....January Sales?.....BARGAIN of the year already

Since we first talked about going to Amsterdam, I've been looking around the Airbnb site to get an idea of what kind of apartment we could consider. There is also Wimdu, which is a similar site........ almost identical in set-up and search style, but Airbnb seems to have a larger host base.

I have only been to Amsterdam twice; once 10 years ago doing the tourist thing and once when I was 7 (doing the playground and eating custard thing.....that sticks in my memory for some reason)

If you click on the post title, it will link you to the Wimdu site if you want to have a look.

We want something really central, so we can explore all day and then collapse at 'home' without worrying about public transport. Ideally, I don't want somewhere on the ground floor..........

We need the internet; a working kitchen (pretty much a standard in most places) and ideally 2 bedrooms so we can get some sleep separately or have someone visit.

(Snoring........that's all I'm saying)

The above search specifics brought me up a good selection of places, all for around £1500 per month upwards. Then one evening last week I was doing my usual search to see if anything else had been listed.

These sites often have places that are available year-round; 2nd homes, properties 'Bought to Rent' or someone who owns and lives in a building, who also has a couple of separate available apartments within.

Many people also list their apartments to rent to cover periods when they themselves are on holiday. I've found somewhere absolutely perfect. The host is going to Asia in March for 5 weeks and ideally wanted to find someone to stay in their apartment for the whole time.

As this is a very specific time bracket, he listed a 'special price offer' ...at 50% of the usual rate .........better to have guests for 5 weeks for less than you would usually charge for that time period, than no guest at all.

We made contact...he accepted our lovely faces as decent people.......and we've booked it.....!!

£700 for 34 nights......... now, you won't find much better than that! That works out at £20 per night for the 2 of us, right in the heart of Amsterdan, 2 bedrooms, internet, all the facilities we could need and of course, all bills such as electricity and heating covered.

If you take some time to really explore these rental sites and keep a careful watch for new listings and special offers, you really can find somewhere superb and save a fortune.

NOW I'M EXCITED!!!!!!!!!