Air B&B And Ana Faris

2020 is upon us and once again, I’m writing with a nod to caution in my relentless pursuit to inspire you to travel. 

Did you read the story about the screen actress and her family in Lake Tahoe and their Air B&B (or AirBnB)? She and her extended family were literally sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner at their Air B&B house rental when members of her family (including children) started to feel ill. They assumed it was standard travel malaise when the symptoms worsened. It turns out it was Carbon Monoxide. That’s right...their rental was quickly filling with deadly fumes with no warning from Carbon Monoxide detectors installed in the home. It was later learned that all of these detectors were not functioning. Because of the fast-acting group and first responders, nobody was seriously injured. But certainly a close call. 

This is yet another reason why I am not a huge fan of any lodging accommodation other than reliable, hotel/motel brands. Of course, this is an isolated incident and it could have happened anywhere in any lodging option. And for experienced Air B&Ber’s, you most likely already have your “pre-check-in” list of items to attend to. But for me, I honestly do not want to have to wonder whether or not the homeowner checked the smoke detectors.

While I completely understand Air B&B’s (and others) value proposition to consumers, this is yet another reason why I do not feel confident supporting the idea of staying or sharing someone else’s home on your vacation. Again, I’m not a gloom and doom guy but please consider the following before booking outside of a trusted accommodation option:

• Fire alarms/Extinguishers/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Reliable HVAC
• Reliable Plumbing
• Safe Neighborhood
• Parking/Policy
• Smoking Policy
• Pet Policy
• Locks on windows and doors
• Bait and Switch by Owners
• Hidden Cameras/Surveillance
• Public Transportation Options
• Transparent Pricing
• Sanitary/Cleaning Policy or Practice
• Fake Online Reviews
• Conflict/Resolution Practices

My advice? Stay at a property you know and trust. Sure, the concept of making extra money on your house by renting it out to guests while you are away (or whatever) makes sense (and cents) on paper. But it truly is BUYER beware. I’m a resort or hotel guy. Why? Because one misstep with lodging can ruin a vacation.  

​Read Anna’s full story here
Read Air B&B’s latest safety article here  
     
Happy (and safe) Travels in 2020! 

---