5. Show Your Appreciation

If helping around the house or apartment isn't your thing, bring a gift that is appropriate. Need some ideas? Buy groceries you and your host enjoy and offer to cook; if your friend likes a particular band, pick up their latest album or see if they are performing during your visit. Or, if you want to do something simple, arrive with a bouquet of flowers or take your friend out to dinner one night during your visit.

Don't know your hosts that well? Observe what they like or may need around the house. Some etiquette website suggest things as simple as a new box of their brand of laundry detergent or their favorite lotion. If you pay attention, you'll find a great idea before you leave.

And, always, always, always send a thank you note. Your host could be your cousin, brother, teammate or whatever. No matter who the person is, sending a thank you note after your departure is the one thing you should do, if nothing else.