how to be a great houseguest — wine, books and wanderlust

When you're frequently traveling, it's easy to get caught up in the monotony of sleeping in other places...particularly if you're routinely sleeping in chain hotels. However, it's important to curb the hotel mentality, especially when you're staying with loved ones or opting for alternative accommodations (like AirBnB or couch surfing). I'm going to share some of my favorite southern girl tips on how to be a great houseguest.

(you can also read my other post on being a host(ess) with the most(est) by clicking here)

neat and tidy

When I stay in someone's home, I do my best to treat it like it's my own. As in, not leaving a gigantic mess when I go. This includes putting sheets and towels in the laundry (bonus points for actually washing them!), putting away your dishes, and basically leaving their home the way you found it. It's really insulting to stay at someone's home and leaving them with a ton of housework to do after your departure.

assistance required

Freaking help! It's not going to ruin your vacation to wash dishes, carry in groceries, or cook a meal. Honestly, when someone stays with me, I'm more than likely going to decline their offer to help me out. However, it's really nice to be asked.

cough up some dough

This doesn't apply to home-hosting services like AirBnb, but if you're staying in someone's home for free, offer to help pay for something! Whether it's picking up the tab at a bar or grabbing groceries to whip up a meal, these gestures are often appreciated. When you stay with someone who is used to a certain number of people in their household, they generally have a pretty steady budget - adding in houseguests ups their costs.

be thoughtful and respectful

Something I try hard to remember when using hosting services is to bring a little something for our host. Sometimes it's locally made chocolates, a pretty picture, or another little treat to show my thanks for my host's hospitality. This has been met with rave reviews! A small gesture of thanks shows that you're appreciative of having a home opened up to you.

Additionally, it's important that you respect your host's rules. Whether it's not smoking in the room, making sure to keep the cat indoors, or simply keeping quiet after 11pm, it's critical that you put yourself in their shoes. Respect the space, people, and rules when staying in someone else's home.

but most importantly...enjoy

Take the time to sit down with your host. You'd be surprised at all of the amazing connections and stories you can hear when you're sharing a space. When we traveled to Costa Rica in February, I was pleased to have met a couple that we've become good friends with via social media. Part of being a good traveler is listening and sharing. So take the time to carve out a little time with your hosts each trip.