How long it usually takes to make a first exchange? I am a very new member, I completed my profile and my home listing and everything. I am searching for days for a place to stay in Bavaria for only one night this time - but no luck at all. People are either not responding or they say they can’t host me. Wondering what am I doing wrong or is this normal?
I think the intro message I write is good, I mention details about my trip, about myself etc. Any advice is appreciated.
Hi, I dont think many members would be interested in a one night exchange. It takes a lot of preparation to prepare for guests. Maybe you should filter to look for a hospitality stay.
Exchanging houses is not like renting an apartment. If you only want to stay for one night, just to sleep, it doesn’t make much sense for many hosts to have you stay in their home, as it takes a lot of work to prepare the house for just one night. Unless it’s a secondary residence, they also have to find somewhere to sleep that night. Moreover, you won’t have enough time to enjoy the benefits of the place either. Not to mention that the search for a home to host you will consume a lot of energy. In these cases, the simplest option is to rent a hotel room or an Airbnb. Or, at least, check if you can find a family on HE that accepts guests.
Yeah I get it’s not like renting. Just in this case I only need one night due to my other travel plans. But in general I look for more 7/14 days. So maybe I’ll try that next. Thank you.
You can always offer to give GP points for two or three nights and stay just one. Or, if possible, offer to bring your own sheets and towels, to save them some of the work.
Hi, as the others have said, most members don’t accept just one or two nights. It’s the same amount of preparation as for longer stays, so not worth it. Also, some of us prefer guests who are interested in our home and area, not just a place to stay for free.
Since you are a new member, it’s even trickier, as you have no reviews yet.
My suggestion is to spend that one night in Bavaria in a hotel or an AirBnB and start your home exchange adventure with a longer stay. Be flexible, as that makes it much easier to find an exchange than if you are looking for specific destinations and fixed dates. Also, it could be wise to be active on this Forum and/or in the Facebook groups, so that people get to know you. Boost your listing here and/or make a post in the relevant Facebook group(s).
Good luck!
Welcome to the Forum 
There are some really helpful tips here from some of our members (thank you). It sounds like you are on the right track with your messages - giving lots of details about yourself and your trip. I think as others have said already, it is the issue of the 1 night stay. If you try for longer stays (or offer points for longer stays) then i’m sure you will find more success.
The issue is that you’re looking for 1 night, which to most hosts will feel like you’re using HE as hotel replacement, and not real exchanging.
The cost of a hotel is less than the annual membership fee. Stay in a hotel and pay the membership when you secure a villa for 2 weeks.