How to Stay with Good Friends 

It’s lovely that you and your host have forged such a good friendship over the months or years that they have invited you to stay with them for a time.

 In order to make sure that you make the most of your trip and that you both have a fabulous time together, here are a few tips to solidify – rather than diffuse – your new friendship. After all, when you stay in someone else’s home there are rules to respect and certain courtesies to expend. Just as there will be when they pay a visit to your place. So, here are our top tips for making sure your visit goes as smoothly as possible:

 Turn up with a gift

 Turning up with a gift for your host is a lovely thing to do and shows how thoughtful you are being. But by gift we don’t mean thrust a bunch of flowers into their arms the minute they open the door. Rather, give them a little something you’ve brought with you from your country that you think they will like. It can be something edible, a little keepsake, something to drink etc. In other words, an imaginative piece of your country that might surprise and delight your host.

 Don’t be fussy about food

 If your host makes you a meal or two then don’t turn your nose up at it, saying you would rather have toast, cereal etc (remember you aren’t in a restaurant – there’s no menu to peruse). Try and eat what you can and, if you really do detest certain foodstuffs or have a food intolerance to dairy, gluten etc then say so before you even arrive. It’s just good manners to let your new host know. Try not to give him or her a whole list of foods you avoid though. And, on the subject of food, do offer to take your host out for a meal – it’s a really nice way of saying ‘thanks for having me stay’.

 Be good in the kitchen

 If you are the type who likes to drink a lot of tea or coffee then ask your host if they can show you how to make it. That way you can go and do it for yourself, rather than your host having to. And, while we’re in the kitchen, always offer to do the dishes (even if there is a washing machine – you can always stack the dishes or unload the machine). It’s just nice to let them have a break after the meal if they’ve prepared and cooked the food for you. If they really don’t want you to wash up though then fine; some people hate others in their kitchen and just like to get on with it themselves.

 Turn of the technology

 Yes, go into any café these days and at least half the customers will be staring at their phones. It’s no way to socialise. So, when you go and stay with your host try and avoid checking your phone every five minutes. The same with your laptop – unless they are working themselves, or have gone out, don’t spend an hour or more on your laptop every evening during your visit. It’s fine if you are on a visit where you might have to do a bit of work – just let your host know beforehand, and for how long (because they’ll be planning attractions for you both to visit).

 Be mindful of any house rules

 Always ask if there are rules. Everyone has house rules – whether they realise it or not i.e. always use a coaster if there’s some on the table, don’t put your feet up on the sofa, always take your shoes off when you come in the front door… you know the type of thing. Unwritten house rules – for those of you who are incredibly nosey – is not to open any closed cupboard doors, drawers or a wardrobe in the sitting room or a bedroom. Yes, it can be tempting, especially if your host has gone out, but think how bad you’ll feel if you get caught snooping. And then there’s the guilt afterwards when they’re being so nice…

 Get in touch

 Are you keen to either visit or host someone from abroad? You can make new friends on our website www.visitsomeone.com.

 We make it easy for you by connecting you with like-minded guests or hosts – people that you are sure to have something in common with. We also check all accreditation before you hook up online so you know you are in safe hands from the start.