As travel habits shift toward more personalized and flexible experiences, vacation rentals, like those offered through Airbnb, Vrbo, and other platforms, have become a popular alternative to hotels. With access to full kitchens and more home-like accommodations, travelers are increasingly cooking meals, storing food, and eating in rather than dining out. But while this can save money and add convenience, it also comes with important food safety considerations that are often overlooked.
Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, a mountain retreat, or a city escape, here’s what you need to know about keeping your food safe when staying in a vacation rental.
The Risk: Why Food Safety in Rentals Matters
Unlike hotels, where food service is usually regulated, vacation rentals are private homes not subject to the same oversight or cleanliness standards. That means:
- Kitchen equipment and appliances may not be cleaned or maintained regularly.
- Previous guests may have left behind spoiled food or cross-contaminated surfaces.
- Hosts may provide utensils or cookware that are damaged, rusted, or unsafe.
- Refrigerators and freezers may not be set to the proper temperatures.
Combined with the fact that many travelers bring perishable groceries, cook unfamiliar recipes, or store leftovers, the risk of foodborne illness in a rental property increases, especially during warmer months or long stays.
Start with a Kitchen Inspection
As soon as you arrive at your rental, give the kitchen a quick but thorough inspection:
- Check the refrigerator temperature. It should be at or below 40°F (4°C). Use a fridge thermometer if you brought one.
- Look for signs of leftover food, spills, or odors. These could signal poor cleaning between guests.
- Inspect cookware, cutting boards, and utensils. Avoid using anything that is visibly dirty, cracked, or has deep grooves that could harbor bacteria.
- Wipe down surfaces. Even if the host says the place is clean, disinfect countertops, handles, and knobs with antibacterial wipes or cleaner before cooking or storing food.
If anything looks unsafe or unsanitary, contact the host immediately. Many platforms allow for quick resolution or relocation if necessary.
Grocery Storage Tips
Once you’ve inspected the space, store your groceries with care:
- Refrigerate perishables right away, especially milk, eggs, meat, and fresh produce.
- Don’t overload the fridge, which can prevent proper air circulation and consistent cooling.
- Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination.
- Use airtight containers to store leftovers, especially if you’re unsure about pests or refrigerator odors.
Avoid using leftover food containers or Tupperware from the host unless you’re confident they’ve been thoroughly cleaned.
Cooking in a Rental: Safety First
Vacation rentals come with a wide range of appliances, and not all are created equal. Some may be outdated, underpowered, or used infrequently. To stay safe:
- Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to safe internal temperatures (e.g., 165°F for chicken, 160°F for ground beef).
- Wash produce thoroughly, even if it looks clean.
- Sanitize countertops and cutting boards before and after preparing food—especially when handling raw meat.
- Avoid cooking if you suspect a gas leak or faulty appliances. Report any concerns to the host and switch to no-cook meals until it’s resolved.
And remember: you’re on vacation, but germs never take time off.
Handwashing and Dishwashing
The basics still apply, even in a luxury beach house:
- Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
- Use hot water and soap to wash dishes, or run them through the dishwasher if one is provided.
- Inspect the sponge. If it’s old, smelly, or questionable, don’t use it. Bring your own or use disposable scrubbers.
You might consider packing your own travel dish soap, sponge, and dishtowel just to be safe.
What Not to Assume
Vacation rentals don’t come with hotel-level maintenance. Don’t assume that:
- The fridge is cold enough
- The cutting boards are sanitized
- The last guest left things clean
- The water is safe to drink (especially internationally)
Double-check everything, and when in doubt, clean it yourself.
What to Pack for Kitchen Safety
To make your stay easier and safer, consider bringing:
- Travel-size dish soap
- Disinfecting wipes or spray
- A digital food thermometer
- Zip-top bags or food storage containers
- A clean sponge or dishcloth
- Fridge/freezer thermometer
- Hand sanitizer (for outdoor cooking or on-the-go meals)
These small items can make a big difference in reducing risk.
Final Note
Staying in an Airbnb or vacation rental gives you the freedom to cook and eat your way. But that flexibility means you’re also responsible for your own food safety. With a few simple precautions and a bit of planning, you can avoid foodborne illness and keep your vacation as stress-free as it was meant to be.
Clean kitchens, safe food, and peace of mind? That’s a recipe for a great trip.
