If you are traveling for Thanksgiving and staying with friends or family, keep in mind the following tips to being a good houseguest.  It will make your visit more enjoyable and reduce stress of your host. If you are traveling for Thanksgiving and staying with friends or family, keep in mind the following tips to being a good houseguest.  It will make your visit more enjoyable and reduce stress for your host.

1. Bring Your Welcome With You

Your hosts have done a lot of preparation in anticipation of your visit – including cleaning the house, accommodating sleeping arrangements and preparing meals for your visit.  Show you appreciation by arriving with a gift.  Whether it be a nice bottle of wine, a scented candle or a gift basket – bring something that your host will enjoy.

2. Be Your Own Tour Guide

It’s fun to visit a new town and explore when you are on vacation.  However, keep in mind that your host most likely is not on vacation and may have work and other daily responsibilities. Research interesting places to visit in the host town.  You can invite your host to join in but don’t take it personally if they can’t join the fun.

 

3. Don’t Make A Mess

A good houseguest understands and respects the fact that they are a guest in someone’s home.  Don’t expect your host to pick up after you. Make  your bed each morning, wash out your coffee cup, clear the dishes after dinner and keep common areas free of your stuff.

 

4. Be A Helper

Hosting guests is lot of work.  A good houseguest will help out when and where they can.  Whether it is unloading the dishwasher in the morning, running to the grocery store for needed items or help setting the table. Perhaps, a family member needs a ride somewhere.  Be a helper where you can.  It will relieve some of the stress of your host and allow you to feel like you are helping.

5. Send A Thank You Note

Once you are back home – send a written thank you note to your host and let them know how much you appreciated their hospitality.