Why do you call it a "gratuity?"
It's a tip. It's just a member's way of saying, "Thanks to the Host," for giving them a place to call home.
I'm into the Leather Scene, I don't want to be tied down to some twink!
The Member Directory should be the place you look for "like-minded" souls... there is a field called "Interests" which should be where you would "take note." And isn't getting tied-down to someone just you're "cup-of-tea?"
Can a lesbian member stay with a gay male host?
Certainly! Any guest member can stay with any host member (you, as a member, can be either host or a guest) as long as all parties agree to the arrangement. Some of the most fun times I've had were traveling with a lesbian -- right Catherine? Remember San Francisco? We always suggest you "open up" your travel opportunities to include individuals who are NOT "just like you!" You'll be surprised what you can learn!
My significant other and I have adopted a son, can we travel with our child?
The Member Directory should tell you which Host members have children or accept guests with children.
At Christmas time, I don't want to stay with my family... do Host members accept guests during the holidays?
That is entirely up to the Host member, ask them and -- if they say, "Yes" -- don't forget to bring a thank-you gift for under their fabulously decorated tree.
I work. I'm not certain I WANT strangers in my spare room when I'm not there!
Part of the excitement of Hospigaiety.com is the "adventure!" But there should be a LOT of planning between BOTH members. Most Hosts have "House Rules," if they don't tell you what they are up front, ASK! And there is a LOT of opportunity for the Host and Guest to "get to know one another" PRIOR to the actual meeting. Typically, a Guest member will contact a Host he/she found in the online Member Directory. That initial contact is by message/e-mail. An electronic-dialogue ensues and an exchange of information happens. You'll be able to communicate your "house rules" (i.e. "I work during the day and you'll need to spend the day seeing the sights!") well in advance. You should know beforehand EXACTLY how long the guest(s) will stay, how many guests are coming, what date they plan to arrive and EVENTUALLY -- when BOTH PARTIES feel comfortable with the arrangements -- the Host will give the Guest a physical address and a contact phone number. There's much more planning and "safety checks" in this arrangement than most "pick-ups" at a gay bar!
I'm flying into the Host member's city, will she pick me up at the airport?
Girl, you're kind-a "pushy" ain't ya? No, really, you can ask ANYTHING in your messages/e-mails to the Host member, don't forget to upload a picture to your Directory Listing, sometimes -- for the "right person" she might drive all the way to the Guest City and drive you back! If I were YOU, I'd offer extra cash for gas.
Do I HAVE to accept a guest if I don't want to?
No, you are under no obligation to welcome anyone into your home. Some members NEVER host, they just travel as guests. That's fine by us. Host or not, but be nice. If someone -- who wants to stay with you -- is not your cup-of-tea; just politely decline the opportunity.
Does anyone ever meet their significant other at a host member's home?
I always tell mine where I'm going, so he can go someplace else! If you mean a "Love Connection" between hosts and guests. Gosh, it happened in every one of those Doris Day movies, so it MUST happen in real life, too! To be honest, I haven't heard of the blessed event happening; but if it DOES, send me an invitation to the wedding, and since you'll be moving to the "Master Suite" I KNOW there's a spare bedroom available!
I don't have a "spare bedroom" but I have a sofa-bed in the den, will that do? There's no door on the den and the bathroom is shared and way down the hall.
Honey, you paint such a love-er-ly picture of your place -- but some people are just FINE with a sofa-bed and a shared bath "way down the hall..." Charming. The Member Directory allows you to show the amenities (or the not-so-amenities) of your marvelous accommodations. Just "tell it like it is" so there are no surprises! Be adventurous! Have fun and make interesting friends!
