58. I Went on Vacation and My Airbnb Fell Apart Here’s What Happened
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This episode is a full vacation recap turned Airbnb reality check. I’m sharing what happened when I traveled with a baby, lost my voice, and still had to manage multiple Airbnbs from Mexico while dealing with extreme cold, frozen pipes, surprise early check ins, guest damage, and a very expensive plumbing bill. Normally my systems are automated and smooth, but this trip was back to back shenanigans that no amount of prep could have fully prevented. If you think owning Airbnbs means passive income with zero stress, this episode brings you right back to reality.
Key Takeaways
Owning Airbnbs does not mean nothing will ever go wrong, even with great systems
Extreme cold can expose hidden issues in older properties
You need backup contacts and solutions when contractors are unavailable
Clear check in boundaries matter and early arrivals can create real problems
Guest damage can happen fast, even with families and short stays
Automations are helpful but can backfire if you forget they exist
Vacations are still worth it, even when things go sideways
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you own or want to own short term rentals, this episode is a real behind the scenes look at what can happen when life, travel, weather, guests, and maintenance all collide at once. I walk through how I handled each issue, what frustrated me the most, and what I learned from it all. This is the honest side of hosting that rarely makes it to Instagram.
Let’s Connect
Thinking about managing Airbnbs while traveling or dealing with guest damage? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress. I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.
Work With Me
If you want help building systems that actually support your lifestyle and not run it, check out my Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator. I teach you how to set up, automate, and manage your short term rentals with confidence, even when things go wrong.
Chapters
00:00 Losing my voice and recording anyway
04:00 Getting sick before vacation and traveling with a baby
06:00 Midterm guest issues and washer dryer expectations
08:45 Extreme cold and frozen toilet pipes
13:30 Plumber chaos and a $450 bill
20:45 Early check ins and cleaner boundaries
23:00 Guest damage and burned countertops
27:30 Unauthorized re entry after checkout
31:00 Airbnb reimbursement and review frustration
33:40 Dishwasher issues and wrapping up the trip
Subscribe and Share
If this episode felt real, relatable, or helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another Airbnb host who needs to hear that even the messy weeks are survivable. I’ll see you next week, hopefully with my voice back.
