I have reserved a villa through trust and travel.com. They have requested that I make the 50% deposit out to "their personal name" and mail it to Vienna. They will then forward directions to the villa and instructions.

The woman has been very easy to deal with but I'm a little worried about getting scammed on the internet. Has anyone heard of this group? Is there anyway to verify they are legitimate?

Thanks for any advice,

Carolyndmcb13@bellsouth.net

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,

Here is their their web site. They are also a consulting firm specifically for marketing and helping setup estates for renting. Check this page. Do I read this correctly that they helped setup La Foce? Several people have stayed at La Foce and I have visited the garden. Which rental are you looking at?

You may want search on the name of the rental to see if there are other agencies that also rent it. I rented through a company with a US agency so I sent my deposit to a US company. I recently booked a tour with an International company and I paid by a Swift transfer. The alternative way to pay was to send a check via FedEx which was too costly. Maybe others can comment on their experiences.

Also check out the pages on SlowTrav for general tips on searching and booking your rental.

we rented through Tuscany Now which is actually located in London. They let us put our deposit on our credit card which provides some protection if there is a problem. Does your rental agency have that option?

Hi Carolyn
I am about to post off my 50% deposit for a rental at La Foce. Our cheque is made out according to La Foces' instructions and I'm also hoping it arrives in the right bank account! Although I must say I feel very confident as they seem very professional. I noticed that La Foce is on the list of rentals that the company you mentioned deal with. Good luck with your plans and fingers crossed that it all goes well for you!

Last year, we sent Euro checks for our 50% deposits to La Foce'a bank account, and it went fine. They did take credit cards for the balance when we arrived, and I wonder why they just don't just use credit card payment for everything. We booked directly through La Foce, using no agency. www.lafoce.com
Yrs, Robert