The Czech Republic was once so far beyond the boundaries of where most travelers went in Europe that it seemed very foreign, indeed. These days, Prague is as accessible as Paris and the rest of the country is feeling the effects of increased tourism, too. So if you're considering a vacation rental in the Czech Republic, you've got a very good idea there.

Formerly part of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic is an interesting mix of western and eastern European cultures. The capital city of Prague is truly the heart of Bohemia (yes, it's a place that really does exist), and has become a tourist hot spot in the last decade. Now, to stand out from the crowd of people visiting this small country, you'll need to go further afield. That's why a vacation rental in the Czech Republic is so perfect - you'll be able to explore more of the country and still have the comforts of your own private space at the end of the day.

There are many different types of Czech Republic vacation rental, from a chic apartment in the center of Prague (called Praha by locals) to a holiday cottage in a rural setting. And no matter where you decide to make your home base, you'll have plenty to explore. You'll visit castles and palaces and walk through history. You'll relax in style at a spa retreat in Western Bohemia. You'll get outside and get active with hiking or skiing excursions in the mountains. You'll try local specialties like "gulas" and "knedliky." And you'll wash it all down with a real Pilsner beer in the town which gave it its name - Plzen.

A Czech Republic vacation rental is the perfect way to step outside your comfort zone - but not so far outside that you don't know how to get back.