First impressions matter — and for families arriving at your short-term rental, a thoughtful welcome guide can be the difference between a good stay and a great one.
A well-crafted welcome guide helps families feel safe, informed, and looked after from the moment they walk through the door. Here's how to create one that guests will genuinely appreciate.
Why Families Need a Different Kind of Welcome Guide
Couples and solo travellers want restaurant recommendations and WiFi passwords. Families need all of that plus safety information, nearby playgrounds, high chair locations, and what to do if a little one gets sick at 2am.
A family-focused welcome guide acknowledges that travelling with children is a completely different experience — and shows your guests you understand that.
What to Include in Your Family-Friendly Welcome Guide
1. Safety Essentials
- Emergency contacts (local hospital, after-hours GP, poison control)
- Location of first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and smoke alarms
- Pool/water safety rules if applicable
- Any hazards children should be aware of
2. Property Orientation
- How appliances work (especially unfamiliar ones)
- Where to find extra bedding, towels, and baby gear
- Thermostat and hot water instructions
- Parking and entry/exit procedures
3. Local Family Activities
- Nearby playgrounds and parks (with age suitability)
- Family-friendly restaurants (noting high chairs, kids menus)
- Rainy day activities
- Local attractions with opening hours and prices
4. Practical Information
- Nearest supermarket and pharmacy
- Rubbish and recycling instructions
- Check-out procedures
- Your contact details for questions
Digital vs. Printed: Why Not Both?
A printed guide sitting on the kitchen bench is perfect for quick reference. A digital version sent before arrival lets families plan ahead. The best approach is offering both formats.
With an editable welcome guide template, you can create a professional-looking guide in minutes using Canva — no design skills needed. Customise it with your property details, print it or share it digitally, and update it whenever you need to.
The Impact on Your Reviews
Hosts who provide detailed, family-focused welcome guides consistently report:
- More 5-star reviews mentioning "thoughtful" and "well-prepared"
- Fewer mid-stay messages asking basic questions
- Higher rebooking rates from families who felt genuinely welcomed
- Better communication that prevents misunderstandings
Ready to Create Yours?
If you want a head start, our free welcome guide checklist covers everything you should include. Or grab the full Welcome Guide Starter template and have a beautiful, branded guide ready in under an hour.