You know that scenario, when a great friend moves overseas or somewhere exotic and they say “come and stay anytime.”
It’s the perfect opportunity to check out somewhere new with the benefit of having cheap accommodation.
Yet you hesitate.
You steer away from staying in other peoples homes because you are worried it will just be too close for comfort? Especially when you are a family with kids in tow. Does the thought of living on top of each other stress you out so much it seems far, far away from any kind of holiday?
If this rings true, then I want to change your mindset.
Staying in peoples homes on your travels will not only save you money but it can be a great chance to get to know each other again, hang out in the evenings and bond like the old days.
Your hosts will also show you the local best kept secrets, little known fabulous restaurants, adventure parks and secret beaches off the tourist track .
However things can go belly up pretty quickly without the right amount of thoughtful respect and gracious behaviour.
After ten years of road trips to visit family and friends in the UK (my birthplace) my husband, two kids and I have perfected the art of being a sunshine in people’s homes, keeping stealth with our luggage and making our hosts feel special.
Ten easy ways to be the perfect house guest
1. General housekeeping
When you arrive ask some key questions at the beginning so you know where the essentials are and you don’t have to keep asking questions – where is the chopping board, bin, recycling, towels, cutlery draw etc?
2. Make yourself at home
The worst thing you can do is nervously hover around feeling uncomfortable and keep asking if you can use the toilet, sit on the couch or make a cup of coffee . The more you are at ease and relaxed then your hosts will be able to relax too.
3. Get stuck in
Don’t ask what you can do to help just observe what needs to be done and do it. Take the bins out, hang the washing out, make coffee and lay the table.
4. Leave no trace
Keep stealth with your luggage by tidying it in your bedroom and toiletries maintained in a tidy bag in the bathroom. Overall just make sure your stuff isn’t getting under everyone’s feet.
5. Contribute to meals
Offer to cook some special meals, make a picnic for days out and / or pay for take away.
6. Life as usual
Encourage your hosts to live life as usual. Often they will feel as though they have to entertain you all the time so let them know they shouldn’t miss their weekly yoga or football sessions just because you are there to stay. The more they can carry on as usual the more they will relax and your visit will be easy as pie.
7. Me time
Make sure that you have some time to yourself, go for a run or have some time in your bedroom for 30 minutes. Everyone needs a breather from all the socialising.
8. Get the treats in
Arrive with flowers. Pop out in the middle of your stay and come back with deli cheeses, cookies, fine wine and boutique beer so everyone enjoys a bit of everyday luxury.
9. Be generous
Take note of what your hosts are in need of? Are they lacking some shit hot tea towels or an ultra sharp knife? Buy them a gift at the end of your stay or send it over afterwards as a thank you.
10. Quit while you’re ahead
We often find that 4 or 5 days for two families in a small house is about the limit. By day 5 everyone’s different needs and nuances can start to attract friction so don’t overstay your welcome.
Staying at hotels and resorts is a lovely treat however staying in people’s homes can give you a “keep it real” experience.
On a much deeper level, these days we often miss out on the community we used to experience with large families living together. You can pick up little lifestyle tips from other families to take home or pass on some of your own. It can be a little bit like a mild “wife swap” experience.
So next time you get an invite to stay at a friends house in Hawaii, Barcelona or Byron Bay jump at the chance, keeping these handy tips in mind.
Remember often the key to having a really fab holiday of a lifetime is not where you are, but who you are with.
(Click for a sneaky trick to getting cheap flights on the internet )
What are your tips to be the perfect house guest?
Written by Clare Greig
Clare Greig is the founder of Breathe Online - Helping Mums Start an Online Business & Work at Home. The Greig family are keen travellers across Australia, New Zealand, UK and Europe, South East Asia and all with kids in tow.
Clare offers one-to-one consulting and distributes a free weekly "Small Steps" newsletter, which helps aspiring mums get inspired, generate ideas and take action. You can sign up to it here - http://www.breatheonline.com.au/sign-up/.
