Americans traveling to Europe should consider the repercussions of the energy-conscious mentality, because it often has a direct impact on their trip. For instance, if it is an unseasonably cold year, villa renters may have to request extra blankets and procure wood for the fireplace if the owner has not yet turned the heat on (generally from November 1 - April 15th). In the case of an especially warm season, European villa and apartment renters should not assume that all properties are equipped with air conditioning, even in higher-end accommodations. Air conditioning consumes a great deal of energy, and is therefore less commonly found.

How should Americans deal with these differences? As with all cultural differences, visitors should try to be courteous and creative about finding alternatives. Here are a few suggestions.