5 Foods You Should Avoid Eating From Your Vacation Rental

It looks like summer has arrived early (finally), and with it comes vacation season. Whether your trip is local or international, finding the perfect place to stay is crucial. For many, vacation rentals (like Airbnb) are the preferred choice. These rentals are ideal for families or groups of friends who prefer the comforts of a home over a traditional hotel. If you're like me, having access to a kitchen is a big plus.

Let’s face it, cooking your own meals can save you a lot of money compared to dining out for every meal. One of the perks of vacation rentals is that guests often leave behind food items, or the hosts may provide some essentials. These can range from spices to milk. However, before you get too excited about saving money on groceries, there are some leftover foods in vacation rentals you should avoid using.

Avoid These Leftover Foods in Vacation Rentals

Coffee

Coffee in a rental can be a delightful treat, offering a nice start to your day before heading out for adventures. But coffee can go stale, and once it's ground, it loses its freshness much quicker than whole beans. Another factor to consider is the quality of the coffee. Rental hosts often provide the cheaper options, which is generous of them, but I personally would pass on the Folgers.

Condiments

I'm talking about the handy bottles of ketchup, mustard, peanut butter, or even salad dressing. While these items are often filled with preservatives to extend their shelf life, they can still be a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful germs. Always check the expiration dates, as they might be past due.

Dairy

Any dairy that’s been sitting in the fridge is a no-go. Milk spoils quickly, so it’s best not to take the risk of sniffing something sour—just toss it. Butter and cheese last longer than milk, but they can still go bad or become rancid. Plus, butter tends to absorb odors from other items in the fridge, and that’s definitely something you want to avoid.

Olive Oil

If you didn’t know, oil can go bad. Finding a bottle of olive oil in the cabinet or near the stove might seem like a win, but it could have turned rancid, especially if it's been exposed to sunlight.

Spices

Spices can be usable, but always check the expiration date. Old spices lose their flavor, so adding flavorless oregano is pointless. Also, be aware that spices can carry germs from previous users.