[Celebration] Welcoming young guests to the countryside

[Rachel1200]

This article is a part of a series about building connection through hospitality.

I host two yurts in England. Our yurts, which are a type of round tent with a wooden frame, can accommodate up to  10 guests. I've noticed over the years that groups of young people often book them for get-togethers. Many groups come from big cities in the U.K., like Manchester or London,  and they don’t often have experience with wood-burning stoves. They also seem unsure of how I will welcome them and respond to their questions.

I’m eager to share my yurts and the beautiful countryside with guests, especially young travelers. I always greet them with a smile. I enjoy welcoming everyone without pre-judgments. As guests settle in, I explain how to light the stove or show them the trail toward our ice cream farm with petting goats, pigs, and rabbits. I see my smile reflected in their eyes, and I can feel them relax a little. In many cases, the entire group soon realizes my welcome is genuine, and their confidence in me grows.

Sometimes the group consists of foreign students—friends from the same country or different countries. I’m always curious where they’re from, and I love when they share a bit about their backgrounds and cultures with me. I think they’re often surprised by how accepting I am.

I always invite them to make themselves at home. I’ve noticed my younger guests often want space, so I give it to them while making myself available if they need anything. I always see them again before they check out. It brings me sheer joy to hear about the wonderful time they’ve had. 

 
It’s why I love doing what I do: Hosting builds community. I’m playing my small part in alleviating  loneliness in young people by wholeheartedly welcoming them in a place they may not have expected to feel at home.

How do you help your guests feel at home? What stories do you have about guests that were exceptional? How did your hospitality set them up for a great stay?

Rachel in her cozy 21-foot tall yurt that sleeps 10 guests.

[Brian2738]

Hi @Rachel1200 , I usually on the first notification ask guest their reason for visiting the area .

If we can recommend something of interest to do with their stay. We have had 

a lot of thanks for this action after their stay .

Also maybe leave a few magazines or flyers on their topic left on the table

for them.

[Rachel1200]

Hello @Brian2738 !  Yes, just being interested in our guests can have lovely reactions; in their reasons for being here, and any plans they have.  If they have already told me in their messages that they will be arriving after a hike, I always want to know if they’ve had a good walk, and where it was.

[Sarah5000]

Yes I do the same , I always ask my guests if they don’t mind to let me know why they are here , so I can assist them with my help 

[Allen310]

Hi @Rachel1200 , nice to meet you.  Always responding in a timely Manner. Make sure our Studio is clean.

We welcome our guest to bring dogs or cats with them so they fill at home. 

Let them know about the rivers and lakes by the Studio, Hikes that are close. Always remember the little things.

[Rachel1200]

That sounds wonderful @Allen310 

[Helen3]

A lovely article @Rachel1200  be great to hear how you were selected to become the UK rep for the host advisory board?

[Rachel1200]

Yes well I applied when I got an email asking if I thought I would fit the job description Helen. I didn't think I would get it as my Zoom interview went so badly as I was on holiday in Antwerp!

I am a Community Leader and also a Superhost Ambassador,  so they were my qualifications for being invited to apply.

[Helen3]

Ah thanks for letting us know. I've been hosting for eight years and have applied quite a few times to become a SH ambassador but unfortunately they always say there are no vacancies in my part of the UK @Rachel1200 

Interesting to know you need to be a community leader and ambassador to be invited to apply.

[Rachel1200]

Not all Host Advisory Board members are both Community Leaders and Superhost Ambassadors Helen3

[Fiona256]

@Helen3@Rachel1200 

I wondered too how someone we've never seen posting on here becomes a rep for all of us. As usual, Airbnb selects to suit its manipulative control.

[-Frances--Anne0]

Hello, Rachel1200!   Thank you for sharing!   I make homemade muffins for my guests with a hand written note to greet them on their arrival.  I also try to meet them at some point during their stay and there is a complete notebook of surrounding points of interest, trails, and restaurants in the cabin.  😄

[Rachel1200]

@-Frances--Anne0 The muffins sound so delicious and it's such a welcoming touch! When we stayed in an Airbnb in Connemara in Ireland this Summer, all the reviews spoke about how Deirdre made a welcome cake for them. When we arrived there was no cake. However on day 2 Deirdre came round to ask what kind of cake we'd like, as she'd been too busy to bake before.  She brought this lemon drizzle cake warm from the oven and we felt so completely wanted after all.

[Anuarbek0]

Hello Rachel! I read with great interest your story about how you receive guests. Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I am sure that they will get unforgettable good impressions and feel at home. For me, I just recently started renting out my home on Airnbnb and I still feel like a newbie. However, in this short time I managed to become a super host and received high ratings from the guests. To make them feel at home and feel welcome, I do the following:
- I try to answer their questions quickly.
- I meet them personally
- when communicating, I sincerely demonstrate that I am happy about their arrival and want them to have a pleasant time
- I take the preparation of housing seriously before guests arrive. It should be clean and equipped with everything necessary for living so that they feel at home.
- I give my recommendations about wha attractions are within walking distance.

[Rachel1200]

@Anuarbek0 It's lovely to hear you've already come so far as a dedicated welcoming Host even though you are a "newbie"!