Going to see a friend out of state...

[Ilsa]

haven't seen her in a couple of years. I told her I'll be flying out, and she said she'll pick me up at the airport to take me to my hotel.

My hotel? She used to let me stay with her. I'm a clean guest. I was too shocked to ask why i needed a hotel.

I'm afraid I can't afford airline tickets and a hotel, so I'm probably going to cancel my trip.

Do you stay with friends when you go see them, or do your friends put you up in a hotel or at their home? Should the person traveling to see friends have to pick up the whole bill? What's the etiquette?

[Phentex]

1. Did she invite you?

Seems like this would have been covered during your initial discussion. But if you offered to come out for a visit, then she may prefer you stay in a hotel. People have lots of reasons for not wanting to host guests. I prefer a hotel myself just so there's some sort of get away space when I want it.

[Ilsa]

2. She invited me out.

It's easier for me to travel to see her.

I can see where if I had invited myself out, I would bear the responsibility of my own housing.

She's let me come out to stay before, though, when I was looking for work.

[snappyturtle]

3. Maybe you could call and say something like, " When you mentioned hotel I was

taken back. I was hoping I could stay with you like we've done in the past." You might learn from her reply to that why it isn't an option now. Anyway, I'd just be up front and say, "To be honest, if I can't stay with you, I can't afford to visit." Good luck!