Hey there, Friends! Ok We’re gonna cut straight to the chase! If you are a fellow adventurers and hospitality enthusiasts this BLOG IS FOR YOU THIS MONTH! Each month we share our journey and insights into the world from our Family Brands View. We cover everything from health and wellness, parenting and marriage chats, design highlights and hosting and hospitality. Today, we're flipping the script and diving into a topic that's often overlooked: the art of becoming the guest.

Now, let's rewind a bit. When we first dipped our toes into the Air BnB business, we never imagined we'd be where we are today. But oh, how things have changed! With over 350 stays under our belts, 300+ 5-star reviews, and a 12-time Superhost badge proudly displayed, it's safe to say we've found our stride in this ever-evolving industry.

But why the sudden shift from corporate life to hosting? Well, the stats don't lie. The hospitality industry has not only replaced our corporate income but has also granted us the flexibility to prioritize our family and embrace life's adventures with our kids along for the ride. It's been a journey filled with unexpected twists, exciting turns, and endless opportunities for growth.

One thing we've learned along the way is the importance of embracing both sides of the hospitality coin – hosting and being a guest. Sure, being a gracious host is essential, but being a thoughtful and respectful guest is equally crucial.

So, why is being a guest just as important as being a host? Allow us to break it down:

1. Empathy and Understanding: Walking in someone else's shoes – or rather, sleeping in someone else's house – fosters empathy and understanding. By experiencing firsthand what it's like to be a guest, we gain valuable insights into their needs, preferences, and expectations. You would be shocked how many different odds and ends you appreciate when you are interacting with a home in a different way. One Pro Tip is if you are already a AirBNB host and you’re looking to either elevate your experience and maybe even nightly rate, go stay at an AirBnB that is aligned with your own goals. This can be so valuable in identifying your hospitality worth in a property. 

1. Feedback Loop: As hosts, we thrive on feedback. But how can we expect to receive honest and constructive feedback if we don't take the time to experience the guest perspective ourselves? Being a guest allows us to identify areas for improvement and fine-tune our hosting skills accordingly. A little insider insight, Yes, we love the glowing 5 star reviews BUUUUT the AirBnB algorithm also favors hosts who are getting both host reviews AND guest reviews. If you’re looking to make it far in this business, playing both sides of the AirBnB will pay off! 

1. Cultivating Relationships: Hospitality is all about building meaningful connections. Whether it's striking up a conversation with our Airbnb host or bonding with fellow travelers at a boutique hotel, being a guest opens doors to new friendships and experiences. You know we always joke about Matt being the “mayor” everywhere he goes. All jokes aside, this quality has created so many opportunities for us EVEN helping in acquiring new properties we may have never even considered, noticed or known about! BE MATT - BE THE MAYOR. 

1. Learning from the Best: Just as we turn to industry experts and mentors for guidance, being a guest provides us with invaluable learning opportunities. From studying the guest experience at renowned hotels to delving into books like "Delivering Happiness" by the visionary behind Zappos, there's always something new to discover. We even offer our own resources! The AirBnb MasterClass! A 3 part series taking you through all the beginning stages from considering to starting and booking your first guest! 

1. Paying It Forward: Lastly, being a stellar guest sets the stage for positive karma. By showing gratitude, respect, and consideration towards our hosts, we not only enhance our own travel experiences but also inspire others to do the same.

In our time as hosts, we've had the privilege of welcoming guests from all walks of life – each with their own stories, quirks, and adventures to share. And while we take pride in providing a memorable stay for our guests, we also recognize the importance of stepping into their shoes and experiencing hospitality from their perspective.

So, whether you're a seasoned host, a first-time guest, or somewhere in between, remember this: the art of hospitality is a two-way street. By embracing both roles with an open heart and a curious mind, we can create moments that linger long after the the trip ends.

Until next time, happy hosting and happy travels!

Matt and Lisa Hunter