I'll be backpacking Europe solo for 8 weeks in late August, and my Aunt's best friend's daughter lives in London. She's been gracious enough to allow me to stay in her flat with her as long as I want (and will be back in the US for a few weeks and also has no issue with me staying there without her). I'll be staying 5-7 days. I so much appreciate her allowing me to do this, as she's saving me a lot of money. Do you think I should buy her a gift as a token of my appreciation, or leave it to doing something like buying her dinner one night? I'm torn as to what to do, as I'm trying to do my 8 week trip for as cheaply as I can - and she's making my stay in London SO much more affordable than I ever thought possible!
Posted by
near NY, NJ, USA
445 posts
Whenever I stay with friends in Europe, I always take them to dinner. And do please remember to leave her flat nice and clean and tidy. I say that because many years ago, I lent my NY apartment to a girl I worked with and her out-of-town mother and they left the place dirty!!!! I could not believe it!
Have fun!
Posted by
Louisville, KY, USA
14 posts
- Leave the place clean.
- Take her out to eat at a nice place.
- Any small token of appreciation would be nice, maybe something you picked up while traveling. If you're at the Ufizzi they have nice little leather things that are inexpensive.
- A THANK YOU NOTE after you return to the states. This is the minimum! If you do nothing else, send a note telling her how grateful you are and how generous she was, even if it turns out to be a terrible place to stay.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Just had German relatives of my husband leave after a week visit. They gave us a small table top book of their region in Germany,, its nice enough, but really, after we look at it a bit it will be put away.. likely to end up on a garage sale table one day.. LOL
First : Best gift of all, don't be a lazy slob. Clean up after yourself.. and offer to help with dishes( they will likely say no,, but always offer to help)
Second: Take them out to dinner, I alway often stay with friends near London, or family in France and I have host pick a place and I insist on paying. Its a "mini break" for them, and since as noted one saves alot of money by not staying at a hotel you can splash out for a nice dinner.
I also think if staying a long time( more then 3 or 4 days in my book) its nice to stock the fridge with any special things you like,, rather then having them provide freshly squeezed non pasturized apple juice at 4 dollars a litre.( of which a litre a day is consumed,, so at end of week one has spent over 25 dollars alone on JUICE for goodness sake.. ). oops, sorry taling about my guests again...LOL
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
If you do each of the four things Andy suggests, you will probably be perceived as a good guest.
Posted by
Beautiful Austin TX
582 posts
What I always do both in Europe and USA, I bring a small box of Lamms praline candies made in Austin since the 1800's.Everyone Loves them! No matter where you are from, there is always something special that is made there. Oh, you people from Nashville have Goo Goo's!!! mmmmmmm! A place like Seattle would have plenty of yummy things to bring. My praline candy take up very little room in my carry on. When I go to London this fall, I'm bringing some for two people I'm meeting with.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
All of the above suggesstions are good. I'd also suggest picking up some fresh flowers. London has flower stands everywhere. If you don't bring something from home (like the candies), have a look around the flat and then when you are out, look for a nice item- maybe lace placemats from a craft stall in "Covent Garden, or something "arty" from Camden Market- whatever will fit in with their decor. Theatre tickets or theatre gift token are also nice.