The Small Details That Make or Break a Great Stay

Great stays don’t happen by accident.

They happen when Guests and Hosts do these simple things really well.

At ThirdHome, the most memorable stays aren’t just about beautiful homes or bucket-list destinations, they’re about thoughtful, respectful exchanges between members. When expectations are clear and communication is strong, everyone wins.

To help keep experiences smooth and enjoyable across our community, we’re sharing a few simple reminders for both Guests and Hosts. These small habits go a long way toward creating trips that feel effortless from booking to checkout.

Count Your Crew

(Maximum Occupancy Matters)

Guests: Before booking, always take a moment to review the maximum occupancy listed on the property page. This number reflects the total number of people allowed on the property at all times, including overnight and day guests.

If a listing shows a maximum of six guests, that means six people total, no exceptions. Should you need to host additional visitors during the day, it’s important to reach out to your Host in advance to request permission.

Hosts: Clear occupancy details help Guests plan appropriately and prevent uncomfortable situations during a stay. Highlight maximum guest limits prominently and keep listing details current so expectations are aligned from the start. This helps keep homes and trips comfortable, compliant, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Say Hello Early

(Member-to-Member Communication)

Guests: Once your reservation is confirmed, a quick message to your Host makes all the difference. Reaching out early allows you to confirm details, ask questions, and share arrival plans. Plus, it gives Hosts the opportunity to prepare for your stay with confidence.

Hosts: Guests are often eager to begin planning right away, and a brief check-in sets a positive tone from the start. Thoughtful communication helps avoid last-minute surprises and ensures everyone feels supported.

Look Before You Book

(Avoiding Cancellations)

We strive to keep cancellations to a minimum across the ThirdHome community, as they impact both Guests and Hosts.

Guests: Before completing your reservation, carefully review key details such as dates, number of bedrooms, and the property’s exact location. This helps avoid cancellations due to overlooked listing information shortly after booking.

Property pages are designed to help you make confident decisions — but if anything is unclear, your Member Experience Associate is always happy to help before you book.

Hosts: A well-maintained property page helps Guests feel informed from the start. Use your property page to proactively address common questions around layout, location, and house rules so Guests know exactly what to expect before booking. Bonus tip: Keep property photos up-to-date to ensure you’re accurately representing your home.

Being a great Guest (and a great Host) doesn’t require extra effort, just a little extra intention. When everyone follows these simple best practices, trips run smoothly, homes stay protected, and the community remains strong.

The result? Fewer hiccups, more memorable stays, and a travel experience that feels just as good as the destination itself.

Be sure to check out the infographic above for a quick visual guide you can reference anytime.

Ready to book your next great trip? Browse all availability here! You must be logged in to see availability.

Want to make changes to your property page? You can do so here.