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My name is Lisa and before I was part of the Hostshare Team, I’ll admit I was intrigued-yet-skeptical of the whole Hostshare concept. Maybe you’ve been there. A platform for home-swapping without confusing points or credits? A simple interface? Luxury properties?
I remember thinking that the idea, rooted in simplicity, was too good to be true. I did what most early Hostshare members did when they first signed up – nothing. I didn’t even try to use Hostshare. My 21 nights sat untouched and un-explored.
These were my biggest hesitancies:
• Our big family.
My husband and I have 5 children. In addition to traveing with our kids, we often like to go places with our family or friends and their children. How could we guarantee that there would be something available, and big enough to fit us all?
• The last minute booking problem.
We most prefer traveling on weekends. Would there be anything available five days out withindriving distance and on a weekend? What about during peak times?
• I probably won’t even use my 21 free nights.
Sure, my family loves to travel. We have family and friends all over the U.S. and my husband has family in Spain. But we don’t travel that much…
• Losing money while hosting.
It’s true that Hostshare guests pay for each cleaning. But what about the other expenses like utilities, damages, time spent orchestrating each turnover, etc. that are going to come out of my pocket as an STR host?
Despite these hesitancies, my husband and I decided to test it out. We coordinated with our friends to pick the best weekend for travel. Five days before those dates, we opened our Hostshare app. We set the filters.
*Cue the dramatic music crescendo. Something Vivaldi-inspired.*
To our surprise, there wasn’t just one option available - there were several. We ended up choosing a large cabin only two hours north, near a lake in August, with a deck, fire pit, and other amazing amenities. AND it was available the whole weekend. Besides the fun and lasting memories that we had on that trip, we also were amazed by the excitement of the Hostshare process itself.
Perhaps the MOST exciting part of all was how we got a whole weekend of fun with friends – for only the cleaning fee. We saved $1,100 on that 3-night trip alone.
Here’s what I realized about Hostshare that ONLY hits you once you actually travel with Hostshare:
• For a big family, Hostshare is actually the best way to travel. Hostshare helps families who are traveling on a budget, while also keeping the process exciting. There are literally brand- new Hostshare listings added to the platform every single day, so it’s now more likely than ever that homes will be available in the region you’re seeking to visit.
• I always tell people that even though Hostshare involves last-minute booking, it doesn’t mean last-minute planning. Thanks to the “hotel trick,” you can easily plan a Hostshare vacation months in advance. Choose where you want to go, buy the plane tickets, make preparations, and book a hotel with a flexible cancellation policy. Five days before your trip, check the same area on Hostshare to see your options. More likely than not, you’ll be canceling that hotel.
• Unused nights are not an issue with Hostshare, because of how much money you save during the nights that you do use. The average Hostshare member saves about $380 per night. In other words, the $395 Hostshare membership completely pays for itself with your very first two-night Hostshare booking. For 21 nights of free travel, that would be an average $7,980 you are potentially saving per year. And each additional listing you add to your account would be another 21 free nights, aka an additional $7,980 of savings.
• As for hosting Hostshare guests- Opening up my home for Hostshare guests means something completely different now than it used to. First of all, you feel honored that seasoned short-term rental travelers are choosing YOUR home. Secondly, being part of the Hostshare model is what makes these crazy $8,000+ savings possible for you and other short-term rental owners. You’re contributing to a process that is benefiting thousands, including opening up free travel for yourself and your family.
And… that is how I’ve turned from Hostshare skeptic to Hostshare enthusiast.
Cheers to transforming travel together,
Lisa
Hostshare Growth Team
