Hosting; A Rewarding Experience

Today's episode of Bike Life, first brought to you last year, contains great information on hosting that we want to share with you again. Whether you are hosting for the first time or resuming hosting after the pandemic, our guest Ann has some great tips for you.

Now is the perfect time to take a few minutes to log into your Warmshowers' profile to update your preferences, enhance your bio, add some new pictures, and be sure your hosting status is set correctly. Don't forget to download the Warmshowers Mobile App. We have just rolled out our new Host-Only mode allowing hosts who don't need the entire map and search functions to respond to messages and requests free of charge; no subscription required.

Ann, a frequent Warmshowers host located on the western coast of Sweden, is with us to talk about the joy of hosting cyclists from all over the world. She is an American who met her boyfriend in Spain and then moved with him to his native Sweden a few years ago. They both love the Warmshowers mission, so they signed up to be hosts.

Ann isn't a cyclist herself, but she enjoys hosting guests from all over Europe and the Americas and hearing all of their touring stories. She likes the fact that she doesn't have to be 100% "on" when she is hosting. The cycling community is very laid-back and simple, really only requesting a shower, a quick meal, and a place to sleep. You don't need a huge home to be a host; Ann lives in a one-bedroom loft apartment, and guests sleep on her pull-out sofa or an air mattress. Don’t stress about hosting; every interaction is unique and happens organically.

Ann says that 1-2 weeks advance notice is ideal, but she has had folks schedule months out or even the night before. The first thing she does when she receives an inquiry is to read the user's profile. Ann's advice is to complete as much of your profile as possible. Even if it is short, a well-written personal bio is essential and helps her determine if the cyclist will be a good fit.

Ann has had guests who are first-time touring cyclists as well as veterans. Some of her favorite guests have been families because she sees the benefit of traveling the world with kids. She has made so many amazing, beautiful relationships and hopes to visit some of her guests at their homes someday. She keeps a guest book to record all of her guest stays and their contact information. You never know; one day she may be traveling in another country and have the opportunity to connect with a former guest!

Join our community at Warmshowers.org, or you can reach Tahverlee at tahverlee@warmshowers.org.

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