Your Airbnb - Is Someone Listening or Watching You?

Magnet #52

By August 2020, traveling anywhere by plane had its pros and cons. I chose to put a mask on and go with the pros.

Convincing friend Dawn, travel buddy from our January 2020 New Zealand cruise, it couldn’t be a better (or safer) time to visit Louisville, Kentucky, we made arrangements for a three night getaway. I proposed staying in an Airbnb since most hotels appeared to be running with few amenities such as housekeeping and onsite restaurants. Online, I found what seemed the perfect accommodation; a small home featuring one bedroom for Dawn, a sofa bed for me in the living room area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a comfy screened in porch allowing us to enjoy evenings outdoors without pesky mosquitoes. Best of all, the rental was located near family and Louisville attractions

Covid traveling will forever be remembered as a crazy time. Yes, there were big concerns about staying safe pre-vaccine era; but wow, during those months bargains could be scored.

Such as, our scarcely filled flights out of Philly were inexpensive. When we arrived at Louisville International Airport, Dawn and I experienced a surprise bonus when renting our car.

With so few travelers in Louisville, rental cars were scarce and prices – crazy cheap. Our four day mid-size rental cost us less than $250. After signing our paperwork, Dawn and I were instructed to go to the terminal’s basement level. There, an attendant would choose a car specifically for us from an unseen location.

Dawn and I were pleasantly dumbfounded when the driver pulled up in a newer model BMW SUV, in gleaming white! How did we get so lucky?

Traveler’s Tip: I believe it’s important to dress comfortably when traveling but combining comfort with smart may score you better service, and possibly a fabulous upgrade.

Our visit included tours to Peerless, Jeptha’s Creed, and Buffalo Trace distilleries. Staying safe from crowds (most restaurants were not offering dine in), Dawn and I happily feasted on take out from nearby restaurants like my personal favorite, Corner Cafe.

With cousin Blair at Yew Dell's Castle

Visiting Yew Dew Botanical Garden, a quick 15 minute drive from downtown Louisville, remains a personal highlight of our trip. If ever in the Louisville area, treat yourself to Yew Dew’s treasure trove of botanical offerings. I’ll never forget the garden’s "running creek” consisting of a downhill winding display of viridescent grasses. Absolutely stunning!

Yew Dell's "Creek" of Verdant Greens

Too soon, it was time to return to Philadelphia. Before checking out, I noticed what appeared to be some sort of monitoring device sitting on the mantel adjacent to decorative objects. Had we been listened upon?

Can you spot what may have been Spyware?

Travelers Tip: I have rented several Airbnb properties since this 2020 visit and have encountered "Alexa" at the bedside and cameras located in a public outdoor area near a pool. Owners are obligated to let you know if there are cameras or smart home devices located on your rental property. Absolutely no cameras are allowed in bedrooms, bathrooms or living rooms with sofa beds. It's prudent to take a good look around before settling in and if you have any concerns, contact the property owner before unpacking a thing.

I’ve returned to Louisville several times since Dawn’s and my pandemic era visit. Writing this post in 2023, I happily report that Louisville is once again in full swing for foodies, and of course, bourbon and horse racing fans.

I’m very proud to come from “My Old Kentucky Home” and highly recommend you visit the bluegrass state any time of the year.