If you’ve followed my travels, you know I have a love/hate relationship with Airbnb.
Some of my best stays have been through their platform—but I’ve also had enough mishaps to keep me on my toes. So when I read about Italy banning self-check-ins for short-term rentals, my first thought was: How is this going to play out in real life?
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Javier Ruiz
Let’s set the scene. Starting now, if you’re staying at an Airbnb in Italy, the owner has to meet you in person to verify your ID and hand over the keys. No more lockboxes. No more digital codes. Just you, your host, and (potentially) a very awkward first meeting. The goal? To crack down on illegal activity and tighten security. Italy is gearing up for the 2025 Jubilee, which will bring a tidal wave of tourists, and this is their way of getting ahead of any issues.
Now, I get the intention behind this. Nobody wants their vacation rental to be a front for sketchy activity, and I can’t argue with Italy’s efforts to make tourism safer. But as someone who’s spent years navigating the quirks of short-term rentals, I can’t help but think this policy could backfire.
What About Convenience?
One of Airbnb’s biggest selling points is flexibility. Late-night flight? No problem. Just grab the key from the lockbox and let yourself in. Self-check-ins have saved my sanity more times than I can count. Taking that away means hosts and guests are now tied to each other’s schedules. What happens if your train is delayed? Or if the host is managing multiple properties and can’t make it on time? It’s a logistical nightmare waiting to happen.
The Bigger Picture
This move also feels like part of a larger conversation about the impact of short-term rentals on local communities. In cities like Florence, residents have been protesting lockboxes as symbols of over-tourism. The Airbnb boom has turned quiet neighborhoods into revolving doors for tourists, and for many locals, this ban might feel like a small win in reclaiming their space.
But as a traveler, I wonder: where’s the balance? How do we preserve the charm and authenticity of these destinations without making it harder for visitors to enjoy them responsibly?
How to Navigate This Change
If you’re planning a trip to Italy (and honestly, why wouldn’t you?), here’s my advice:
- Communicate Early: Reach out to your host well before your arrival to coordinate check-in details. If you’re arriving late, make sure they’re aware and prepared.
- Be Flexible: Build extra time into your travel plans. Delays happen, and with this new rule, they might impact your check-in process more than usual.
- Support Thoughtful Hosts: Seek out hosts who go the extra mile to make this new system work smoothly. A great host can make all the difference.
So, is Italy’s ban on self-check-ins a step forward or a step back? Honestly, it depends on your perspective. For me, it’s a reminder that travel is as much about adapting to changes as it is about experiencing new places. And while this policy might complicate things, it won’t stop me from exploring one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
What do you think? Does this make you more cautious about booking an Airbnb in Italy, or do you see it as a necessary shift? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Javier Ruiz.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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