Yes, You Should Venmo Your Host When Traveling
Yes, You Should Venmo Your Host When Traveling
Courtesy of Fodor's Travel
https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/experiences/news/stop-treating-home-stays-like-a-hotel
Most people are terrible house guests. Here’s how to be better.
Hot Takes is a monthly series inviting experts to share their hottest takes about travel, hospitality, and more. Have a hot take you’d like to share with us? Send your takes to editors@fodors.com for a chance to have your take featured in a future story.
I’ve always been a budget traveler, which means I’ve often opted to stay with friends or family in a new city to save on hotels or vacation homes. I’ve also hosted my fair share of guests to pay it forward—call it “couch karma.”
As inflation rises, people are seeking more affordable ways to travel. Staying with someone you know is one of the easiest ways to cut costs, but here’s the thing: it’s cheap but certainly not free. Sure, you might save hundreds–or thousands–of dollars on lodging. But someone else is paying for your savings with their groceries, their time, their interrupted routines, and their personal sanity.
I’ve been the host and hosted. I’ve overstayed my welcome. I’ve underestimated how much work it is. I’ve bitten my tongue when my guests did things that drove me nuts. I’ve noticed the teeth marks on my friend’s tongue. Most hosts are too polite to tell you what’s bothering them. But the rules of being a good house guest need to be said, so I’m going to speak up.
Be Thoughtful
Never show up empty-handed, advises etiquette expert Jo Hayes. If they’re wine drinkers, a nice bottle of wine. If they have kids, books for the kids, and even harder alcohol for the parents. Reach into your regift pile, dust off a scented candle, and pop it in a gift bag. Better yet, bring something from your hometown, be it swag from the local sports team or a local delicacy. The more effort you put into it, the less effort your host has to expend pretending they like it.
Yes, You Should Venmo Your Host
If you just saved $1500 on hotel expenses, offer to Venmo your host to cover a grocery store trip or a meal out. It’s unfair in this economy for someone to put you up in their home and feed you. Prices on everyday items, including groceries and transportation, are up around 25% since January 2020, according to CNBC, which means hosting costs more. You might also leave a gift card for the local gas station—or liquor store—on your departure. Err on the side of generosity—don’t be a cheapskate, especially when your host is saving you money.
Your Host’s Life Doesn’t Revolve Around Your Visit
You may be on vacation, but your host isn’t. They still need to work. Go to doctor’s appointments. Shuttle kids to practices. Walk their pooch. Even if they’ve cleared their schedule for you, remember that you’re stepping into their routine and their world, not the other way around.
In one study from Club Wyndham, 68% of people say that they need more alone time to feel connected to the people they are traveling with. This applies to staying with someone, too, especially as you’re occupying their space. Your host does not want to spend every waking minute together. They love you, but they also probably miss having the bathroom to themselves.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Familiarity breeds contempt. Find the middle ground. Don’t act as a boarder, but also don’t feel you have to be in their presence 24/7, says Hayes.
Don’t Be a Delusional Guest
Guests can be delusional about how pleasant they are to host. I’ve been one of them. Who wouldn’t want to hear my stories, hilarious as they are, again until the crack of dawn? Three out of four Americans even see themselves as the perfect guest, according to the same Club Wyndham study. Four out of four roommates beg to differ.
Two things will be true. They can’t wait for you to arrive; they can’t wait for you to leave. Set the schedule, make it specific, and barring any shelter-in-place scenarios, keep to the plan. Send them your itinerary so they know exactly when to put the finishing touches on your arrival and when to plan that long exhale after they wave goodbye.
When it comes to hosting or getting hosted, Hayes says everything centers on clear, open communication. One good rule of thumb: leave a day earlier than you’d prefer. Nobody has ever ruined a friendship by leaving too soon. It’s like the old adage goes, guests, like fish, start to stink after three days.
Don’t Actually Make Yourself at Home
As soon as you’ve had a chance to hug and compliment each other on how much younger and thinner y’all look, ask about the house rules. Shoes on or off? When do people wake up and go to bed? What’s the breakfast routine like? Is it every soul for themselves or please don’t touch the toaster? If you’re going to be there long enough to want to do laundry, find out about that. Make no assumptions. Get the lay of the land. If they have pets, find out the dos and don’ts. And for goodness sake, don’t actually make yourself at home.
Your Host Isn’t Housekeeping
Try to do chores. Your host is already doing you a favor. They shouldn’t have to clean up after you. There’s a chance they’ll say no and mean it. They might have strict rules on how to load a dishwasher, or they might not want to spend the next six months looking for cups and butter knives. Despite this, offer in all sincerity, bracing yourself for the yes, and doing your best if they take you up on them. Hayes agrees. “Guests should be looking for ways to help the host.” Walk the dog. Unload the dishwasher. Take out the trash. Make it so they never want you to leave, she encourages.
Make a Graceful Exit
Clean and tidy your space before you abandon it. Yes, they will most likely enter the spare room you occupied in a hazmat suit, boil the sheets, and sandblast the walls. Still, making the bed or even preparing the sheets for laundry shows your appreciation. Let them know when you’ve arrived at home, so they can breathe a sigh of relief that you’re not stranded at the airport and still their responsibility.
Also, don’t forget to send a note of thanks—how great it was to see them again, how you can’t wait for them to visit you—even if you live in a place where nobody wants to go. And whatever you do, just remember that staying with friends is never really free. They paid with their groceries. Quiet. Privacy. Normal routines. Sometimes, even their favorite chair in the dining room or a coveted spot on the couch. They did it all while pretending not to notice your wet towel on the bathroom floor. The least you can do is make them glad they invited you.
These Common Travel Scams Are Exploding — Here’s How the FTC Says to Avoid Them
https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/experiences/news/ftc-warns-travelers-about-vacation-scams-how-to-avoid-fraud-this-summer
The FTC is warning travelers about a rise in vacation scams, including fake travel websites, bogus toll texts, and fraudulent charter flights.
The Federal Trade Commission has warned consumers about scams targeting travel buyers as many Americans search for and purchase their summer vacations online. The FTC reports American consumers lost some $12.5 billion to all varieties of fraud in 2024.
Avoiding Online Scams
The FTC has specifically warned about an increase in paid ads from scammers posing as well-known travel companies. When consumers do a web search for a well-known travel company, similar websites run by scammers show up in paid ads that top search results, often above the search results themselves. The FTC warns consumers to either type in the website of the company they’re searching for, if they know it, or to pay close attention to the site they’re directed to when they do a web search.
These are called Imposter Scams, and the FTC operates a separate site with details on how to identify and avoid them.
Scammers can also respond to complaints posted on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. Scammers will often pose as representatives from the company the complaint is about, attempting to get confirmation numbers and other pertinent details from frustrated travelers. It’s worth noting that many travel companies have stopped handling consumer complaints on social media channels. If in doubt, travelers should lodge complaints with travel companies via their official websites.
Avoiding Road Trip Scams
Another common text scam is to contact auto travelers claiming they have unpaid tolls. Travelers may not be aware of toll collection schemes while traveling, particularly if they’re outside their home state. These phishing scams are typically attempts to harvest credit card numbers.
Travelers should be sure to research the toll agencies separately rather than clicking a link in an unexpected text. The best option is to contact toll agencies via their official website or customer service number to check for unpaid tolls.
Avoiding Air Travel Scams
Other scams involve fraudulent travel agencies selling charter flights that don’t exist. These flights can be harder to verify because they don’t show up in regular airline schedules, but legitimate public charters are registered with the Department of Transportation and maintained in an online database. The DOT also requires that tour operators collecting funds for public charters must hold the collected funds in escrow until the flight is completed, to ensure cash is available to provide refunds in the event flights don’t operate.
Scam Red Flags
Many scammers request payment via methods that are difficult to trace and impossible to dispute, such as wire transfers, cryptocurrency, and gift cards. Operators that only accept payment via payment apps are also suspect.
The FTC also points out that deal terms that aren’t fully disclosed or seem too good to be true are often scams. Legitimate operators will allow travelers the chance to read the full terms and conditions of a sale prior to providing payment, and will typically accept credit cards or debit cards, which have dispute processes available if providers are ultimately unable to deliver the end product.
Another recommendation is to check online reviews for the travel company or do a search with the Better Business Bureau. Travel companies without reviews, positive or negative, on third-party sites, or with little online presence, are also likely to be scammers. Finally, travelers should check pricing for comparable products at other companies in similar fields. Many travel scammers lure victims with the promise of deeply discounted travel products or other too-good-to-be-true promises.
The FTC has published a more comprehensive (but not exhaustive) list of travel scams on its website. Travelers who suspect they have been victimized by a scammer can report scams to the FTC or their state attorney general.
10 Best Beaches for Kids Across America, From Calm Coves to Wave-Ready Shores
Peter W. Cross and Patrick Farrell
https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/experiences/news/photos/the-best-family-friendly-beaches-in-the-us
From sprawling stretches of sand with low tides and shallow slopes to beaches with vibrant kid-friendly boardwalks, here are some of the best beaches across America to bring the entire family.
A great family beach vacation doesn’t require a passport, and it definitely shouldn’t involve any travel stress. Hanging in the sand with the fam is all about having fun and building memories—and doing it safely, of course—and those are all distinctly American specialties. The beaches that line our own shorelines are packed with adventures to be had and opportunities to do nothing, but the best kid-friendly beaches fall somewhere right in the middle.
PHOTO: HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY (HTA)/TOR JOHNSON
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Lahaina
WHERE: Hawaii
The island of Maui is one beautiful kid-friendly destination in itself—even many of the nature trails are accessible with strollers—but some of the beaches are more geared toward older kids (and kids at heart). Puunoa Beach in Lahaina is incredible for little paddlers and their families looking for a safe and relaxing day in the sun. It’s often referred to as baby beach since the reef-protected waters are calm and shallow enough for babies to splash around or near the shore. For bigger kids, the beaches right off the Marriott Maui Ocean Club are just a short drive north, with a kids’ club and a fully stocked activity hut for on-the-water adventures.
PHOTO: RACHEAL GRAZIAS/SHUTTERSTOCK
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Cape May
WHERE: New Jersey
Families can’t go wrong with any of the beaches that make up Cape May’s popular shoreline—like Cove Beach at the end of Beach Avenue, which is great for crabbing and playing in the tidepools—but the ultimate kid-friendly spot is right in front of the Congress Hall resort, America’s first seaside resort. The Perry St. Beach (a.k.a. Steger Beach) has a gentle, gradual slope for younger kids, with a clean bathroom at the entrance and great options for dining nearby (don’t miss The Rusty Nail’s live music and nightly firepits). Lifeguards patrol the beach 10 AM-5:30 PM during the summer, and kids under 12 are free (12 and older require a beach tag to enter). Congress Hall guests can opt in for beach service, where the staff will set up everything you need for the day (i.e., umbrella, loungers, towels, etc.).
PHOTO: JOSEPH WEAVER
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Pacific Grove
WHERE: California
Just steps from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this charming ocean-front hamlet is home to one of the best-kept secrets for kid-friendly beaches: Lover’s Point Park Beach. Despite the rough surf and large waves (“sneaker waves”) for which Monterey has become known, Lover’s Point Beach is a hidden cove that’s perfect for spotting wildlife or playing in the shallow shoreline. The beach is protected from the chilly California winds, so the temperature is near perfect year-round in the sand (not too hot, not too cold), with a beach shack, restaurants, and even a scenic hiking trail above for even better wildlife spotting, like whales, seals, and even otters! The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is just a short drive down Ocean View Drive/Wave Street, right in the heart of Cannery Row.
PHOTO: CONOR DOHERTY
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Hilton Head Island
WHERE: South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is the ultimate lowcountry escape for anyone traveling with kids, and Coligny Beach Park is often rated the best for families. The beach has gentle, shallow waters and a splash pad for kids who don’t want to get in the ocean. There’s a ranger station for safety and a nearby shopping plaza for off-sand entertainment and dining. Fish Casual Coastal Seafood is a great spot for sampling an authentic Lowcountry Boil (a.k.a. Frogmore Stew), but kids often just prefer the frozen grapes at the Tiki Hut at the Beach House hotel, which hosts weekly dive-in movies for families, too!
PHOTO: JOEY HAMILTON
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Seaside
WHERE: Oregon
Although the water may be chilly along this coastal town, it’s not the water that draws most families to Seaside Beach anyway. The long stretches of sand are ideal for building sand castles, and when the tide is low, it’s even better for treasure hunting. An inexpensive clamming license gives families the chance to dig up razor clams, and it’s a Pacific Northwest tradition to end an evening of clamming with a bonfire and clam feast right on the beach. The Saltline Hotel is just down the street from the Seaside Aquarium, the Funland Arcade, and some of the best dining options in the area (i.e., The Crabby Oyster, Pig & Pancake, etc.), but a short drive up the coast is the McMenamins Gearhart Hotel where kids 6 and under stay free (it’s also home to the best tater tots in town!).
PHOTO: COLOR EARTH (SHANE REYNOLDS)
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Destin
WHERE: Florida
To be fair, the powdery soft quartz sand of this Florida Panhandle town attracts more than just families, but Henderson Beach State Park is a haven from the crowds and is great for little swimmers. The shallow waters are warm and gentle for wading out or snorkeling, and on shore, there are even more ways to build memories as a family. Beach Sand Sculptures hosts two-hour lessons for sculpting truly epic sand creations; Ride On Surf School offers lessons for the whole family; and there’s even a dedicated PADI Mermaid instructor to teach budding mermen and mermaids the ins and outs of swimming with a monofin. The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach also has a mermaid, as well as a concert series, dive-in movie nights, and even a kids’ club.
PHOTO: CAIT BOURGAULT
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Kennebunkport
WHERE: Maine
Kennebunkport has become Maine’s flagship coastal town, with beaches mixed with art galleries and picturesque shopping streets, but it’s actually a beach just south of the famous fishing village that attracts most of the locals with kids. The waters are swimmable at Mother’s Beach, even if they are a bit chilly to the non-initiated, and the sand is soft and sprawling. There’s even a playground for kids that’s open to the public, and, while the day rate for using the beach is $25 for non-residents, it’s worth it for a quintessential Maine beach day. The Beach House Inn is very kid-friendly and only a 7-minute walk to Mother’s Beach. They’ll also happily point you in the right direction for assembling the perfect picnic with local specialties.
PHOTO: SUNDIAL BEACH RESORT & SPA
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Sanibel Island
WHERE: Florida
Renting bikes (or a bike with a bike trailer) is the best way to get around Sanibel Island, where its extensive network of bike trails connects the entire island, including its beaches and wildlife refuge. Most families stop in at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, but Bowman’s Beach is also a treasure trove for shell lovers. It’s the most secluded of the Sanibel Island beaches (read: bring your own lunch and snacks), but there are changing rooms and restrooms on site. Cottage rentals nearby are often the way to go, but many families rave about the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa for its kid-friendly beach walk program with marine biologists.
PHOTO: UNSCENE PRODUCTIONS
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Ocean City
WHERE: Maryland
The Ocean City boardwalk has been around for over a century, and some of the most beloved boardwalk treats have been around almost as long, like Fisher’s Popcorn and Thrasher’s French Fries. The Downtown Beach just off the boardwalk arch is buzzy, which actually makes it great for families looking to make the most of their time in OC. The Jolly Roger amusement park is there. The Trimper Rides are nearby. The Hilton Ocean Front Suites are just a short walk away. And yes, the ocean is there, too, with plenty of room to spread out and take turns dipping in the ocean and dipping boardwalk fries into Kohr Bros Frozen Custard … an OC tradition.
PHOTO: IVAN VENTURA/SHUTTERSTOCK
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San Diego
WHERE: California
The gentle breaks just off La Jolla Shores Beach are a favorite for beginning surfers, but the beach itself is also a favorite for families. There is a beachside playground and lifeguards on duty during the day, but also tons of opportunities for on-water activities. Kayaking to the La Jolla sea caves is a must, as is taking a stroll along Avenida de la Playa to get a bite to eat. The La Jolla Shores Hotel is the closest to the beach and operates a beach kiosk for easy access to rentals and beach essentials.
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