Frequently Asked Questions
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We require that you submit a photo of your home. From this, we do a visual check to see that the homes are well maintained and neat. When joining, our members agree to provide clean accommodations, with some element of privacy and breakfast. Otherwise, we trust our members to let us know if a host’s home does not meet basic standards of cleanliness and maintenance.
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MTN is fairly new, but there are several hundred members. We do expect to grow and hope to have as many as a couple thousand with in the next five years. Currently, we have members in 46 states, 7 Canadian provinces, as well as international members in other countries.
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Well, yes and no. You must have the ability to host. However, you only host when it’s convenient for you. This is a reciprocal organization and those that travel are expected, at some point, to host. If you are contacted to host and it is not a good time or inconvenient, you are under no obligation to host at that time. Some members never get a call to host and some get many. Of course you are welcome to host as many times as you like and will hopefully have the chance to a couple of times a year! You will want to as host as it is as much a part of the the whole "experience" as traveling and being a guest.
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Well, no, sorry. As stated above, this is a reciprocal organization and is open only to those that can accommodate guests.
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Not really, especially since you already have common interests - traveling and motorcycles. The other thing, too, is that they really aren't "strangers". They are fellow members, who have paid their annual dues and have a listing in the directory, just like you. Because you will contact them via email or phone to check if they can host you, you will have the opportunity to communicate with them. You may actually know quite a bit about them before you even arrive!
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Any more, smoking has become somewhat of a "non-issue"; people just expect places to be non-smoking. However, it does list in the directory if the host smokes, or if smoking is permitted inside or out.
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If two "singles" are traveling together, expect and are given separate accommodations, then each must be a member and each pays the host the $15 gratuity. This is reasonable considering the host will want to know everyone staying in their home, as well as the time and energy of cleaning two separate areas/beds.
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The bathrooms will be listed as Private or Shared. Even if it is listed as Private, it still may require a trip across/down the hall. All sleeping arrangements should have a reasonable amount of privacy and will be listed as to what bedding they provide, i.e. Twin/single, Double, Queen, King or Non-standard, like a futon or pullout.
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If you are looking for total privacy, then look for a Motel 6! Traveling and staying with a host is an inexpensive way to travel, but expense is not the only reason to do this. Sharing the experience and learning from others is a major part of MTN. You will discover the "local" info - where to ride, where to eat and what to avoid.
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We’re working on it!!
Check the 'country drop-down list' for the most current listing of participating countries.
If you or anyone you know lives overseas... ask them to join MTN.
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Since 70% of the US population owns a pet, bringing yours into the mix might be too disruptive. For this reason, we discourage it. However, you are always welcome to ask your host, but please respect their wishes if they say "no".
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We feel two nights is best, but you may, if the host agrees, stay up to three nights. Beyond that it is strictly up to the host's discretion to offer longer term accommodations.
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It is strictly up to each member as to when to host. If you are uncomfortable about not being home in the morning, then you should only host when you know you can be there to serve breakfast. If you are okay with letting your guest make their own breakfast, make arrangements the night before to let your guest know what and where you will leave the breakfast items for them. Make sure to set a place for them at the table. Many people still work and are on different schedules from those vacationing. Communication is key, here. Make sure your guest knows this before arrival. Remember though, you are not under any obligation to host if it is inconvenient for you.
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You should start a week or two ahead to give each of you a chance to "get acquainted" over the phone or through email. However, some hosts prefer last minute and that will be stated in their listing.
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We are going to quote Pauline Frommer from America on a Budget, for this one. When talking about hosting organizations in general, she states, "So what can go wrong on an exchange? And is it safe? Surprisingly, security seems not to be an issue for these intrepid hosts and travelers. Steve, from Vermont, told me, ‘It’s simply not part of the equation. We don’t worry about it.’ And what would seem to be a naïve attitude is borne out by the facts. Not one of my informants could cite a single instance of theft or malicious damage. Perhaps this is because members must supply their addresses and phone numbers to join the club and can therefore be held accountable. Or perhaps this activity simply inspires a higher level of trust and consideration than do other forms of travel." Again, these "strangers" are just fellow members who have paid dues and have a listing that you can check before you decide whether or not to host them.
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Certainly! You are still a motorcycle enthusiast. Most of us have to use 4 wheels once in a while. Just let your host know you will be traveling by car.
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Absolutely not! This is an organization for traveling motorcycle enthusiasts of all makes and models. If you are not tolerant of people on bikes other than your own brand, you don’t belong here. MTN is for people who are looking for a different type of travel and enjoy meeting other enthusiasts who like to hit the open road!
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