An increasing number of Americans are using their vacation leaves, which is a good thing. But according to this article, less than half of that vacation time is being used for actual travel. Cost is a commonly-cited reason for not travelling. People can go for years without travelling. That’s unfortunate because travel has a strong positive effect on one’s well-being. So much so that I think regular travel is a big part of a healthy lifestyle.
But I get that people can’t just ignore certain financial realities. Times are tough, and you gotta be more frugal. I myself have to watch every penny. And because of that, I actually found a way to help fund my travels: by renting out my home to other travellers who are visiting my city!
This is called hosting travellers, and there are many sites that connect homeowners and travellers looking for a place to rent short-term. When you’re out on your own travels, you can rent out your home to fellow travellers. Since you’ll be out of your house for a while, you might as well rent it out and earn in the process.
Accepting Strangers into Your Home
For some, the idea of accepting strangers into their homes is unthinkable. But it’s actually pretty safe, and more and more people are doing it because of the monetary benefits it brings. People who have extra rooms can earn cash while the travellers get to pay less than what they would for a hotel room. It’s a win-win situation.
There are also hosts who do it for other reasons like meeting new people from another city or country and learning about their culture and stuff. Some hosts also live within the home and it’s possible for the two to talk and have a friendly conversation.
How Hosting Travelers Work
It takes a certain amount of trust between homeowners and guests. There are companies that facilitate this trust by connecting only legit homeowners and guests. Once you decide that this is what you want to do, then, you need to connect with those companies who will facilitate the rental of your space or rooms. These online companies have programs on how the whole rental deal will go down. This is to make sure that you will be safe since the travellers are rated accordingly.
Anyway, all you need to do for now is to check these websites, sign up or register as a member and put up your profile. You also need to take good pictures of your space or room and advertise it on the sites. It is important to state the price of the space or room and your house rules like no kids, no pets, no smoking, no drinking, no loud music and so on. If you have amenities within the house, then, put it on your profile as well. Travellers like it when they can use the kitchen, or if they have their own toilet and bath, or if the WiFi is free. You can also offer a city tour which is another way to earn, of course.
What To Do When Guests Arrive
- Welcome your guests warmly. First impressions last, and while you won’t be staying with your guests (you’ve got your own travelling to do, remember?), you’ll want your guests to have a good impression of you and your home.
- Do everything in your capacity to make the travellers as comfortable as possible. Ask them if they need more pillows, blankets, towels, toiletries and etc. They will never forget your hospitality and they might even refer you to their friends or leave a positive feedback.
Trusted Websites to Work With
9Flats
Once you visit the site, you will see that it is very simple to use. It is easy to navigate and it is very user-friendly. All you have to do is fill-out the form on the page as directed above and provide the necessary information. Putting up your place in 9Flats is free. With your details in their database, the company will match you to a potential client when the opportunity comes up.
When you commit with a traveller, 9Flats will take care of the payment arrangement and will deduct a small amount as commission for the deal.
Link: https://www.9flats.com/
Airbnb
Airbnb is the most popular online hospitality service company. They operate similarly to 9Flats. You, as a host, can lease your whole house, some rooms, or even parts of your house like the garage, the den, or your couch.
Why do hosts like Airbnb? Well, the company offers a Host Guarantee Insurance of $1,000,000 in case of accidental damages. They also have Host Protection Insurance which protects the host from property damage or covers any accidents that befall on your guests. Airbnb will make sure that both hosts and guests are protected.
Also, if you sign up using the below link, you'll get $45 in travel credit!
Link: https://www.airbnb.com
Hospitality Exchange
Hospitality Exchange is a place where two people can make a deal. The online platform is about connecting people who wants to gift each other hospitality. It’s also about meeting new friends.
Link: http://hospex.net
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing has the same dynamics with Hospitality Exchange. It’s like saying yes to someone in need of a place to crash, even if it means your couch. When the time comes that you need a place to sleep in when on travel, you can also count on other members of Couchsurfing to assist you.
Link: https://www.couchsurfing.com
Our Verdict: Scam or Legit?
There are no scam websites mentioned in this write-up. In fact, all these four websites have helped millions of people all around the world in terms of earning money and having an economically great place to stay. As for renting out your couch, room, or space, these four companies are 100% legit! You can make money or earn in kind if you’re a member of these safe and secured sites.
Your Turn
Have you tried any of the four websites mentioned above? Are you willing try them and become a host or a guest? Please provide your ideas, suggestions and comments!
