by Karen Cleveland

Mmmm…..summer travel. Quick cottage weekends, long jaunts overseas, impromptu drives to wine country. Lovely.

Whether you’re the host, or the guest, do what you can to ensure the trip is a nice one.

Hosts…

· Set your guests up as cozy as you can offer, but let them be as self sufficient as they can. Give them a tour of the kitchen, where they can find towels, and a quick rundown of what’s in your hood.
· Be prepared to keep your guests fed and hydrated. Stock up.
· If you’re comfortable, give them a key to your digs. If keeps both of you from being too dependant on each other for coming/going.
· Plan some fun things to do together and for your guests to do by themselves. But don’t over schedule. It’s a visit. Not day camp.

Guests…

· Know exactly when you are arriving and departing so as to not run the risk of overstaying your welcome.
· A little something for your host when you arrive goes a long way.
· Be attentive and take your cues from your host – if they use coasters, then so do you.
· Be as helpful as possible with cooking and tidying up. Your host shouldn’t be able to mark what you did on any given day by following your mess from bedroom, to bathroom to kitchen, etc.
· Show your gratitude however you see fit – a card, a note, a heart-felt thanks, a meal on you….

Unrelated sidenote: CP, NNC, you were fantastic guests. You’re welcome back any time.