Tourists are in luck this year. There are a glut of vacation rentals at attractive prices. We all know the probable reasons.

I recently trolled the scene at HomeAway/V.R.B.O. and other reputable agency sites and have come up with the following recommendations. Note: I don’t accept kickbacks, the listings are strictly my own.

A few tips: 1. Always check out the square footage. 2. Read the reviews. 3. Know if there is an elevator, if not how many steps to the apartment. 4. Street or neighbor noise?  5. Internet a must.  6. Proximity to metro/public transportation/city center. 7. Go to “street view” in Google Maps (see if there is construction going on). 8. Kitchen…stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave?). 9. Bathroom….nice shower?  10. Where’s the bed? Is this really a studio? Foldout?  11. Fall: When does the heat get turned on? 12. Don’t be afraid to ask the landlord questions. 13. All inclusive price?  Refundable deposit…when. 14. Who will be there to give you the keys (fee if your plane is late?)  15. How do they accept payment.  Make it easy. Normally you don’t have to sign contracts, give them your passport number. Book using Visa or PayPal most secure. Bank transfers costly.

The apartments:

Three from Welcome2France.com, an agency easy to work with offering a nice range of properties:

Champs Elysées – Faubourg Saint Honoré III
http://www.welcome2france.com/?apartments=633&situation=Paris

Passy – Trocadero I
http://www.welcome2france.com/?apartments=673&situation=Paris

Saint Germain des Pres – Prince
http://www.welcome2france.com/?apartments=584&situation=Paris

Some others I randomly chose that are well priced on HomeAway/V.R.B.O.

Rue De La Roquette  https://www.vrbo.com/285742    Average $97/night

Rue Danielle Casanova – PARIS 1  https://www.vrbo.com/1462482a   Average $126/night, sleeps 4

Apart Galerie Vivienne  https://www.vrbo.com/960784a  Average $129

In upcoming blogs I’ll be showcasing more vacation rentals that I consider bargains.  Here’s hoping you find the perfect “home away from home.” Once you unpack your bags and are settled, start walking…….

The No Worries Paris guidebook