Hosting Guidelines for BirdersHostingBirders

Thank you for your willingness to share your home with fellow birders!

Opening Your Home…

• As a member, you are not required to host every time you are asked (we understand the ebbs and flows of every household calendar!) However, to ensure members can effectively explore our listings and plan their travels, we simply ask that you be willing and available to host on occasion.

• When a guest arrives, you should verify each other's identity with government issued ID. Also, please tightly manage any process for sharing keys or security codes. We think we have the friendliest, most courteous members around, but we still want to encourage general safety precautions for both hosts and guests.

Communication regarding the stay…

• When you receive an email ‘stay request’ from another member, please respond to their request as soon as possible (we prefer a 24 hour response time). If you need more time, please simply let them know their request was received and you need more time to consider it.

• Please inform your guests of any restrictions you have regarding smoking/alcohol use or allergies related to the occupants of your home. Also, please inform them of any pets you may have.

• It’s entirely appropriate (and more fun!) to get to know your potential guests, especially when considering their request. Visit their Personal Profile here on our site, and communicate by email and/or phone before agreeing to host.

Preparing your accommodations…

• When you agree to host, your responsibility is to provide a room with a bed, clean linens, and towels in accordance with the number of guests you’ve agreed upon.

• Plan to provide a self-serve continental breakfast—but no need to get too elaborate! Easy options include coffee, tea or juice, and muffins, toast, fruit, cereal, or even hard boiled eggs. A few bottles of water left in the guest room may also be an optional (but nice) touch; it helps alleviate any midnight moments of thirst for your guests!

• Ensure your family members are fully aware (and reminded!) of the guests scheduled visit, where the guests will be staying, etc. This may sound obvious, but everyone has a busy schedule and it can be easy for others to unintentionally forget!

• If possible, gather a few maps or local brochures on the immediate area to share with your guests. You can share them with your guests upon arrival, or leave them in their room. Either way, it’s a nice way to help your guests become acquainted with your area/city. (These are often available at your local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor’s Center).

Have fun, enjoy your guests, and make the most of your time together!