Let’s get one thing straight: I’m a fun-loving, adventure-seeking traveler who loves the idea of exploring new places, whether it’s a cozy cabin in the woods or a beachfront mansion with an infinity pool. But after my last experience with Airbnb—oh, honey, we need to talk. Like, seriously talk.
So here we are, in the aftermath of a vacation gone wrong, where my family and I almost became part of a completely different kind of “pool party”—one that involved “accidental” electric shocks and a whole lot of drama. And, oh yes, that experience made me vow to NEVER use Airbnb again (unless it involves free sushi and a certified therapist on standby). This is why I booked with VRBO this time. Buckle up, folks.
The Airbnb Problem: Hosts Who Don’t Actually Own the Property
It’s 2023. It’s the age of influencer culture, fake influencers, and people renting out spaces they don’t even own. Enter the nightmare that was my Airbnb experience. Picture it: a lovely Swedish couple (we’ll call them “Fisk” and “Fisk”), who had listed a house they didn’t own on Airbnb. Spoiler alert: They didn’t even have permission to rent it out.
They were just a couple renting a house to make some extra cash (because who needs actual ownership when you can Airbnb, right?). We thought we were getting a charming, spacious home in a beautiful area. I mean, they had the pictures, the reviews, the smiles on their profiles. And the promise of an incredible vacation. What could go wrong? Insert ominous music here.
Turns out, a lot.
First, let’s talk about the house. The property was gorgeous. But as the days passed, we started to realize things were off. The place was poorly maintained. There were weird smells coming from the kitchen (which we ignored because, hey, vacation), but the real disaster came when we decided to relax by the pool. Now, I’m not talking about a little chlorine here and there. I’m talking about electrical shock from the pool. And no, that’s not a metaphor for how bad the vacation was.
One evening, my dad—who happens to be a mechanical engineer—noticed something strange while he was standing near the pool. He touched the metal ladder and got zapped. Thank God it wasn’t one of the kids, but it was still a big problem. So, Dad, being the genius he is, ran and grabbed his voltmeter, and—no surprise here—he found voltage in the pool. Which is just a tiny bit concerning, right?
So we called Fisk and Fisk (who were in the process of earning a nice little profit off a property they didn’t even own) and… let me just say, they were less than helpful. Their response was, “Oh, don’t worry, that’s just floating voltage. It’s fine.”
Floating voltage. I didn’t even know that was a thing, but I’m sure it’s something you learn when you sign up for a “How to Risk Your Guests’ Lives for Profit” course. Needless to say, we didn’t stick around. My dad, mom & husband insisted we leave immediately, and we did.
And that’s when I decided, enough was enough. I wasn’t going to rely on Airbnb’s so-called “screening process” ever again. This whole debacle could have been way worse, and it was clear that Airbnb did nothing to ensure the people renting homes were even qualified to manage them. So, adieu, Airbnb. And hello, VRBO.
Why I Went with VRBO: Booking Entire Homes & Avoiding Roommates From Hell
Now, VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) is a different story. They have a far more rigorous screening process, and here’s why I love it: VRBO gives me the option to book an entire house. That’s right, no shared spaces, no awkward encounters with your hosts (unless you want to), and certainly no risk of getting shocked by floating voltage in a pool.
Let’s compare it to Airbnb. Now, Airbnb does have whole properties available for rent, but it also allows hosts to rent out spare rooms while they continue to live in the house. For some travelers, this can be a fun, quirky way to meet locals. But for others—like me—this can be downright uncomfortable. Imagine staying in someone’s home while they’re still there, walking around in their bathrobe at 8 AM, making small talk with you while you just want to sip your coffee in peace. I mean, what if they’ve just had a fight with their spouse or they’re having a “moment” with their pet iguana? Not exactly the peaceful vacation vibes I’m going for.
With VRBO, it’s different. You book the entire property, and it’s all yours. ALL OF IT. I’m talking bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms—heck, you can even sleep on the couch if you feel like it (but please don’t, unless you’re me, and it’s 3 AM and you’re binge-watching your third season of “Yellowstone”). VRBO just gives you more privacy, and in my book, that’s priceless.
VRBO: Where The Only Drama Is Your Family Failing To Keep Up With The “Landman” Episodes
When you book an entire property through VRBO, you get peace of mind. The house is yours, and the drama is limited to family discussions about who ate all the cookies. You don’t have to worry about awkward interactions with your host, or worse, that they’re going to pop out of their room while you’re in your pajamas looking for the Wi-Fi password. No thank you.
Plus, VRBO has a great range of properties that suit any budget. Whether you’re looking for a treehouse, a mansion, or a beach house, you’re bound to find something that works for you. And let’s be real—after my pool voltage incident, I need to know I’m not staying in a house where the host might pop out and claim they’re just “floating” on their own private electricity surge.
What Airbnb Can Learn From VRBO: It’s All About the Screening Process
Honestly, what Airbnb really needs to work on is its screening process. I get it, they’re trying to be a fun, inclusive platform, but allowing random people who don’t even own the property to rent it out for a quick buck is a bit much. In my experience, VRBO is a lot more serious about its listings, ensuring that the people renting properties are the actual owners or legitimate property managers, not just random couples looking to make a quick profit.
And, most importantly, VRBO doesn’t let the host live on the property while you’re staying there. The house is yours for the duration of your stay. Simple. Clean. Non-shocking.
Conclusion: VRBO, All the Way
In conclusion, after my “electric shock vacation” nightmare, I’m officially Team VRBO. The privacy, the safety, and the peace of mind I get from booking an entire home with legitimate hosts make all the difference. So, when it comes to booking your next getaway, do yourself a favor: skip the Airbnb drama and go for the VRBO peace. Trust me, your family will thank you—and so will your feet (because they won’t be getting zapped while they’re trying to relax by the pool).
Let’s be real, vacations are stressful enough without adding in shocking experiences. Book smart. Book VRBO.
click to: VRBO - Find your Vacation Rental now!
Comments