Your mother’s missive to “Be polite!”
might suffice to help you get by as a tolerable guest.
This week, we’re preparing you for your spring and summer travels with friends.
Like the hosting guide, we consider this a “best practice” compilation of tips and tricks.
On the surface, the principal responsibility of a guest might be to enjoy themselves above all else.
There is no surer way to a horrible visit for your host and for yourself than failure to communicate.
Good communication can minimize the disruption and smooth over any tension, however small, before it even arises.
You’ll also want to ask your host about her schedule.
Knowing the host’s schedule goes a long way towards being a better guest.
Dietary needs can be a tricky area to navigate.
Asking someone to make all their meals adhere to your strict interpretation of vegan dietary rules is more difficult.
Inquire about household practices.Your goal is to cause as little disruption as possible.
Good communication is a great way to increase the happiness of the host and guest.
Bad communication is an extremely quick way to sour a visit.
Be Prepared for Your Visit
An unprepared house guest is a terrible burden.
Don’t rely on your host to have a good idea of what is going on in their city.
Nearly all the resources we suggested inour hosting guidework just as well for guests doing a little preemptive planning.
Local search sites likeYelpare obvious, but there area lot of tools that can help you find nearby stuff.
Plan for your own transportation.How are you going to get around?
Does the city you’re visiting have an extensive subway or bus system?
Does your host have a spare car for you to use?
If you’re gonna wanna rent a car be sure tocheck out the alternatives first.
You want to be such a good guest that you’re always welcome to return.
The last leg of stellar-guest training is very similar to the primary rule of outdoor sports.
Never leave a site worse than you found it.
Always rinse and wash your dishes or load them in the dishwasher.
Don’t leave your toiletries sprawled across the counter of the bathroom.
Be preemptive in helping your host.
If there is a linen closet or fresh linens in the guest room put fresh sheets on the bed.
It’s good form to make an effort to repay your hosts in some fashion.
A week long stay in a NYC hotel worth its salt could easily cost you over a thousand dollars.
For extra bonus points, pay attention to what your host needs around the house.
The gift wasn’t expensive but it was extremely well received.
Nonetheless, adopting even a portion of the above tips and tricks will make you a dream guest.
Photos byAquaFox90,Christopher Macsurak,Mike McCune,Bradley Gordon,Jordan Fischer, andwalknboston.
