Becoming a Homestay Host: How It Works

Becoming a Freebird Club Homestay Host to fellow Freebird Club Members can be both an incredibly rewarding cultural experience as well as a great way to make new friends from around the world. 

As a Homestay Host, you open the doors of your home to fellow travelers who are keen to explore new destinations while forming meaningful connections.

This post will walk you through the process of becoming a Freebird Club Homestay Host, and how it can bring new adventures, friendships, and extra income into your life.

Note: Freebird Club is a global, social, travel club for adults over 50 that offers Members an opportunity to connect in a secure members-only online community, exchange travel tips or plan trips with other members, book or offer homestays, etc.

Why Become a Freebird Club Homestay Host?

Freebird Club is designed for those who not only love to travel but also find joy in welcoming travelers into their homes. The community is based on the belief that authentic travel experiences are rooted in personal connections and cultural exchange. Hosting a guest is about much more than providing a place to sleep—it’s about sharing stories, experiences, and building relationships.

As a Freebird Club Homestay Host, you get to:

• Meet new people from around the world: Hosting travelers gives you the chance to form friendships that span across different cultures and countries.
• Share your culture and learn about others: Every guest brings with them unique stories, traditions, and perspectives. It’s a cultural exchange right in your own home.
• Unlock value from your home: Earn a bit of additional income from your spare room or unused guest space while providing a meaningful experience for others.
• Enjoy flexibility and control: You choose who stays with you, when you host, and how much you charge—without paying commissions as a host.

Become a Freebird Club Member and Host

How It Works

Step 1: Become a Freebird Club Member

Sign up via our Sign Up page, to be part of this exciting over 50s travel movement. Complete your member profile, choose a subscription option, and become a Freebird member in a few simple steps.

Step 2: List Your Homestay

Your journey as a Freebird Club Homestay Host starts with listing your property on the platform. Don’t worry—it’s simple! Once your property is listed, verified Freebird members will be able to view your homestay and reach out to you.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Upload photos of your home: The more appealing your photos, the better your chances of attracting potential guests. Show your home in the best light possible, highlighting the guest room, common spaces, and any interesting features in your local area.
   
2. Create a detailed description: Describe your home, your neighborhood, and any unique aspects of your homestay experience. Travelers will want to know what kind of space they’re booking, what amenities are available, and what local attractions they can explore.
   
3. Set the right tone: This is your chance to let your personality shine! Freebird Club is all about building meaningful connections, so let potential guests get a sense of who you are, why you’re hosting, and what they can expect during their stay. Remember, the quality of your listing can directly affect how many bookings you receive. Investing some time in crafting a thoughtful profile will pay off in the long run.
   

Step 2: Decide How You’ll Host

At Freebird Club, flexibility is key. You have full control over how you host:

• Choose your space: Whether you’re offering a spare room, a cozy studio, or an entire wing of your home, it’s entirely up to you.
  
• Set your hosting schedule: Host on your terms. Maybe you only want to welcome guests during certain months, or only on weekends. Freebird Club’s calendar allows you to block off dates when your home isn’t available, giving you complete control over when you host.
  
• Personalize the experience: Communicate with potential guests through the platform’s messaging system before confirming bookings. This allows you to ensure that the fit is right, ask any questions you might have, and discuss any special arrangements.

By offering flexible hosting, you can customize your experience to suit your lifestyle and preferences, whether you’re seeking an occasional guest or hosting regularly.

Step 3: Set Your Price and Get Paid

One of the perks of becoming a host is the ability to earn extra income.

As a Freebird Club host:

• Set Your Rate: Set a price per night that is reasonable for a homestay in your city/region/country. Homestays should normally be more affordable than a hotel room, private apartment, etc. as they are guest rooms in shared homes.
  
  Most Freebird Club Homestay Hosts become hosts to connect with others, share their culture, and make meaningful cultural exchanges with adults in a similar demographic/in a similar stage of life. They appreciate that only fully verified Freebird Club Members can book homestays with Freebird Club Homestay Hosts. They aren’t running a hospitality business or hotel and aren’t listing their guest room on vacation rental sites.
  
• You keep 100% of the payment: Freebird Club only charges a  service fee to guests, so hosts enjoy the full amount of what they charge without any hidden commissions or fees.
  
• Simple, secure payments: Payments are made securely through the platform, so you can host without any worry about transactions. You’ll be paid directly into your account after the guest’s stay is complete.

Step 4: Find Support Whenever You Need It

Freebird Club isn’t just about hosting—it’s about being part of a supportive, global community. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just starting, help is always available:

• Customer support: If you have any questions or encounter any issues along the way, the Freebird team is just an email away. Send your inquiries to hello@thefreebirdclub.com and expect prompt assistance.
• Members-Only Online Community: As a member of the Freebird Club, you’ll also gain access to an online community of fellow hosts and travelers. This community is a great place to ask for advice, exchange travel tips, meet others to plan trips with, share hosting tips, or find inspiration for your next travel or hosting experience.

Knowing that you have a community and a support team behind you gives peace of mind, so you can focus on creating memorable experiences for your guests.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Become a Host

Hosting through Freebird Club offers much more than just a way to earn money. It gives you a chance to be part of a community that shares a passion for travel, culture, and personal connections. As the Freebird Club continues to grow, now is the perfect time to get in on the ground floor and become one of the early adopters of this unique platform.

Whether you’re looking to fill an empty nest with new faces or simply want to share your home with fellow travel enthusiasts, becoming a Freebird Club Homestay Host could be your next great adventure. Plus, there’s no cost to join, no commitment, and no commission fees—making it easier than ever to start your hosting journey.

Join the Freebird Club as a Host Today!

Ready to take the plunge? Becoming a host is as simple as creating your listing, setting your availability, and welcoming guests into your home. You’ll soon discover that hosting is more than just offering accommodation—it’s about building friendships, sharing stories, and being part of a vibrant global community.

Become a Host