When setting up your listing on Hipcamp, one of the most important decisions is how you accept bookings. You have two options: Instant Book and Request to Book. Understanding the difference between the two can help you attract more campers and streamline your hosting experience.
The Difference Between 'Instant Book' and 'Request to Book'
Instant Book (Recommended)
Instant Book allows campers to secure their booking immediately without waiting for Host approval. If your site is available on the dates they want, they can book it in just a few clicks. This setting is designed to make the booking process fast and seamless for both campers and Hosts.
Benefits of Instant Book:
- More bookings: Campers love convenience, and listings with Instant Book are more likely to get booked.
- Less admin: No need to manually approve each request—just set your availability and let the system handle the rest.
- Better experience for campers: Many campers prefer the certainty of an instant confirmation rather than waiting for approval.
Request to Book
With Request to Book, campers must submit a reservation request, which you must manually approve before their booking is confirmed. While this option gives you more control over who stays on your land, it can slow down the booking process and lead to lost opportunities if campers choose an Instant Book site instead.
Benefits of Request to Book:
- More control: You can screen Hipcampers before accepting a booking.
- Personalized communication: You can ask questions before approving a booking.
- For special cases: Some hosts with unique accommodations or sensitive land may prefer this approach.
How to Change Your Booking Settings
To switch between Instant Book and Request to Book follow these steps:
- Head to your Property page or the Property tab on the app
- Click on Sites located next to ‘Property’
- Click Edit next to the site you would like to edit
- On the left, click on the Booking details tab
- Click Edit
- Under Bookability select either Request to Book or Instant Book
- Select Done to save your changes.
Why We Recommend Instant Book
While Request to Book may seem appealing for new Hosts, in most cases, Instant Book is the best way to maximize your success on Hipcamp. Here’s why:
- Hipcamp’s system helps you stay in control. You can set advance notice requirements, maximum group sizes, and other rules to ensure you only get bookings that fit your setup.
- You can still communicate with guests. Instant Book doesn’t mean you lose all contact—you can message campers after they book to set expectations and answer questions.
- You reduce the risk of losing bookings. Many campers want immediate confirmation, and they may move on to a different listing if they have to wait.
- It’s easy to turn off if needed. If you ever need to temporarily switch to Request to Book, you can do so in your settings.
Note: Request to Book is not available for Hosts located in the UK and EU.