Boca Raton, FL – Airbnb today released its official Florida summer safe travel tips, providing guidance for Floridians to travel safely and securely in the run-up to Labor Day — where tourism activity peaks on the Airbnb vacation rental platform. 25% of Airbnb bookings annually to Florida destinations are made by fellow Floridians.
Airbnb wishes to acknowledge several of its safety partners throughout the state. These include Governor Scott and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) — with whom Airbnb has worked to facilitate free housing for hurricane evacuees — as well as Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis, who has taken leadership on the critical issue of pool safety throughout the state.
“Time and again, AirBnB and their hosts have proven an important asset in our state’s emergency response and recovery efforts,” said Wes Maul, Director of FDEM. “I’m extremely thankful not only for our continued partnership, but for their dedication to helping Florida’s families.”
From the Panhandle to the Keys and everywhere in between, Airbnb’s priority is the safety of our Florida community. The official Florida safety tips can be found below and here.
Airbnb recently released a report announcing the #1 most wish-listed Airbnb listings in all 67 counties in Florida, which can be found here.
Tips for a safe summer trip to the Sunshine State
While you might be (a little more than!) ready to put up that out of office and come join us in Florida for a sunny summer adventure, it’s important to not lose sight of basic safety and security measures you should take whenever you and your loved ones travel.
Here are a few quick tips that will help keep you safe, while still having a great time here in Florida this summer:
Don’t get burned, do your research
Just because school’s out, it doesn’t mean you should head out without doing your homework. As you finalize your plans, research your travel route, accommodations, and the local area—and don’t forget to have a backup plan just in case. On Airbnb, you can use our secure messaging tool to ask your host any questions you might have about their home or the local area. You can also message your host to coordinate check-in and stay in touch throughout your trip in case any questions come up.
Get away, but leave a light on
A safe vacation starts at home. No matter how safe your neighborhood might be, it’s important to take a few precautions before heading out. While you’re away, stop your mail and arrange for a neighbor to come by to collect any packages or flyers that might come to your door. It doesn’t hurt to leave the light (or two) on—literally. Keep a few lamps set to a timer while you’re out to make it look like your home is as bustling as usual.
Always communicate and pay on Airbnb
Keep your payment and your personal information protected by staying on our secure platform throughout the entire Airbnb process—from communication, to booking and payment. You should never be asked to wire money, provide credit card information or otherwise pay a host directly. If you are, please report it to us immediately.
Do a safety check
Once you’ve arrived at your home, make sure you know where all of the relevant emergency equipment and safety information is located. If you’re not sure where something like the first aid kit or fire extinguisher is or how to work an appliance in the home, don’t hesitate to ask your host.
Be WaterSmart
If you’re coming down to Florida to soak up the sun, chances are you’re hitting the beach or maybe you’re even staying at a home with a pool. In addition to being mindful of how much time you spend in the sun and applying (and re-applying!) sunscreen, be sure your family is up to date on the latest water safety tips for the pool and the beach. An accidental drowning can happen in a matter of seconds, so adults should always be fully focused when supervising children who are in or near any body of water. To learn more, visit WaterSmartFL.
Remain alert
You might be checking out from the daily grind, but that doesn’t mean you can leave your common sense back at home. Public areas, public transit, tourist attractions, and beaches are far more crowded than usual during the summer season. While it’s easy to be distracted by the excitement or bored by long lines and bumper to bumper traffic, it’s more important than ever to remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Take sensible precautions, and if you see anything suspicious be sure to alert local authorities.
Research local travel alerts and warnings
Whether you’re traveling with Airbnb or not, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on any weather alerts or travel warnings that might impact your trip. Summer in Florida can mean unpredictable and changing weather conditions, so be sure to check out the state’s Emergency Management website, here, for the latest information and resources.
If anything isn’t right, reach out
If you arrive to your Airbnb and something’s not quite right, reach out to us. We’re standing by 24/7 in 11 languages to help with anything from rebooking assistance to refunds or reimbursements.
By keeping these tips on hand and planning your summer trip with safety in mind, you can help ensure you and your family have a great time visiting us here in Florida.
For more on all we do at Airbnb to protect our global community, as well as additional safety information for guests and hosts, please visit: www.airbnb.com/trust.