The Perfect Warmshowers Request

Not getting any matches, this might be why...

Originally Published 5th March 2024

After reading many complaints about Warmshowers’ Host response times online and in various Facebook groups – saying things like “I never received an answer ever. Warmshowers is dead to me…”

I’ve found that in most cases, those complaining, at least from their Facebook personas, appear to be the most unapproachable and secretive people!

Instead, here’s what I do and what has 9/10 got me an answer even if the host hasn’t been available:

Hi *name*

Today, I’m cycling towards your direction, and I was hoping you may be available to host me tonight, 12th March? 

I am cycling 35,000km around the world from North Wales to New Zealand, and then Alaska to Boston, USA! My links are: https://linktr.ee/worldbybikeuk

I hope to hear from you soon, and thanks in advance!  

Ben Clark 

Note:

1. Included are strong words such as “Today” and “tonight” to avoid confusion when people are reading in a rush or to ensure the message is clear across any language barrier.

2. Including the specific date to be sure.

3. Including a little bit about me, as well as a link to my Linktree. Where they will find the links to my Instagram, website, and LinkedIn – allowing potentially nervous hosts to see and understand who they are letting into their house.

4. Of course, you’re more likely to have success the more time you give your host, and typically 1 day in advance is considered the most convenient notice for both host and tourer.

Update: I’ve noticed also that since the last website and app update there is now a significant 5 hour delay between the guest sending a booking request to the host and the host then receiving that message notification in their email inbox. Before the update it was instantaneous, meaning a host wouldn’t need to log into the Warmshowers app in order to see any new messages, instead they would just appear and can be replied by email.

This is an issue for the guest who needs certainty in a reply from the host when trying to find somewhere to ride to, as well as last minute bookings in cases of emergency, cancelled hostels etc.

As of the 20th April, I’ve sent an email off to the Warmshowers team to let them know about this bug as well as a few other minor app issues I’ve noticed.