Frequently asked questions

Using the site (hosting and being hosted)

How do I find a host?

There are basically 2 ways of finding a host:

• you can run a search by location to find all members in a given place, and send hosting requests to the ones you’d like to stay with;        
• or you can post in a local group or post a public trip and wait for a local member to invite you.

Both methods have their advantages and drawbacks. If you send hosting requests, you will choose yourself which members you contact. But you may receive many negative answers from people who aren’t available on the requested dates (or even no answer at all). If you post a public trip, you will only be contacted by people willing to host you. But you may receive offers from people you don’t feel like staying with, and have to decline them.

More details about each option are given in the FAQ about the search and the FAQ about public trips.

How can I contact another member?

To contact another member, go to the member’s profile and click on the “Send message” link in the menu below the profile picture. The member will receive your message in the BeWelcome mailbox, but all messages will also be sent to the e-mail address. If your message is a hosting request, you should use the “Request stay” link from the same menu (that will also let you send a message, but with additional information about stay dates and number of travellers).