Supplement your wedding costs by becoming a host with Homestay.com

When Charlotte and her boyfriend Richard decided to get married they knew they would have to be careful managing their expenses. As Phd students at Leeds University, they were conscious of their finances and were looking for a way to earn some extra cash. They looked into renting out their spare bedroom and said that while they did initially have some reservations, the experience has been really positive.

The couple have had around 16 bookings in the year since they signed up and the money they’ve earned went towards paying for their wedding. Their guests have come from all over their world and have ranged from rugby fans from France to university students who are new to the city. “As we’re students we don’t really travel that much, but Homestay.com allows us to meet so many different people from all over the globe and experience different cultures. It gives you the opportunity to learn about local traditions and nationalities and meet people you wouldn’t normally meet. We also get the chance to taste and experience new foods. We cook traditional British food for them such as a roast or a shepherd’s pie and in return they make us a local and traditional dish that is special to them,” explained Charlotte.

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Having got married last August and with the expenses of planning their wedding behind them, Charlotte and Richard now uses the income from hosting for special treats. “The money has been massively helpful. It really helped to improve our cash flow before the wedding, when we were struggling to meet our costs and now it’s a bit of extra cash that eases the burden on a month to month basis. We use the money we make from Homestay.com for extra luxuries that we wouldn’t be able to afford, especially because we’re PHD students.”

Their guests are equally impressed. Keith who stayed with them last October said that “Charlotte and Richard are a wonderful couple. I really enjoyed staying with them. I really did feel at home there,” while Adele from Italy said that she would recommend their homestay to anyone.

For anyone thinking of becoming a host, Charlotte advises that it’s the little things that will really make a difference to a guest: leaving a food basket on arrival or sitting down to a meal with your guest will really help you break the ice when you first meet. And as for married life? That’s an adventure they’re still exploring.

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Want to stay with Charlotte and Richard in Leeds? Book their homestay now or sign up now to become a host.

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