How I Survived a Bad Airbnb Rental

When a listing states that there is a kitchen for guests to cook their own meals, it implies that certain basic equipment is available for that purpose. Most hotel rooms have at least a coffee maker, so most of us would expect one at our Airbnb or Vrbo rental. Therefore, ground coffee and half and half are among the first things I purchase upon arrival. I have friends who travel with a coffee maker just in case. Having had mostly good experiences personally with short term rentals, I have relaxed a bit over the years. Sadly, I was disappointed on my last trip. The first morning at this bad Airbnb, I boiled coffee cowboy style. The results were less than stellar, so the first thing I did the next morning was take a trip to the Dollar Tree to purchase some necessary items.

Seriously, folks! If you are the host of a short-term rental with a kitchen, you need a knife and surface on which to chop, a can opener, a corkscrew, a way to make coffee and an oven safe dish. I would appreciate a big pot in which to boil pasta as well but couldn’t find one at the Dollar Tree. So, I learned to cook it in a skillet instead. A kitchen doesn’t have to be large, but it should be functional.

Coffee Without a Coffee Maker

I looked around for a basic pour over device while on my trip, but never found one. Perhaps I will travel with one going forward after this experience. Instead, I managed with this small strainer and coffee filters.

Although I am practical and adaptable, I was ever so thankful to return home to my espresso machine.

What items do you think are necessary when traveling? Please share in the comments below.