I never would have thought in a billion centuries I would actually put these words together, never really had the kind of guests who put in efforts. So as soon as someone made plans, my heart would skip a beat. It wasn't about cooking or cleaning, it was more like unappreciated hard work getting flushed in some parallel universe and all the missed acts were highlighted. Just for saying yes to spend time with people even for an hour should be enough, but then relatives take it far to over complicated courses for food multiple times in day for several days.
Eventually I found a perfect house guest. He came with a relative and inspired this post. Here's all you should do to get invited back.
First impression should be a humble one. Well don't act snobbish when you greet your hosts, it just pisses people off. Instead, be friendly be humble look clean so they are not scared of leaving a portion of house all to yourself.
Second one would be don't make a mess of the space. Whatever you need from suitcase, pull it out and pack it back. Keep your bags packed so if the home is small, there is no extra room occupied on floor and it looks as clean as it was when you entered.
Hmm next one has to be washroom courtesy. Well, use it clean it after you are done. Before using someone's bath tub, ask for their permission. Ask them for tissues if you need. Always carry your own loofah.
Help with the meals. If they ask you for breakfast, tell them what you want and offer your help. It can be cutting onions for omelette or even making your own breakfast. I mean why not right. If nothing, help with the setting of table. After you finish meal, always clean up your dishes of food residue if they have a dishwasher. If they are gonna wash up themselves, do your own plates and glasses. Small gestures matter a lot.
Don't enter their bedroom. Unless your hosts are really keen on house tour, never enter someone's bedroom. Its a no brainer, its their super private space.
Make your bed and set mattresses every morning. I have had guests who would never ever pick after them. Its like they were paying us for all the maid services. But this time, this friend would wake up every morning, fold his sheets and put mattresses on side and cover it with a sheet. Manners gosh, some mothers are raising their kids right. South Indians are way ahead and I respect them for this.
Ask people what kind of alcohol they drink. I know its kind of a little more to ask but still if you are out there buying tequila for a whiskey person, your money is wasted.
Make sure you are on their waking up sleeping time. If your host sleeps at 10 and wakes up at 5, you got to do that too if you are in living room. Also it helps if you tell your hosts if you are sleep deprived or there are some kinds of food you would avoid or even alcohol.
Before leaving, put your bedsheets towels in washer dryer which makes it even more easier to wrap up after guest visit.
If you plan an outing with the host, sync up the washroom times, if you are going to take more time, ask others if they would want to go first. Don't make people wait. Don't stink or wear smelly clothes.
Last one would be appreciate everything they do, their food their time their house. Tell them the house is nice, tell them you like food, tell them you appreciate them taking out time for you. Also, if you decide to visit a city, make a list of what you want to see around, people who live in city know nothing about touristy destinations.
P.S. If you do get a sense that hosts are not ready or kind of flustered, offer to stay in bnbs or hotels. Friendship is way more important than saving a few bucks.
