10 Tips to Being the Best Guest This Summer

PALM BEACH, FL (PRWEB) June 28, 2004 -- While traveling on summer vacation, the key to happiness is to carry your manners with you along the way. According to AAA Auto Club South, more people are expected to travel this summer compared to last year. Nationally, about 34.4 million are expected to travel by car, about 3.3% more than last year. Many travelers will be staying with friends and relatives.

Being a guest in someones home can be a delicate situation. One false move and you can quickly be labeled a pest, instead of a guest. With thoughtful communication, planning and manners you can avoid turning your houseguest experience into a turbulent episode of Survivor.

Here are ten tips to help you become the perfect guest, and make your visit away from home more enjoyable.

1. The Essentials
Plan ahead. Dont show up unprepared. Talk to your host before you leave home and ask what clothing you will need. You dont want to borrow your hosts clothing every time you need something to wear. Also bring your own toiletries and other such essentials. Your host will provide the towels, sheets and pillows but dont expect your favorite shampoo or facial cleanser to be waiting for you.

2. Details, Details
If youre running late, make sure your host knows youre on the way. The more details you provide, the better. Give the host your arrival and departure dates, and let him or her know whether or not you need to be picked up at the airport, bus station or rail station. Be prepared to pay for your own transportation if the host has other obligations and is unable to pick you up.

3. Keep the Rhythm
When you arrive at your hosts home, keep the lines of communication open. Give the host a general itinerary of your planned activities during your stay unless activities have already been planned for you. Adjust to your hosts schedule and follow his or her rhythm. If your visit is going to be lengthy, dont expect to be entertained constantly. Give the host a break from time to time and entertain yourself for a while.

4. Keep a Tight Lip
Dont discipline the hosts children or pets. And never bring your own pets or children, unless they are invited.

5. Dieting Diva
If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, let your host know ahead of time. If you are on a special low-fat, low-carb diet, bring your own snacks. Dont expect your host to go shopping for all of your personal provisions. Above all, dont raid your hosts refrigerator.

6. Gracious Guest
As a token of appreciation, it is a nice gesture to give your host a gift. A plant, a food basket, a gift certificate or bottle of fine wine makes a great gift. However, if you give a bottle of wine, dont expect your host to open it during your visit.

7. Helping Hands
If you are staying an extended length of time, help out with the household duties. Make your bed, pitch in with some chores, dont tie up the telephone for long stints, and dont use all the hot water. Remember that youre staying in someones home -- not a hotel.

8. Wearing Out a Welcome
Dont stay any longer than you promised. Remember the old adage: after three days, guests and fish begin to stink. Its better to leave with the feeling that you want to stay longer than wait until the visit is old and tired.

9. Trouble in Paradise
If you and your host are not getting along as easily as you anticipated, leave early, but do it tactfully. Be gracious and thankful. Maintain the friendship by focusing on the positives.

10. The Write Move
After leaving your hosts home, always write a thank-you note within 24 hours. This will help ensure that you are invited back again.

Jacqueline Whitmore is a certified etiquette expert, professional speaker, and the founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach. She has been featured in USA Today, The New York Times, Womans Day and Glamour. For more information about her programs, products or services, e-mail her at info@etiquetteexpert.com or visit her web site at www.etiquetteexpert.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jacqueline Whitmore
The Protocol School of Palm Beach
Phone: (561) 586-9026
http://www.etiquetteexpert.com
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