Austria's location in the center of Europe gives visitors a prime spot from which to explore not just the country but the region. Which is why an Austria vacation rental makes so much sense. The country shows evidence of influences from many different cultures, because it sits in such a central point, so while you might not use the word "diverse" to describe Austria, you'll certainly feel the influences of both East and West here.

From a centrally located Austria vacation rental, you'll be able to take in an opera in Vienna, hum to yourself in the "Sound of Music" town of Salzburg, hike or ski in the famous Austrian Alps, or visit the palaces and monuments of the once mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire. And that's just within the borders of this country! Depending on where you've chosen as home base, you could also be a short train ride away from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic or Slovakia - and a day trip to any one of those places can make you feel like you've had something of a grand tour of Europe instead of a visit to one single country.

This might not be a big country, but you've got lots of choices for where your vacation rental in Austria will be. There are vacation properties dotted all over the country, and they come in all different shapes and sizes, too. If you're looking for a trendy apartment in the center of Vienna (called Wien by locals) for a romantic getaway, you've got it. If you're hoping for a more spacious lakeside retreat, there's that, too. And if you've got your heart set on a traditional Alpine villa with views of spectacular mountain ranges, Austria can deliver it.

There are many different ways to travel, and renting a vacation house is one way to make sure that you slow down and truly appreciate another culture. What better way to feel like one of the locals than by finding your neighborhood cafe and stopping in each morning for coffee?