As a Hipcamp Host, you have flexibility in how you interact with your guests. While some Hosts enjoy greeting Hipcampers in person, others prefer a more hands-off approach. Whether you choose to be present or host remotely, below are best practices to ensure a smooth and safe experience for both you and your guests.
The Benefits of Meeting Hipcampers in Person
While it’s not required, personally welcoming Hipcampers when they arrive has several advantages:
- Clear Communication: You can ensure they park and set up in the correct location.
- Safety & Emergency Preparedness: A quick in-person briefing allows you to go over fire safety, emergency procedures, and any unique aspects of your property.
- Enhancing the Guest Experience: A warm welcome can help build rapport and lead to positive reviews.
- Preventing Issues Before They Arise: Addressing rules and expectations upfront reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and negative impacts to your neighbors and community.
Hosting Remotely: How to Ensure a Great Experience
If you’re not available to meet Hipcampers in person, you can still provide a great experience with proper planning and communication.
1. Set Up Your Listing For Self Check-in
Setting up your Hipcamp listing correctly means campers will see, when they search, what kind of check-in experience you provide.
- Go to your Property Page
- Click on Sites
- Select a Site to edit
- Go to Booking Details
- Under the heading ‘Check in process’, select the option Go straight to camp.
Hipcampers will now be able to see that you offer self check-in on your listing, so they won’t be surprised when you aren’t there to welcome them.
2. Provide Clear Arrival Instructions
It’s always important to provide clear arrival instructions for Hipcampers but even more so if you won’t be there to greet them.
- Write in short sentences and keep directions simple, clear, and step-by-step.
- Use landmarks and road names that are visible to drivers and highlight any tricky turns.
- Don’t just guide campers to your property. Provide entrance instructions, parking details, and the amount of walking (if applicable).
- If your directions require crossing private land that doesn’t belong to you, ensure campers have clear instructions on avoiding trespassing.
- Check your instructions are effective by asking someone less familiar with your property to proofread them.
- Listen to Hipcamper feedback and update your instructions as needed.
Read more about writing the perfect arrival instructions to ensure the best experience for Hipcampers.
3. Ensure Your Property is Easy to Navigate
- Post signage on your property to help guests find their way.
- Provide adequate lighting for night arrivals and clearly mark important areas.
- Ensure campsites, pathways, and facilities are clean and in good condition.
- Provide printed instructions for amenities (e.g. how to get the hot water to work).
- Lock up any private areas that you don’t want guests to access.
4. Set Expectations in Advance
Along with setting the right expectations when writing your Property Description and Site Descriptions, we strongly recommend detailing clear Rules for each Site on your Property. Hipcampers must read and agree to your Rules during the booking process making this a valuable opportunity to provide guidance on parking, campfires, noise levels, and waste disposal. Read more about adding or editing rules here.
5. Stay Connected
Hosting remotely makes it vital to communicate with Hipcampers effectively. Being able to answer queries promptly can make all the difference to a Hipcampers experience.
- Let guests know how to reach you in case of questions or emergencies.
- Keep your phone with you while hosting.
- Go to your Notification preferences and ensure you receive email, SMS, and in-app notifications when a new message comes through.
- If something arises that requires attention on-site, set clear expectations about how long it will take to resolve.
6. Have Emergency Plans in Place
- Make sure Hipcampers know what to do in case of an emergency, such as severe weather or a fire.
Provide clear instructions on where to find first aid kits, fire extinguishers, water sources, and the nearest emergency services. - If possible, establish relationships with local emergency services so they are aware of activities on your property.
Read more about emergency planning to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for Hipcampers.
Finding the Right Balance for Your Hosting Style
Every Host is different, and the best approach depends on your property and personal preferences.
Some Hosts love engaging with Hipcampers and sharing local tips, while others find that a well-structured remote hosting setup works just as well.
Regardless of your approach, prioritizing clear communication, guest safety, and positive neighbor relations will help ensure a great experience for everyone.
