You’re planning a trip, and a kind friend or family member offers to put you up for a few days during your travels. Regardless of how close you may be to your host, you are still a guest in their home. Put your best foot forward with these tips:

• Stick to the agreed-upon arrival and departure dates.

• Show your appreciation when you arrive by bringing the host a gift.

• Help with cleaning and cooking. While you don’t need to “earn your keep,” your host will appreciate an offer to help out around the house.

• Offer to pay for gas and other expenses incurred by the host as a result of your visit.

• Treat your host to a nice meal, or offer to buy groceries and cook one night during your stay.

• Inform your host of your schedule each day, and don’t expect the host to be your personal travel guide.

• As soon as you get home, write your host a note recounting your enjoyable stay and expressing thanks for their hospitality.

With a little effort on your part, you can ensure that you’ll be a welcome houseguest the next time you’re visiting your host’s neck of the woods.