Is St. Lucia Airbnb Safe? Our Tips for First-Time Vacation Home Renters
Want to avoid disappoints – or worse an “Uninteresting Vacation” – Here’s what you need to know.
St. Lucia AirBnB- Is It Safe?
Airbnb is one of the best ways to vacation in your dream home without… you know….having to BUY your dream home. Since coming onto the scene, this service has changed the face of the travel industry around the world, including here in St. Lucia. But is Airbnb safe? Our answer- absolutely. Read on to learn more about Airbnb and how to make the most of your rental and your St. Lucia vacation experience. One of the most frequently heard complaints about Airbnb is not really a safety concern, but rather that many people are frustrated that they do not find the same amenities in Airbnb that they find in hotels. Things like little soaps and shampoo bottles and daily housekeeping service are not guaranteed with Airbnb and you can save a lot of hassle by simply asking the owner what is included in the rental price and reading reviews of the property you are considering. Never hesitate to ask questions- is there a coffee maker, if so, is there coffee? How do I get to the grocery store? Will my airport transfer include a grocery stop? What is the cancellation policy of my Airbnb in St. Lucia? The more you know, the more likely that you will be pleased with your experience. With the Airbnb basics covered, it is important to touch on some facts about St. Lucia in particular. The locals in St. Lucia are well known for their friendly demeanors and appreciation of tourists, but it is not wholly uncommon to encounter locals asking for money in places such as supermarket entrances. If you do not feel like giving, a simple but firm “no” with a smile is almost always enough. The same is true for souvenir vendors and other locals. Likewise, while many locals are happy to help with directions to attractions and points of interest, there are a few who might ask for $1 or $2. This is, of course, entirely up to you. The locals in St. Lucia are by far incredibly friendly and helpful people. While St. Lucia is an incredibly safe island, we still recommend doing most outdoor activities during the day for basic safety reasons. Swimming In the ocean or exploring a volcano or hiking trail at night may sound like fun, but it can also be dangerous and we never want one of our guests to be injured during their visit to the island. It is also worth noting that it is common to see animals such as goats, sheep, horses, and especially dogs wandering around. Virtually all of these animals are pets and have owners. If, however, you encounter an animal that is in dire need of help, please contact www.stluciaanimals.org. Last, if you really want to make the most of your St. Lucia vacation, consider making use of any services your host may offer. Each St. Lucia Airbnb rental offers different services, and it can pay dividends to learn what they are. For example, all of the Islander Escapes Villas offer 24/7 island support, a concierge service, an on-call chauffeur, on demand private chef service, and much more. Taking advantage of this and of things such as discounted tours and taxi service can not only help you save money, but can make your trip more enjoyable and help you make the best use of your time on the island! |
|