We have been fortunate to have friends in many of the cities we have visited throughout the world. Staying with friends makes any trip more meaningful. Tomorrow I’ll talk about ways to pamper overnight guests, but, for today, here are a few reminders on how you can be a gracious houseguest.
1. Coordinate with your hosts on arrival and departure times and then stick to those dates.
When you stick with your arrival and departure times, your hosts can make other plans around you much more easily.
2. Depending on your relationship with your hosts, consider bringing or sending a small gift and note after your visit.
Your gift doesn’t need to be extravagant, just thoughtful. Small potted plants, treats from your hometown, baked goods, a photo from your visit in a picture frame or scrapbook, pretty notepaper, a candle or special hand soap or lotion are all good ideas.
3. Try to find a way to be a help during your stay.
Your hosts are probably doing a lot for you already. See if you can give them a break and treat them.
Offer to prepare a meal or take your hosts out to dinner. Help with cleanup after meals and/ or ask how else you can help throughout your stay, whether that be picking up something from the store, babysitting or something else. Try to ask your host how you can help before jumping in.
4. Contain your stuff.
Try to keep your belongings in a contained spot rather than strung all over the house. You don’t want your hosts to feel as though they need to clean up after you.
5. Spend time with your hosts.
Be sure save time to visit and connect with your hosts while you are there.
Coordinate your sightseeing and excursions so you can still connect with them, too.
Miss any days or want to know what’s ahead? Here are all 12 Days of Christmas Travel Tips on MomsTravelTales:
Day 1: One pep talk about family travel
Day 2: The two best ways to manage a time zone change
Day 3: Three reasons to consider a hotel staycation in December
Day 4: Four ways to minimize stress on travel days
Day 5: Five ways to be a gracious overnight houseguest
Day 6: Six ideas for pampering overnight guests
Day 7: Seven people to tip when traveling (and how much)
Day 8: Eight tips for international travel
Day 9: Nine secrets for a great hotel stay with kids
Day 10: Ten things to keep in mind when flying with children
Day 11: Eleven tried and true ways to beat boredom while waiting
Day 12: Twelve things I’ve learned about travel with kids
Want to know more than just travel?
Swing by any of the other 7 sites during the 12 Days of Christmas and here’s what you’ll learn: (And these girls know their stuff!)
Christmas Homeschool Fun: 1+1+1=1
Christmas Decorations: Songbird
Tips for a Healthy Holiday: The Thrifty Mama
Saving Money: Surviving the Stores
Christmas Recipes: Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures
Christmas Family Fun: Life as Mom
Homemade Christmas Gifts: The Happy Housewife
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