Editing How to be a good host (section)

== Make your guests feel at home: ==

* '''Make time for your guests.''' For many hosts and guests, the best part of CouchSurfing is the chance to meet people and learn about their lives and cultures; if you’ll be busy with work and other commitments, let your guests know that ahead of time. Perhaps, if appropriate, you could invite your guests to join you in some of your daily activities. Maybe they can come and sit in your academic class. Maybe you can get another ticket to that concert you're going to. Even if they aren’t interested in the offer, they’ll appreciate the gesture. Try to allow for at least ''some'' time together. Value and celebrate the opportunity to meet fellow travelers. 

* '''Be considerate. ''' Consider what your guests might need, or even ask them directly and respond accordingly. 
** For the travel-weary or jet-lagged: a cup of tea, warm shower, quiet spot for a nap. 
** For the budget-traveler: tips on local markets and access to your kitchen. 
** For many travelers: a brief orientation to your hometown (see [[#Preparing an information package for your guests]]).

* '''Be welcoming.''' Small gestures can go a long way: a cleared shelf for their belongings; a small garden-picked bouquet near their couch; learning a few words in their language. You’re delighted to have them visit you, so find ways to show it! 
** CouchSurfing guests ''are'' expected to be responsible for their own food, but an offer of a home-cooked meal will rarely go amiss. If you go out to eat, and are feeling generous, offer to pay for their meal... traveling is hard on the wallet! If - for budgetary, scheduling, or culinary reasons - you don’t share a meal, at least offer them tea, coffee, etc.

* '''Communicate.''' Even if there’s a language barrier, do what you can to include your guests in the general conversation. Speak in their language if you can. If they don’t speak your language fluently, speak more slowly (don’t drag the syllables out so the words get distorted; pause more frequently so they can mentally translate the words you’ve said). People will usually be able to understand much more than they can say. In any case, smiles and a welcoming attitude speak volumes. 

* '''Learn from your guests.''' Have a healthy, respectful curiosity about their lives and homes. If you speak different languages, learn a few words in theirs. Listen to stories about their travels. Find out about their favorite books or films. Ask them to tell you about writers, musicians, and artists from their culture or hometown. Practice active listening.

* '''Be a resource for them.''' You have "insider's knowledge" of your hometown; let them know you'd be happy to share it with them: favorite non-tourist spots, good cheap restaurants, how much to pay for a local item (or taxi fare). 

* '''Share laughter'''.