As websites such as Airbnb and Vrbo gain prominence, short-term holiday rentals are emerging as a preferred choice over traditional hotels. Amidst the ongoing pandemic, numerous tourists opt for renting entire houses rather than sharing spaces with others in bustling hotels to minimize direct interactions.
However, safety issues can emerge during the vacation rental experience.
“Although numerous hotels feature security personnel and staffed reception desks monitoring the premises around the clock, this isn’t the case for Airbnbs.”
Cheryl Nelson
A travel readiness specialist and the creator of Prepare with Cher explained to ChinPao, “Should you have concerns about an Airbnb accommodation, often there won’t be anyone from management or staff present onsite, nor can you switch rooms easily. When travelling alone and requiring assistance, hotels generally offer round-the-clock support from their employees, whereas this might not always be available for Airbnbs.”
Over time, platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo have implemented measures to enhance security — including prohibiting gatherings, offering safety guidelines, and setting up protocols.
Trust and Security Advisory Council
.
“Typically, renting a short-term property is quite secure,” stated Jeremy Prout, who directs security solutions.
International SOS
Just like when you book any place to stay, travelers should make sure they comprehend the risks associated with the area and follow typical safety measures as they would elsewhere. A lot of worries regarding safety and privacy often stem from sensationalized clips or stories that do not accurately reflect the usual experience.
Even though rare, dangerous incidents can occur during travels, even at vacation rentals. Nonetheless, there are methods to reduce these risks.
Here, specialists provide the precautionary measures tourists should follow upon reaching their holiday rentals. Additionally, they have shared tips for ensuring security considerations during the reservation process of such lodgings.
1. Check for cameras.
Check with the host about any surveillance equipment to ensure transparency,” Nelson suggested. “While hidden cameras aren’t allowed, for your personal privacy, it might be wise to conduct a sweep of the property just to confirm you won’t accidentally find yourself being recorded.
Airbnb
specifically prohibits
Secretly installed cameras or other types of surveillance equipment must be disclosed to guests by the host. It’s important to note that these recording tools should not be placed in personal zones such as bedrooms and restrooms, but are acceptable in shared sections of the property.
Vrbo doesn’t allow any
somewhat like surveillance equipment within its premises; however, hosts can install cameras outdoors provided they inform the guests about their placements. Nonetheless, throughout the years, there have been
several news stories
about travelers
discovering hidden cameras
in their
vacation rentals
.
“Generally, they are found in locations offering the kind of seclusion one anticipates,” stated the travel safety consultant.
Kevin Coffey
Consider smoke detectors in bedrooms, lighting fixtures in bathrooms, and perhaps an alarm clock beside your bed.
He highlighted that such hidden recording device cases are uncommon, and many hosts instead opt for placing visible cameras in allowed zones because of the numerous
incidents
of guests
trashing
rental
properties
while they’re staying. Nevertheless, if you have concerns regarding concealed cameras, there are methods to address them.
check for them
when you arrive.
“You can utilize a Wi-Fi checker,” Coffey mentioned, pointing out that network-scanning applications such as
Fing
could alert visitors about any unfamiliar devices connected to the Wi-Fi.
Watch for items that seem tampered with or misplaced, and if you’re suspicious, drape some clothes over them.
Utilize a flashlight when the room is darkened to search for reflections from camera lenses,” Nelson advised. “Look closely at vent covers and other holes in walls where tiny cameras might be concealed. Remove and examine smoke detectors as well as other devices mounted on walls or ceilings.
2. Safely store your valuable items.
“For the security of your possessions, inquire whether the premises have a safe,” Nelson advised.
Things such as your passport, electronic devices, jewelry, and other valuable items ought to be placed in the most secure spot available, with numerous rental options offering safekeeping facilities. Occasionally, you may need to supply your own padlock for added protection since this ensures that only you hold the key to access them.
There are also portable safes you can take with you when travelling,” Coffey mentioned. “These typically consist of fabric with a wire mesh placed between two layers of canvas, and they come equipped with a braided steel cable. The only method for a thief to access the contents would be by using bolt cutters.
He recommended the brand
Pacsafe
, which has a variety of anti-theft items, including portable safes.
If you lack a safe, assess whether it’s wise to leave valuables in places where they might be visible through windows,” Coffey suggested. “You wouldn’t want crucial items to be easily noticeable.
Should you leave a car parked outdoors, ensure all personal items are removed to prevent the risk of theft.
“You have the option to use a camera to keep an eye on your belongings as long as you ensure you take it with you when you leave,” he mentioned.
Cathy Pedrayes
a safety professional and writer of
The Mom’s Handbook for Daily Safety and Security.
3. Verify that the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and present.
Concerns about fire safety are ever-present, yet following
three American tourists died
Travelers have become increasingly wary of carbon monoxide poisoning after an incident occurred at a resort in the Bahamas back in May, adding another layer of concern for this invisible threat.
“Make sure every level of the rented property has functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors,” Nelson recommended.
Rental reservation sites such as Airbnb enable hosts to indicate whether they possess a smoke or carbon monoxide detector at their property, yet it’s advisable to verify that these devices are operational upon your arrival.
“You can additionally buy portable smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and carry them along during your travels,” Coffey mentioned.
4. Scope out the situation.
After placing my luggage in the rental, I take some time to stroll through the area and familiarize myself with the surroundings,” explained Coffey. “I make sure to check every door and try them out. A lot of folks spot a door but may not be aware that it could be locked from inside, which wouldn’t serve as an escape route during a fire.
While conducting your inspection, mentally map out an escape route for emergency situations. Take note of where the first aid kit and fire extinguisher are located. Coffey mentioned that he checks the fire extinguisher during his inspections.
Ensure it’s charged and working properly.
.
Keep in mind that houses often have multiple ways for intruders to enter when you’re away, unlike most hotels which typically just have one entrance,” he noted. “Make sure to inspect both your door and window locks to assess their security against potential break-ins.
Keep the safety of your fellow travelers in mind when examining the premises. “When traveling with kids, inspect the surroundings and watch out for glass shards or sharp items, make sure the television is stable and not easily accessible,” according to Prout.
Explore the surrounding region of your accommodation by taking walks and checking the map on your smartphone.
“You should be aware of local emergency resources ― police station, fire station, hospitals, pharmacies ― should there be an emergency during your stay,” Prout said.
5. Create your personal alerts.
“If you’re residing in a ground-floor apartment or somewhere with numerous windows, think about whether it would be beneficial to add extra security measures such as locks for doors and windows,” Coffey advised.
Inquire with your host or check independently whether there are pre-existing alarms and exterior motion-activated lights. Despite their presence, additional security measures might still be necessary.
Coffey mentioned that affordable portable motion sensors can notify you when someone attempts to enter through a door or window. Additionally, portable locks can enhance the security of your rented property.
“Pack a compact, portable doorstop alarm,” Nelson reiterated.
This one from Damsel in Distress
It’s one of my favorite things.”
6. Turn on tracking.
Whenever you travel, it’s wise to keep close family members informed about your whereabouts. You could send them the details of your accommodation via SMS upon arrival and also pass along your booking reference number.
Coffey proposed taking an additional step forward.
Enable location sharing with your close ones so they can precisely track where you are and stay updated,” he mentioned, referring to applications such as Find My Friends. “This is particularly important if you’re traveling alone.
Pedrayes suggested appointing specific individuals you can contact during emergencies.
“She advised, ‘Make sure you’re aware of the local emergency contacts before reaching your destination.’ She also asked whether there’s Wi-Fi or cellular coverage available. Additionally, consider who you could contact locally for assistance and if you’re fluent in the language. If not, do you have alternative means to communicate during emergencies?’”
Consider vacation rental safety precautions well ahead of your travel date.
I’ve never experienced unease during my stays at Airbnbs, but I always conduct thorough research before making a reservation,” Nelson stated, mentioning that she prefers to select listings from Airbnb “Superhosts” whenever feasible because of their expertise and high ratings. “Get acquainted with the neighborhood and make sure to go through guest reviews to avoid any unexpected issues.
She likewise suggested materials such as
CrimeMapping.com
To “comprehend the weaknesses” of a specific location,Google Street View can also assist by showing you how the streets and entrances appear.
“A short-term rental property may look great in photos, but be sure to research the neighborhood ― you will be interacting with it, including coming and going with luggage,” Prout noted. “A simple search can provide you with an overview of the risks. If you’re not sure, ask the host. If you’re still not sure, find another accommodation.”
Coffey mentioned that apart from worries about safety, some passengers also contemplate whether a location aligns with their cultural preferences.
“A person of colour, an individual from the LGBTQ community, or a female traveller — they may wish to conduct further research and examine safety ratings across various applications and websites,” he clarified.
GeoSure
offers helpful ratings.”
He additionally recommended that parents who are traveling with children should look into the sex offender registry for the area they plan to visit. On the other hand, Prout advised tourists to consider carefully the kind of accommodations they intend to search for.
“When it comes to safety, opting for individual room rentals rather than renting an entire property might expose travellers to risks since they could end up sharing a house or flat with strangers, thereby increasing the chances of encountering security issues such as assaults or harassment,” he explained.
Nevertheless, Prout noted, there is no easy way to eliminate every risk altogether.
The truth is that emergencies can occur at any place and point in time,” he stressed. “Consequently, there isn’t a single solution for guaranteeing your safety when reserving lodgings. The most effective action for a traveller to take to safeguard themselves is to conduct thorough research before confirming their accommodation choices to assess the degree of risk linked with the area and adjust their plans accordingly.
