I discovered a hidden camera in our Airbnb — and the host’s chilling response forever changed my view of travel safety.

“Idiot,” the message began. “It wasn’t a camera. It was the transmitter for our private security system. Now you’ve broken it, and they’re going to get it.”

“Them”?
That simple word chilled me to the bone.

Who were they? And why were they attacking us?

My hands trembled as I scrolled through the photos I’d taken earlier in the rental. I wanted proof, certainty that I hadn’t dreamt it. That’s when I noticed something disturbing in one of the images: a faint red dot reflected on the curtain.

Not a smoke detector. Not a battery-powered lamp. But something that unmistakably resembled a laser.

That’s when I understood: it wasn’t simply a host spying on his guests with a hidden surveillance device. Something far more serious was happening in this so-called “holiday home”.