Solo Travel With Renee
Summertime means cottage time, with invitations from family or friends to their summer abode. With travel expenses soaring, travelers may also be counting on dossing down with a friend or far-flung relative abroad. Here are some tips on how to be the perfect guest, leaving the door open to be welcomed back – whether you are cottaging in Muskoka or couch-surfing overseas.
Renee’s Golden Rules for being a Fabulous Guest
Make yourself useful. Offer to whip up a signature salad or order pizza for dinner. Help with the dishes. Weed the garden, bail out the boat after a rain, do an activity with children so your hosts can enjoy some private time.
- Alwaysbring a gift. Rather than elaborate or expensive, it should be thoughtful and useful: wine, specialty coffee/teas, a basket of seasonal produce, freshly baked bagels or s’mores ingredients for a bonfire. Avoid anything decorative unless you are very familiar with their tastes; don’t give scented products in case of allergies. For children, bring a treat or simple gift they can share.
- Allergies and medical conditions should be discussed when the invitation is first extended, plus serious aversions like fear of water, spiders etc.
- Channel your inner neat freak and keep your guest area tidy. Make your bed, keep dirty laundry in a plastic bag inside your suitcase, don’t snack in your room or leave dishes around the house. On your last morning, strip your bedding and leave it folded at the foot of your bed or in the laundry area.
- Don’t show up with excessive luggage that takes up space, or bring energy-sucking devices like blow dryers or curling irons. Energy costs can be very expensive and your hosts probably have these items on hand.
- Respect the Septic system!
- Do bring items like bug spray and sunscreen and replace any host items you use promptly. Try to not be wasteful with bottled water, paper towels, toilet paper and other items that have become costly.
- Remember you are staying for FREE. Treat your hosts to dinner out or to a local event. You are saving on hotel and meal costs, so splurge and reciprocate. If you are truly strapped, cook them a special dinner or treat them to brunch or afternoon tea, which is less expensive.
- Don’t foist personal opinions on your hosts. Avoid temptations to re-organize their pantry, criticize music tastes or make ‘helpful’ comments. Avoid making your hosts uncomfortable with probing questions. If you don’t agree with how they discipline their kids, keep an open mind and be silent. You are here at their invitation; be accepting of situations that may be different.
- Respect any customs, beliefs or habits. You might discover your relative devoutly practices a faith, rises very early, doesn’t drink alcohol nor brings certain foods into the house. You can explore their customs without compromising your own beliefs.
- Unfortunately, unpleasant things can happen during a stay with friends or relatives, like an argument or personal family matter. The best approach is to quietly go for a walk or retreat to a different area with a book or headphones. Do not refer to the altercation after and definitely do not take sides. You are far from home and don’t need to be caught up in someone else’s drama.
- Don’t keep them waiting if there is a day trip or excursion. Get ready quickly and don’t hog the bathroom.
- No snooping around, even if they are out.
- If you’re encouraged to help yourself to the fridge, don’t drink all the beer, eat anything that might be for an upcoming meal or take that last piece of pie. Contribute to re-filling the fridge, offering to make purchases towards upcoming meals for the duration of your trip.
- Regarding pets, expectations must be crystal clear from the onset. Bring your pet’s toys, water/food bowls, adequate food and treats plus full water jug if tap water is undrinkable. Never have the pet in your bed; dander can be hard to remove and subsequent guests or family members may suffer if allergic. Clean up messes immediately. Remember that allowing your pet along is a privilege and an imposition.
- Always follow up with a Thank you note or e-mail, perhaps with some great photos.
Staying with friends or family can be a wonderful experience as you get to know each other better. A few thoughtful measures on your part will ensure a fabulous impression long after you have packed your bags and departed for home.