I apologize if this has been covered - I could not find a thread using search. I have a lot of points as my cottage in Quebec Canada is available most of the year for points swap (long story but not allowed to Airbnb in that village). I accept almost all requests but am struggling to find places who will accept my points requests. I am mostly looking in European cities and have sent out over 100 asks with no luck. A lot of non responses. Interested in any tips. Also - I think people who do not respond should not be allowed to continue on the site.
Depending when and where you search, it could be difficult yes ( like in capitals for example). Donât hesitate to extend your researches. The two countries with most listings are France and Spain , if you select gp exchange type and not only in main cities, you should probably get a lot of results. Same for Facebook groups, if you launch an offer, a lot of members would probably open their homes and surprise you
Come visit us in Vienna if you like cats we love GPs 10 min 2 downtown by subway // perfect for 2 (max 4), large private terrace
We also host in our holiday apartments during low season for GPs (eg November 25 right now, or super last minute during the week): (3) LAST MINUTE WELCOME! Salzkammergut: eco boutique apartment for 2
Some ideas:
- Even when planning on using GPs I do a reverse search - I think people are more likely to accept if they want to visit in the future
- We have been very lucky when it comes to last-minute stays as well (once found a breathtaking place in Paris less than 2 weeks before arrival, got a place in Kyoto etc).
- And I do like to give prospective hosts all options I can offer to entice them
(sim, nonsim, GPs etc.).
All in all I think itâs also a numbers game, a bit like online dating - so I do message 5 potential hosts at the same time, wait a week, and if nothing pans out I move on to the next batch.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Tips that always apply when you want to use guest points (maybe yo already know them):
- the more flexible you are with dates, the better
- try not the most touristic places
- donât try looking for too short periods, for it will not be worth the effort for the hosts. Or, if you want to come for a shorter period, try offering points for a longer period if you have them
- make your messages personalised
If you are interested in visiting Spain, I can host you near Barcelona, in a very comfy home by the beach for GPoints
Barcelona is a vibrant and very lovely city, with a unique architecture and a good place for foodies.
From Barcelona there are many low cost flights so that you can also visit other places in Europe from here. And we have very sunny weather and a wonderful beach, too!
do not hesitate to contact me. Casa con jardĂn en Villanueva Y GeltrĂș, España - en casa de Imma
Hello,
weâd like to invite you to our Caribbean home fo GP:
Feel free to contact us personally.
Best regards,
Lina
Hello TWhite,
It is difficult to give you constructive feedback as to what might account for your challenges, without seeing your profile âŠ
Best
Bonjour Twhite
If you choose âGuest point exchangeâ when you search, only listings accepting GPs show up.
Then you can manage on the map.
For exemple : Germany with an opened calendar 22 feb - 1 march 2025 :
- for GPs only = 243 listings
- Any type of exchange = 437 listings.
- reciprocical only = 177 listings.
If you contact GPs only first, it increases your chances.
That sounds frustrating Most of the time I only have to approach one or two places to get success. I search for homes using the GPs filter, but I tend not to be searching for very popular big European cities. If I was set on visiting a big, popular city, I would look for suburban apartments OR for homes close to the station in a town that is a shortish train ride from the city I want to visit.
And yet I am wishing to get requests for my place in a beautiful small town in Bavaria and no one asks⊠Wohnung in Krumbach (Schwaben), Deutschland - bei Lali
We burn our points on side trips. We might organize a 5 week exchange somewhere, and then use points to stay a few days here and there during the trip. Thatâs worked really well for me in the past. We swapped in France, but stayed in Barcelona on the way in for a few days using points, and on the Costa Brava for a few days on the way home too. We also sidetripped to Seattle when we were in Vancouver, and to Salzburg when we were in Vienna.
With points, I usually go for a minimum of 4 or 5 days, and if we have to leave early, I donât worry about it. (In Salzburg the weather was turning, so we left a day early, but never haggled about the points.)