Keep the room neat and tidy at all times to not only show respect for the space but in case the host gives a home tour to other visiting friends. (Comstock)

Summer is officially here and many of us are jumping in our cars to visit out-of-town family and friends. To ensure that those friends and family welcome us this trip and for future visits, I thought I’d address the issue of being a good guest.

I usually write something about preparing the guest room and being a good host but this year I felt compelled to offer a few suggestions regarding being a good guest because it’s just as important, if not more so than being a gracious host.

When you arrive, you need to be carrying in more than your luggage. It is simply bad manners to arrive without a little something for the host.

I like to always bring something for the house: a beautiful candle; a crystal bowl; a piece of pottery; a designer pillow or linen throw. Look for something special that you personally would love to have in your own home.

Wrap the present or even create a gift basket filled with a special set of place mats and linens and some specialty kitchen items such as gourmet olive oils. The gift doesn’t have to be expensive - just reflective of the length of your stay and from the heart.

If the host has pets, bring a bag of organic puppy treats. You’ll endear yourself to the host and the rest of the family with this thoughtful gift.

During your stay, lend a hand wherever possible. If you are a smoker don’t throw your butts on the ground. They are garbage and need to be put in the garbage, not left littering the ground or sitting in an empty pop can or water bottle outside the house.

Similarly, when you use the bathroom, close the toilet lid before flushing as germs fly into the surrounding air with each flush.

Just because it’s your room for the weekend doesn’t mean you can be a slob. Keep the room neat and tidy at all times to not only show respect for the space but in case the host gives a home tour to other visiting friends. You never know when company will arrive.

Before you leave, lend a helping hand to the host and strip the bed for her, leaving all the towels, wash clothes, sheets and pillow cases folded and stacked at the end of the bed- ready for the wash. Blankets and duvet covers can be folded and left stacked on a chair or dresser in the room.

I think that it is also thoughtful to leave a thank you note, just a quick little note to say thanks for the hospitality and the friendship. Plan ahead by packing a card in your luggage. Enjoy your vacation and ensure that you will always be welcomed back by being a great guest.