Vacation rentals raise safety concerns. Short-term vacation rentals are becoming increasingly popular with platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Today, many travelers prefer to book a single-family home instead of a busy hotel due to the lack of person-to-person contact.
The founder of Prepare with Cher, Cheryl Nelson, said that Airbnbs lacks security guards and front desks. You can’t move anywhere if you’re unsatisfied and there’s no one to assist with concerns. Airbnb and Vrbo have updated their safety over the years to prevent the establishment of a Trust & Safety Advisory Coalition.
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Jeremy Prout, director of security solutions at International SOS, said staying at a short-term rental property is generally safe.
The traveler should take general precautions for any accommodation. Inaccurate viral videos or posts cause safety and privacy concerns. Here are some tips for booking accommodations safely:
Check For Smoke/Carbon Monoxide
Detectors
After three Americans died from carbon monoxide poisoning in May at a resort in the Bahamas, travelers are on extra high alert for that silent killer. Make sure there are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each rental floor. You should check that smoke and CO detectors are on when you arrive, as Airbnb hosts may not have them. Travelers can also purchase portable smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
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Set Your Alarms.
Consider installing additional door and window security devices if you live in a street-level apartment or a place with many windows, travel safety consultant Kevin Coffey said. There may still be a need for extra protection. Look for outdoor sensor lights and alarms already installed by your host.
According to Coffey, a motion detector can alert you if someone tries to break into a door or window. You can also secure your rental with portable locks. Then Nelson suggested a small door stop alarm. “This one from Damsel in Defense is one of my favorites.”