Originally Posted by
spinnaker
Why? It seems only courteous to me to give at least a week notice. I have had one fellow that contacted me the night before. I did not turn him down but at least a few days notice would have been nice.
True, but I usually don't know for sure
if I will be stopping in a particular place that far ahead let alone on what day.
I always contact hosts well ahead usually before the tour and am honest about the fact that I am not sure exactly when or if I will stay in a particular place. I tell them that if they aren't OK with that I will have to pass. I don't think anyone was offended by that. I generally say that if I wind up not stopping for the night I would be happy to stop for a brief visit in their town. No one has taken me up on that yet.
I don't try real hard to stay with warmshowers hosts. If it works out once or twice on a tour that's great if not that is fine too.
Oh and BTW... When emailing thank you notes I include everyone who replied to my pre-trip emails even if I didn't stay with or even meet them.