Questions to ask a host before you book

Updated 4 Oct 2026

Before you book, ask the host about money, cancellations, the daily rhythm, the group and the practical details. Every host sets their own terms, so the answers will differ from trip to trip, and that's exactly why it's worth asking.

Why ask at all

On hosted/trips, every trip has a named host, and you book directly with them on their own site. hosted/trips takes no bookings or payments, so the host is the one who can answer for the trip. Most hosts are glad to hear from you. A quick message now tells you a lot about the trip, and about how the host communicates, before any money changes hands.

You don't need to ask everything below. Pick the ones that matter to you, and skip anything the trip page already answers clearly.

Money and paperwork

These are the questions people most often wish they'd asked.

What exactly does the price include? Rooms, meals, drinks, materials, activities, transfers, tips. Ask what's not included, too.
Is the price per person, and does it change by room type? Shared rooms and single rooms are often priced differently.
How much is the deposit, and when is the rest due?
What happens if I cancel? Ask how much you'd get back, and whether that changes as the trip gets closer.
What happens if you cancel, or the trip doesn't fill? Ask what you'd get back and how quickly.
Do you recommend travel insurance? Many hosts suggest it. Check what a policy would need to cover for this trip, and read the policy yourself.
How do I pay, and in what currency?

Get the important answers in writing, ideally in the host's booking terms. If something isn't in the terms, ask the host to confirm it by email.

The days themselves

A trip page gives you the shape. These questions fill in the detail.

What does a normal day look like? Start time, sessions, meals, free time.
How much is scheduled, and how much is optional? Some people want every hour planned. Some want long empty afternoons.
What level is this for? Especially for workshops. Ask whether beginners will keep up, or whether experienced people will be bored.
What should I bring? Equipment, materials, clothing, anything you'd struggle to buy once you're there.
How active is it? Walking, stairs, uneven ground, long days on your feet. If you have any access needs, say so and ask how the trip can work for you.

The group

The people on a hosted trip shape it as much as the place does.

How big is the group? Ask the usual size and the most it could be.
Who usually comes? Age range, experience, whether people tend to travel solo or in pairs.
Is it adults only, or for a particular group? Some trips on hosted/trips are marked adults only. Some carry labels such as women only · men only · LGBTQ+ · faith-based · singles. If a label matters to you, ask what it means in practice on this trip.
Will I be sharing a room? If so, ask how roommates are matched and whether a single room is an option.
Who else is on the team? Co-hosts, teachers, cooks, local guides.

Getting there and the practical bits

Where do I need to arrive, and by when? Ask about the nearest airport or station, and whether there's a pickup.
What about food? If you have allergies or a particular diet, ask how meals are handled. Be specific.
What's the accommodation like? Bathrooms, heating or cooling, wifi, quiet spaces.
Is there phone signal? Handy to know for planning, and some retreats are deliberately offline.
What documents will I need? Passports, visas or anything else. The host can tell you what past guests needed, but check the official rules for your own situation.

About the host

It's fair to ask about the person running the trip, too.

Have you run this trip before? If not, what similar trips have you run?
Will you be there the whole time?
Who do I contact if something comes up during the trip?
Can I talk to someone who has been on one of your trips? Not every host can arrange this, but many are happy to.

Find a trip

When you've got your answers, you're ready to book with the host directly.