Rick Steves has thought of it all.  Don't plan a trip to Europe without consulting his books, his radio show, his tv specials, his website. 

 I found a great website in Rick's newsletter:

cross-pollinateDOTcom

  Looking for an apartment in Europe? Avoid the big hotels, avoid the B&B.  Just find a place for yourself and your family in one of the MANY apartments throughout Europe.  We've stayed in places in Paris, Rome, Venice, Florence and never been disappointed. 

 Rick's guide to packing, safety, air travel, timing, avoiding lines and hassles can NOT be beat.