You’re not always the traveler. That’s right. Sometimes you’re the destination, the host country, the place to go. In that case, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your guest is comfortable, that his or her needs are met. Let’s go over some of the little things that guests really appreciate, especially when they’re staying in your home where they can’t ring for service.

1. A wastebasket in every room.
2. A box of tissues in every room.
3. A bedside reading light that doesn’t take a gymnastic move to turn on and off.
4. Bottled water or a water glass if your tap water is good.
5. A local map if they’re going to be driving or walking in the area.
6. A BIG bath towel, to get from bedroom to shower and back again modestly.
7. Extra hand towels and a facecloth.
8. Q-Tips, cotton balls, safety razors, Band-Aids, pantiliners, and feminine supplies.
This isn’t hard - really! My daughter-in-law has a few of all these things on a bathroom shelf in small baskets.
9. Small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body unguents (scored on your last hotel stay).
10. Extra rolls of toilet paper, in plain sight.
11. Extra blankets for the cold folks, and a spot to put blankets if you’re too hot.
12. One soft pillow, one hard supportive pillow, per person.
13. A clock.

These simple things will make any guest feel cared for and win you a big hug of appreciation. If you’ve not convinced by my list, spend a night or two in your own guest room and find out what it needs to make you a happy camper.