How to Message a Traveler
To send a message:
Log in to your Host Dashboard.
Click Messages in the left-hand menu.
Select the traveler or reservation.
Type and send your message.
You can use Vidle Housing messaging to communicate with travelers before, during, and after their stay.
Keep Communication on Vidle Housing
All host-traveler communication should remain within Vidle Housing's secure messaging system whenever possible.
Keeping conversations on-platform ensures messages are:
Time-stamped.
Easy to access.
Connected to the reservation.
Available for review if Support assistance is needed.
Documented in the event of a dispute or reservation issue.
Hosts should not share personal contact information in an attempt to move communication, reservations, or payments off-platform.
Respond Promptly
Healthcare travelers are often working within tight timelines to secure housing for upcoming assignments. A quick response can help answer important questions and prevent missed booking opportunities.
We encourage hosts to respond promptly to:
New inquiries.
Reservation questions.
Check-in questions.
Maintenance concerns.
Access issues.
Messages during an active stay.
Even if you don't have an immediate answer, acknowledge the traveler's message and let them know you're looking into it.
Keep Communication Clear and Professional
When messaging travelers:
Use friendly and professional language.
Answer all questions clearly.
Keep instructions simple and easy to follow.
Avoid long or confusing messages.
Be transparent about property details, fees, rules, or limitations.
Never make promises you can't guarantee.
For important information such as parking, property access, or troubleshooting instructions, numbered steps or bullet points can make messages easier to follow.
What Should Hosts Communicate Before Check-In?
Before the traveler's arrival, make sure they have accurate information about:
Check-in and check-out times.
Parking.
Property access.
Building or gate entry.
House rules.
Any important arrival details.
The property's full address and check-in instructions are automatically sent to the traveler approximately 48 hours before arrival, based on the information saved in your listing.
Communication During the Stay
During an active reservation, hosts should remain available for reasonable questions or property concerns.
If a traveler reports a maintenance issue:
Respond promptly.
Ask for photos or videos when helpful.
Provide clear next steps.
Keep updates documented through Vidle Housing messaging.
Communicate expected repair timelines when known.
Urgent safety, access, or maintenance issues should be addressed immediately.
Automated Messaging
Hosts may use automated messaging to help provide consistent communication throughout the reservation.
Common automated messages may include:
Booking confirmation or welcome message.
Pre-arrival reminder.
Check-in message.
Mid-stay check-in.
Check-out reminder.
Post-stay thank-you message.
Automated messages can be helpful, but hosts should still monitor their inbox and personally respond when a traveler has a question, concern, or urgent issue.
Communication Tips for a Better Traveler Experience
We recommend:
Responding as quickly as possible.
Keeping messages short and easy to understand.
Personalizing messages when appropriate.
Confirming important details rather than making assumptions.
Providing proactive updates during maintenance or reservation issues.
Keeping all important communication documented on-platform.
Strong communication builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and helps create a better experience for everyone involved in a Vidle Housing reservation.