You’re planning a trip, and a kind friend or family member offers to put you up for a few days during your travels. Regardless of how close you may be to your host, you are still a guest in their home. Put your best foot forward with these tips:
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Stick to the agreed-upon arrival and departure dates.
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Show your appreciation when you arrive by bringing the host a gift.
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Help with cleaning and cooking. While you don’t need to “earn your keep,” your host will appreciate an offer to help out around the house.
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Offer to pay for gas and other expenses incurred by the host as a result of your visit.
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Treat your host to a nice meal, or offer to buy groceries and cook one night during your stay.
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Inform your host of your schedule each day, and don’t expect the host to be your personal travel guide.
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As soon as you get home, write your host a note recounting your enjoyable stay and expressing thanks for their hospitality.
With a little effort on your part, you can ensure that you’ll be a welcome houseguest the next time you’re visiting your host’s neck of the woods.