually equal to the price of a hotel room, but sometimes it's and below, to the same individual apartment has several advantages. Someone renting a separate apartment can seem a luxury, but many seasoned travelers know well that the fees for rental apartments, divided among team members, will leave a smaller hole in your budget, than eat a few beds in the hostel. And if the apartment has a kitchen and there you will be able to eat much cheaper than the hotel.
Short-term rental relevant if you are staying for a week or more. You get a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the terrain from the perspective of ordinary people, to get a favorite cafe or restaurant. Among the cities that are most favorable for an apartment to rent, you can call: Madrid, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, Paris, Arles, Florence, Venice, Sorrento and Munich.
Terms & Conditions are different in different countries. In France, for example, a popular chain of country houses offering houses for 350-1300 dollars a week for 4-6 people (gites-de-france.fr). In Croatia, the house rent for a shorter term (3-4 days).
Ways to find housing is complete. Basically, you'll be dealing directly with the owner, you can also apply to the agency, which has a directory of apartments or houses (in this case the agency may be the owner of the premises, and simply an intermediary between you and the present owner).
Work with Agency convenient, as you can see the apartment. In addition, "agency" always sounds more professional and promising. However, please note that in case of an appeal to the company you will overpay.
Turning to the direct owners, you spend a lot of effort, but will save. Some guides have information on lodging, as such lists, there are many local and international travel agencies, but these days a lot easier to find accommodation via the Internet.
Rentalo (rentalo) - More than 120 thousand units of real estate worldwide, including 800 in Paris (the modern one-bedroom apartment in the Bastille - 580 euros per week); 485 in London (studio at Kensington Street - from 560 euros per week); 164 in Florence (one bedroom apartment decorated with frescoes, in the heart of the city - from 775 euros per week or 130 euros per night).
VRBO (vrboPartner) - the name stands for "Vacation Rentals By Owners" (rental housing directly from the owners). This is, in most cases, it is. Excluded from the chain of intermediary or real estate agency, and the owners are free to advertise their homes on the site.
Barclay International (barclayweb) - one of the first agencies in the world, running since 1963. Prices there, of course, some higher. Luxury rental apartments and service in most major cities in Western Europe, unfortunately, in France, Italy and Britain, they mainly offer private hotels and condominiums, not individual apartments.
Interhome (interhome) - Thousands and thousands of apartments and villas throughout Europe and, for some reason, Florida. Well, you found a decent apartment, you can contact the owner for more information.
Before signing the deal should find out all good. Look for a house on the maps (like maps.google), to see just how comfortable or uncomfortable he is with respect to your preferred address. Ask for a written tenancy agreement and rules of booking. When you book your accommodation, you usually have to make an advance payment (10 to 50 percent). As a rule, the owner is sufficient room to your credit card, pay the rest on arrival.
Arrange time and place to pick up the keys. If you entered a house in your property - at the time, of course. Landlord or a representative of the agency, of course, can offer some kind of help, but do not count on harvesting and other hotel amenities during your stay (that's what makes the price of rental housing below).

Translated TravelForLife