Sunday Favorites: How to Be a Great Guest

New to A Lady Reveals Nothing? You've missed SO MUCH. Not to worry. Every Sunday, I dig through the archives to repost an old favorite. Mostly because I'm too lazy to come up with new content every single day. Enjoy! I wrote the following article as a guest post for The Karina Chronicles back on 4/12/12:


If you’re going to spend any amount of time traveling, chances are at some point you’ll be hosted by a stranger. These tried and true methods will guarantee an invitation to return:

Get Into the Culture

Do some advance research and find out all that you can about your Hosts' culture.  In Samoa, it's impolite to speak to someone seated if you are standing.  In Thailand, its very rude to point the bottom of your foot at someone. In some cultures it's not OK to refuse an offer of food.  Research will help you know what to do in such situations, but more often than not you'll be glad to accept -- like the time I was given fresh sugar cane in Samoa:

Delicious!  But let's speak at eye level, OK?

Don't Hole Up

Plan to be social at least part of the time.  You'll make your Hosts feel very uncomfortable if you hideout in your room twenty-four-seven.  If you need to sleep off some jet lag, politely explain but make plans to join them for coffee or a meal the next day.

Leave No Trace

Leave your clothes and toiletries packed away in your suitcase and take them out only when in use. Jump up and clear the table as soon as the after-dinner conversation has waned.  If you feel comfortable, wash the dishes.  Make your bed every day. When it's time to leave, strip the bed and leave everything folded neatly.

Offer to Help

While staying in New Zealand, I told the older couple with whom I was staying that I would love to help with any chores that needed doing. I had a blast all afternoon chucking recyclables at the dump with Henry.

"Get out your aggressions, Hexum" -Henry

Keep Your Word
If you say you're going to arrive at a certain time, stick to it.  Stay in touch about your plans and don't stay out too late unless arranged in advance. You'll feel bad if they lost sleep worrying about you.

Ask Permission
Don't assume anything.  Better to ask first.

Give a Gift, or Two

Bring a small token from your hometown or the last city you visited.  After you've gotten to know them a little better, a nice parting gift specific to their taste and personality is in order. If you’re unsure, treat them to a fancy dinner out.

Now it's Your Turn

Learn from your Hosts and vow to pay it forward the next time guests come your way.