Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How does the program work?
A: The annual membership period is the calendar year. A complete printed directory is mailed out to all members in late December for the following year. Member listings include not only the basics - name, address, phone, email - but host listings also include important information such as guest room location, size of bed, whether the bath is private for guests or shared, type of breakfast served, pet acceptance, local area interests and much more. Members make reservations by calling their potential hosts and making arrangements. Upon arrival, guests show their hosts their Wayside membership card to verify their membership, and provide their guest the suggested gratuity. After the awkward part is out of the way, the fun and fellowship begins!

Q: How much does it cost us to stay overnight?
A: It depends on your membership type. If you are participating as a Host/Guest (your home is available for others to visit), your gratuity rate is $15 single/$20 couple per night. If you join as a Guest Only (you're not hosting), the rate is $20 single/$25 couple per night. Don't forget that includes breakfast! Either way, it's a great deal!

Q: I don't have any extra room in my home to host anyone. Can I still join Wayside?
A: Yes, at this time we do accept Guests Only members. Although we prefer members to join as Hosts, we understand that not everyone has the gift of hospitality, and some of you may have downsized and don't have the room to accommodate guests. The Guest Only rates are higher than Hosts for obvious reasons - without Hosts we wouldn't have a program!

Q: You say this is a Christian club. How do I know that the members are really Christians?
A: We ask our members to provide us the name and phone number of their church leader as a reference, and we do call to verify their Christian character. We present Wayside as a Christian club, so potential members know up front who we are and they know what they're joining.

Q: We're in our late 40s and this sounds like fun! Can we join?
A: No, sorry. You have to wait until you're 50.

Q:I have a small dog who I want to take with me when I travel. Will Wayside homes take pets?
A: Some will. The directory listings include information on whether the hosts have any pets of their own, and if they'll accept any pets. But keep in mind that these are private homes, and we have to honor our hosts preferences.

Q: We are non smokers and don't want any smokers in our home. If we host, can we stipulate non smokers only?
A: Yes, you can. That's one of the things included in your host listing.

Q: How many members are in Wayside?
A: We currently have over 1250 members, with more than 750 of them hosting. However, effective in 2004, we will accept memberships throughout the year, so we expect our membership base (and therefore your host home options) to grow. As new members join, they will be updated on our website in a member only password-protected area.

Q: We want to go to Europe next summer. Are there any international hosts?
A: Sorry, at this time there are not. We do have a few Canadian hosts, however. We are hoping to expand to international hosts, and as we do, we'll update our website!

Q: I'm a widow, and sometimes I travel with my daughter who's only in her 30s. Can she stay with me at Wayside homes?
A: Yes, she can. Non-members may travel with members for a gratuity of $20 per person per night.

Q: This sounds like a great alternative to a hotel - especially in a resort area! Can I stay as long as I want?
A: We do ask our members to limit their visits to no more than 2 nights, and the host listings will indicate whether or not the hosts will accept multiple nights. Remember, these are private homes - not hotels - and we don't expect our hosts to become hotels. Wayside is meant more for places to stay along the journey - not the final destination hotel for a week of R&R. We especially don't want to overstay our welcome and abuse those hosts who are fortunate enough to live in "resort" areas.

Q: As a host, am I expected to always be available for guests when they want to visit?
A: We realize that you have a life, most likely love to travel yourself, and will not always be available. That's OK - this is your private home you're making available, and there may be times it just doesn't work out. That's what hotels are for. They're in the business of being available - you're not. We do ask you to respond to your guest's requests as soon as possible and let them know if you're available or not. And, we also want our guests to reconfirm with their hosts a couple of days prior to the visit. Emergencies may come up, and hosts may not be available. Please be understanding of that.

Q: I just found out about Wayside. Can I join now do I have to wait until next year?
A: You may join any time during the year. However, the deadline for members to be included in the printed directory for the following year is November 15th. Members who join after that time will be listed in the website directory, but not the printed directory.

Q: What if I don't have a computer? How do I find out where the host homes are?
A: When you join, you'll get the annual printed directory to use. You'll also be given a password to access our website for updated member information. If you don't have a computer, you probably know someone who does that could help you. How about your kids or grandkids? They'll love to impress you with their knowledge! Or, your public library has computers available to use, and they're very helpful! If you absolutely refuse to try accessing the website, then you'll be limited to the printed directory for your information - by your own choice.

Q: What if I join midyear? Do I still pay the full price?
A: Yes. You'll pay a full year's dues when you join. When you renew your second year of membership, your dues will be prorated according to when you originally joined.

Q: These are complete strangers. How am I going to feel comfortable with them or know what to talk about?
A: Each member's directory listing includes their occupations, what church they attend, as well as their interests and hobbies - so you'll have some idea of what to talk about. But don't worry. You'll quickly experience what so many of our members love about Wayside - the Christian bond and fellowship that turns strangers into "family"!

Q: Are these homes all Bed and Breakfasts?
A: No, these are the private homes of Christians who are willing to exercise their gift of hospitality by hosting fellow Christians. However, we do have a few professional B&Bs participating in Wayside, and they will accept Wayside members at Wayside rates. But, as they are running a business and this is their primary source of income, they may limit their Wayside guests to off season periods. That information will be indicated in their listing.