As a Freebird host, you\u2019ll be in an amazing position to meet a wide variety of similar minded travellers who you\u2019ll undoubtedly want to make feel welcome. <\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re a perennial entertainer, or your hospitality skills are a bit rusty, there\u2019s something to be said for having a list ready of steps to do when you\u2019re expecting someone to stay in your home. <\/p>\n
We covered a few things to do in our guide to hosting different cultures<\/ins><\/a> but to make it as easy as possible, we\u2019ve collated a list of all the basics you should prepare before and during their stay to help them – and you – during their visit.<\/p>\n 1. Before they arrive<\/p>\n This should ask them about their dietary requirements and if you plan on cooking, confirm any meals you\u2019ll be catering for. Ask about any allergies, confirm their arrival and departure dates. It\u2019s also a good excuse to get in touch with them and finalise some details. Provide a local weather forecast so they know what clothes to arrive with (and in!). You could even send them our Ultimate Travel Checklist<\/ins><\/a> to help them remember everything they need.<\/p>\n Also confirm with them how they\u2019re getting to your house, and provide some options (public transport routes, cab numbers etc). If you want, you can also swap phone numbers for easier communication.<\/p>\n You could provide breakfast – but if you\u2019ve offered to provide, or cook any other meals then make sure you take this into account when thinking about the days they\u2019re staying. Are you going to provide a local delicacy or dust off an unused recipe?<\/p>\n If you want to go above and beyond, don\u2019t just get the food that\u2019s been pre-arranged, but add all manner of little picky snacks. Olives, breadsticks etc, that you can bring out before dinner or at lunch. Imagine it\u2019s Christmas and there\u2019s food everywhere. It\u2019s a wonderful feeling, picking at some peanuts.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a nice touch (and will make your life easier) to prepare a welcome pack for your guests. This could contain information about your home (such as alarm codes, wifi info, even creaky floorboards!), as well as some recommendations of places to eat and drink locally, sights to see and even nearby walks. <\/p>\n Answer all the questions that you\u2019d have on arrival in a new place – everything you\u2019d get in a hotel or B\u2019n\u2019B listing.<\/p>\n It should go without saying, but as we\u2019re covering everything, we\u2019re mentioning it. Whether you hire some help, or do it yourself – ensure the house is clean and tidy and ready for guests. Empty the bins, clean the surfaces and get some air fresheners to make the whole place feel new. <\/p>\n Also use this point to make sure there\u2019s enough shower gel, shampoo and conditioner and soap in the bathroom – as well as toilet paper!<\/p>\n Put on new bedding: sheets, duvet cover and pillows. Two clean towels – one for hair and one for body. Maybe even get a face cloth ready. If you want, you could create the hotel bedding<\/ins><\/a> experience at home by increasing the thread count on your linen, and buying some natural down pillows. Do pay attention to allergy sufferers though!<\/p>\n Check all the lightbulbs and sockets work. Consider getting some adaptors if your guest is flying in from a different country.<\/p>\n You could provide a welcome hamper with some bottled water, sweet and savoury snack, tissues and the welcome pack. If your walls are thin and the sun rises early (or even if you think it\u2019s thoughtful), add an eye mask<\/ins><\/a> and ear plugs. <\/p>\n– Send them a welcome email.
<\/h3>\n– Plan any meals<\/h3>\n
– Stock the fridge \/ larder<\/h3>\n
– Print or send a Welcome Pack<\/h3>\n
– Clean the house<\/h3>\n
– Prepare the guest room
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