Published in
USA TODAY
By Laura Bly

How to stretch the dollar to cover a European trip

The U.S. dollar's relentless slide against its European counterpart � it has dropped about 40% over the past three years and is expected to fall even further . . .

Live like a local. "My best advice? Rent an apartment/chalet/condo and do your own cooking ... at least some of the time," says Robert Bestor of Gem�tlichkeit (gemut.com), a travel newsletter for Germany, Austria & Switzerland. Earlier this month, he rented an apartment from Drawbridge to Europe (drawbridgetoeurope.com) in the Bavarian alpine resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

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Published in
Countryside Vacations Newsletter

A Select Few

Service and specialization make Drawbridge to Europe a contender despite its small size...
Its selections in the much-sought-after regions of Italy and France should prove more than adequate for most travelers, and its particular forte in city centers and the three German-speaking countries sets it apart from other villa-rental companies, making it a must-see for anyone seeking a rental property in those areas...
All in all, Drawbridge to Europe is a very good company. The selection of properties that the company knows well may be limited, but it is certainly sufficient for most travelers to these particular areas. And the advantages of working with a small company - and the kind of personalized customer service that it offers - are a definite plus. In our book, bigger is not necessarily better, and Drawbridge to Europe certainly proves the point.

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Published in
Vacation Rentals in Europe
by Michael and Laura Murphy

RENTAL CONTACTS

Of the many companies offering rentals in Italy, the following were selected because they represent a broad and varied spectrum of properties in terms of geography, style, price, and historical character...
Thus, rentals prices have actually dropped across the board for many companies and properties and certainly remain the best accommodation bargains in the country...
This small company, founded in 1997 seems to do an excellent Job of ferreting out hard-to-find privately-owned chalets and apartments, especially in Germany and Austria, and also in Switzerland and France. The owner lived in Germany for many years, is fluent in the language, and has close personal contacts there. Most of the properties are found through these contacts. We see the prices as very fair
The service is accessible and personable.

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Published in
Travel Smart News
Tel 1-800-FARE-OFF (1-800-327-3633)

WEBSITE of the MONTH

TOPIC: Renting Chateaux, Castles, and Apartments Abroad.
DRAWBRIDGE TO EUROPE, INC: www.drawbridgetoeurope.com. Want to do more than just check in to an expensive hotel? The accommodations listed on this site make it possible to really get to know the places you visit. As president, John Spillman told us: "The drawbridge of the old world enabled one to enter the fabulous castles and fortresses in the old world. Our company enables today's travelers to enter the locals' world by staying in a home, shopping in the area, meeting the neighbors, being part of the scene." BEST FEATURES:
(1) Client comments, when available for a property, are useful in spotting a home's unique advantages {well-stocked kitchen, good water pressure, charming antiques) as well as its disadvantages (located on top of a hill with parking only at the bottom). (2) The "What To Expect" page {bar at top of home page), especially helpful for first-time renters. It reviews the basics such as: kitchen staples, linens, lawn and pool care, heat and utility charges, etc.


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