With each annual list of top villa rental agents that we publish, we aim to cover more and more destinations worldwide.  But we'll probably never have a specialist for every single place you might want to visit.  The following two questions came in from readers seeking vacation rentals in locations where we don't yet have any recommended villa agents:

"I am interested in a home or condo rental on Kiawah Island next summer for 10-12 people with a rate of $3000-$4000 for the week. Any suggestions?"

"Hi - We're going to Grassy Key, Florida to visit our daughter for Christmas. Can you recommend a place for a family of four?"

It sounds as though both readers know exactly what they're looking for, and may want to consider renting a home directly through the owner.  

The two best-known direct-from-owner websites are VRBO.com and HomeAway.com, and I've heard from many people who've had good experiences renting through both sites.  But I'm going to suggest a third option: Zonder.com.  What sets this one apart?  All of the homes on the site are professionally managed, establishing at least a minimum degree of consistency—and you can pay by credit card directly through the site, avoiding the pitfalls of personal checks or wire transfers that can make some travelers nervous.

Readers, have you rented a home through any of these Web sites or similar ones?  If you have any suggestions for these two readers, please let me know in the comments section.

Renting a home directly from the owner can be an appealing option: It may be less expensive than going through a villa-rental company, and you may get a greater selection in more areas of the world.  But many owners don’t accept payment by credit card.  When you're dealing with an individual rather than an established company, what steps can you take to protect your deposit?
 
A reader wrote to the "Ask Wendy" section of The Perrin Post with this question:
"I'm seeking your input on wire transfer of funds to rental properties. We are looking at a property on homeaway.com for a villa in Italy. The owners advertise 50% deposit at time of booking, wired to their account, in euros, with transfer fees included in the price. Having never done a wire transfer, I am a bit nervous of this.  Your thoughts?"
 
I've rented through HomeAway myself, snagging a fabulous apartment in Cannes last December for a remarkably cheap rate compared with the prices that hotels in town were charging. For those readers unfamiliar with the site, it's a rent-direct-from-owner website which lists properties worldwide.  The owner of the property I rented also requested a wire transfer in advance, and like you, I felt a bit nervous about it, even though it ended up going smooth as clockwork.  
 
The only way to be entirely confident is to book through a reputable vacation rental company (such as those on our annual list of the best villa agents) to ensure a risk-free experience.  But there are ways to lessen your risk.
 
I put your question to a few of the Condé Nast Traveler-endorsed villa rental specialists to see what they had to say.  All agreed that while wire transfers are very common, travelers should insist upon a contract specifying the terms and conditions of the rental, including cancellation terms and penalties. Gail Boisclair of PerfectlyParis suggested that PayPal might be an option, through which you can pay by credit card (and thus be protected by its liability coverage) without having to give your card number to the owner.
 
I would add that it doesn't hurt to ask the property owner for references who've previously rented the villa, and contact them to ask about their experience.
 
Readers, do you have any additional advice?

Photo: Suzanne B. Cohen & Associates, Inc.

A vacation rental in England is many a traveler's dream.  But how do you find the right house for your needs?  A reader wrote to the "Ask Wendy" section of The Perrin Post with just that question:

"Can you recommend a travel agent to help us with renting a house in England next September? We have information from Suzanne Cohen but would like some more choices.  Thanks."

Suzanne Cohen of Suzanne B. Cohen & Associates is our top recommendation, especially if you're looking for a charming country cottage or the like: She's been on our annual list of top villa-rental agents since it began in 2006 for her carefully selected properties, all of which she's seen personally.  One reason we like her so much is that her homes are very reasonably priced.  If you're dreaming of playing English royalty in a manor house or castle, give Alison Lowe of Exclusive Castle Rentals a call, but be warned: Fulfilling that fantasy won't come cheap -- her prices start at about $8,000 per night.  Marina Gratsos of Carpe Diem Travel specializes in tracking down homes that will suit your exact requirements, but again, she's best for travelers with larger budgets.  

We'd love to hear from readers who have rented a house in England. Can you recommend a specific property or rental agent?  Any other tips?  Please click on "Comments" below.