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How to rent your home to travelers to make them feel special

Iceland 2016

As travel lovers, my husband and I have experienced a wide variety of rental options, from Airbnb, FlipKey, teachers B&B and more, not only in the U.S. but in Europe and South America.
A relatively new trend has been renting a room in your home.
This could be an extra bedroom or suite or a second home. Or you could belong to home exchange websites, welcoming guests in your home and thereby not having any lodging costs to budget for.
These are wonderful ways to help cover the cost of your vacations!

Here are suggestions to help guests feel at home:
My first thought is fresh flowers -- easy to do, but cheerfully welcoming.
©elle m photography
Important information. Guests need simple things like keys and wifi password.☺ ​Be sure they know where to find these as well as information about the closest supermarket, coffee house and a list of your favorite restaurants. Put on your kitchen table. If your neighbors allow, give guests their phone numbers in case they have questions.



Help them to relax with a good book.  
Stock bedside tables with current magazines or books. Literary-minded guests appreciate something to wind down with after a long day of exploring your city.

Plugs! A must. Travelers need places to charge their gadgets.
When we travel, we need these. we've used USB chargers for all devices, but most travelers will need a few plugs, preferably near a table or desk. In today's world, some desks come with plugins.
If you live in an old house, invest in surge protectors with long cords or, even better, purchase a plug extender the includes USB slots.

Help guests feel at home.
I suggest deep baskets filled with guest towels, a robe and extra blankets. Place them visibly in the room so your guests have everything they need to freshen up upon arrival.
Healthy Snacks.
Choose an attractive low dish to display colorful apples. These are healthy and appeal to everyone. A light snack won't ruin appetites for dinner.

Assure a good night's sleep.
©Elle M Photography
We all know how important sleep is. So create an environment that promotes slumber with high-thread count, 100 percent cotton sheets with a thick duvet and pile on lots of fluffy pillows.
Be sure all bedding has been cleaned for guests.


©Elle M Photography
A good alarm clock.
Good sleep sometimes means sleeping in but if guests have planned activities or need to catch an early flight, do have an alarm clock handy for them. And please don't forget a box of Kleenex.


Leave room in the shower for toiletries.
©Elle M Photography
Whether guests have a separate bathroom or are using yours, be sure to leave room for their toiletries. If space is limited, invest in a shower hanger.
Towels!
An often forgotten amenity at Airbnbs are the lack of hooks to hang bath towels. A simple hook on the back of the door keeps wet towels out of the way while they dry.


Mirrors!
I recommend a small mirror in a guest room to provide assistance in touching up makeup or putting on jewelry. 
 A long dressing mirror is best and, if space is not available, hang one on the back of a door. If your guests are going out for dinner or to a business conference, a mirror to check their look is much appreciated.
©Elle M Photograph

Stock Necessities.
Walgreens
We all forget to pack something we need when we travel so stocking dresser drawers with few travel-size necessities is thoughtful.  
Lip Balm, First Aid Kit, Mouthwash, Makeup Remover Towelettes, Gum, Wrinkle Release Spray/Static Guard, Lint Roller (especially if you have pets who shed), Toothpaste, Shaving Cream & Razor, Lotion (I like a relaxing scent like lavender), Sunscreen, Mani/Pedi Set, Hand Sanitizer, Floss,Cotton Swabs, etc.


Dress Windows.
All windows should either have inexpensive blinds, roller shades or ready-made draperies. Guests appreciate dark rooms for a good sleep, and blackout drapes are highly recommended to eliminate early morning sunlight.
©Elle M Photography

Bedside Lighting.
Task lights, like adjustable desk lamps, are so useful for night owls who want to read or catch up on email without disturbing others.



Create a Dressing Area.
©Elle M Photography
My husband and I often have to rearrange a room to give ourselves enough space for wallets, keys, and earrings. Look for items like a small table or desk and chair/bench that can function as a vanity. They don't have to match.

Make it Personal.
Unexpected extras are always welcomed and they build memories.
A welcome basket of local craft beers or food from local shops are some ideas or baking a batch of muffins or cookies to leave for your guests are another. If guests are family or close friends, you  could display photos of happy times you've spent together. Everyone enjoys a trip down memory lane.
For more ideas check here.

Let them Help Themselves.
Take a cue from five-star hotels and stock the kitchen counter or guest room with mugs, a teapot and small packets of coffee and tea. Local products add extra interest.
Google search

So, my dear readers, think like a traveler and what you would like.
I'd love to know what you found remarkable on your trips.
Until we meet again,
Dulce


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