So you are going on holidays and friends have offered for you to stay. That’s lovely you think. But take a second before agreeing. This thoughtful gesture must not be taken lightly. Consider all the perks and then the sacrifices. These memories will stay with you forever. To help you with your conundrum consider the following;

Of course, there are perks;

• home cooked meals

• save a packet on the cost of a hotel

• do not have to tip

• freedom to come and go as you please

• no check in times and they will usually pick you at the airport if you are coming from afar

• saves tackling suitcases on public trains or buses

• a chance to catch up on your washing if you have been away for awhile

• great company rather than a lonely hotel room

Consider though;

• you should leave a thank you gift or at least shout a dinner or two

• you may have to share a bathroom

• lack of peace and quiet if they have young children

• you will have to work around their usual routines and times

• no tango between the sheets

• no free wifi - some may give you their password

• generally means someone is giving up their bed for you

• whisper conversations

• opening every cupboard till you find a glass

• what is your outlook on smoking vs non smoking, pets vs no pets

• you may not get the luxury or view you pay for at a hotel

Then when you have friends in the direction you are going and they haven’t offered for you to stay do you do the awkward ‘would you mind if we crashed at yours for a night?’

Important to remember;

• do not overstay your welcome - usually two nights is plenty then its time to move on

• offer to wash/wipe up

• be mindful of your friends/family routines

• strip the bed for them to wash, gather the bath towels to take to the laundry

• if you are not well, don't do it. They will blame you then, if they get sick. They will not let you forget it

• they may not offer you food so have a back up plan

• avoid staying with people you haven’t made an effort to keep in contact with for years

So do you pay for accommodation or choose to save and stay with family and friends? Do you wait to be invited or invite yourself? We would love it if you joined the conversation and leave a comment below.