The terrible tragedy of the recent gas leak death of an American family in a Mexican rental house should be a warning to others. Many seniors who travel the world now often prefer to rent a local house for several days to staying in hotels.

Unlike hotels, where local laws require frequent safety inspections, owners of private homes offered for short rentals are not. Before you sign up, be sure all safety requirements, including kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, heating and air conditioning are functioning properly.