Here are some of the well-known companies offering vacation rentals. The following list places agencies in categories where they have a concentration of homes; note that these agencies may also have homes in other destinations. Owners sometimes list with more than one company.

WORLDWIDE

Four Seasons: Luxury hotel chain also offers rentals in select ''residences'' (fractional and wholly-owned homes or apartments) worldwide. Renters have access to all hotel facilities and services, including daily maid service; the company will also pre-stock refrigerators. Costs start around $2,000 per night for a two-bedroom villa. U.S. destinations are in Whistler and Jackson Hole; in this hemisphere, residences also are offered at Great Exuma, Bahamas; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Peninsula Papagallo, Costa Rica. www.fourseasons.com (though in this case its easier to call, 800-819-5053.)

Hideaways International: 30-year-old company offers 10,000 homes worldwide, ranging from small Italian cottages starting at $1,200 per week to luxury homes with staff, cook and butler; a handful are in the United States. Anyone can rent; join for $195 per year and get discounts, specials and access to reviews by previous renters. The company also offers some hotels and other travel arrangements. www.hideaways.com.

Homeaway: Website offers 125,000 condos and homes from individual property owners and management companies worldwide, with many in the U.S. and almost 19,000 in Florida. Though most require 7-night stays, many are offering shorter stays, multiple payment policies and ''special offers'' and discounts. Traveler reviews offered; owners are able to post a dozen photos per property. www.homeaway.com; the same company owns vrbo.com and vacationrentals.com; all offer a limited guarantee on rentals. Tip: Put in the search term ''world,'' then sort for specials.

Redweek: Timeshare website includes rentals available to nonowners, with locations around the globe including many in Florida and throughout the United States. www.redweek.com.

Rentalo: Miami-based website in operation since 1999, with 200,000 offerings worldwide including many destinations in the U.S. and Europe, offered by individuals and property managers; the site also offers hotels and B&Bs. Arrangements vary but increasing numbers are offering stays of less than 7 days. Prices start from less than $100 per night for a studio, to more than $15,000 per week. The site offers free ''worry free guarantee'' up to $5,000. www.rentalo.com.

ResortQuest: Vacation rentals throughout the world, with many in the U.S. at ski, golf and beach destinations, including Florida. About 10,000 are managed by ResortQuest with on-site staff; none are timeshares. www.resortquest.com.

Villas and Apartments Abroad: 30-year-old New York-based company arranges luxury rentals in Europe, the Americas (including some in Florida) and beyond. www.vaanyc.com.

Villas of Distinction: Offers upscale rentals in the Caribbean, Europe, Napa, Hawaii and Mexico; some specials including free nights now offered. www.villasofdistinction.com.

Wimco: 25-year-old company offers reservations from owners and managers for more than 1,600 upscale villas in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe (mostly France and Italy), Mexico and Morocco; five to seven-night minimum stay. On St. Bart's, a two-bedroom villa costs from $137 per person per night. In some locations, rentals come with discount cards for local dining. www.wimco.com.

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